SEAT will take the covers off of the world’s first compressed natural gas powered SUV when the Arona TGI makes its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show.
The Arona TGI marks the fourth vehicle in SEAT’s line-up to benefit from the cleaner, cheaper fuel, joining the Leon, Ibiza and Mii, it forms the continuation of SEAT’s goal to increase the use of CNG, helping to lower CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions.
The Arona TGI has been designed, developed and will be produced at SEAT’s headquarters in Martorell and represents a further step in the firm’s vehicle development programme, showcasing not only the latest technology but also that reducing environmental impact doesn’t have to mean deminished driving pleasure.
“SEAT is actively boosting CNG as the fuel forms a sustainable additional alternative,” said Luca de Meo, President of SEAT. “Furthermore the technology is compatible with the use of quality-assured, renewable biomethane, ensuring the long-term future of CNG as an alternative for low emission mobility.”
Under the bonnet
The new SEAT Arona is powered by a three-cylinder, 12 valve 1.0 litre TGI engine with an output of 90PS available between 4,500rpm and 5,800rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at 1,900-3,500rpm. This powertrain will now come as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, helping to increase efficiency and driveability.
With a top speed of 172km/h and the ability to reach 100km/h in 12.8 seconds, drivers will be able to appreciate not only the impressive environmental credentials of the Arona TGI, but also its consistent driving dynamics too.
The CNG variant of the Arona features the same systems as those included in the 1.0 litre TSI petrol version, but integrates components that allow it to run on compressed natural gas. So, in addition, the Arona TGI includes three CNG tanks located under a specific rear floor pan, a filler neck next to the petrol filler neck, stainless steel gas pipes, gas pressure sensors and an electronic pressure regulator that efficiently controls gas distribution to the TGI engine.
Internally, the 1.0 litre engine has been extensively developed to include chrome-nickel covered pistons that incorporate new segments that are modified to use with gas as well as reinforced valves, valve seats, and on the intake and exhaust valves the closing ramps are flattened to increase wear resistance. The turbocharger is lighter, so the turbine responds immediately meaning the engine delivers its performance more smoothly.
One of the challenges of CNG is cold weather starting, so although the Arona TGI is primarily powered by gas, to counter this, the vehicle starts the engine with petrol when exterior temperature falls below -10°C, and then starts a heating process for the gas injectors, prior to the automatic activation of the CNG circuit when conditions allow.
The Arona TGI only uses petrol as an alternative fuel when the CNG tanks are empty, although with three tanks the gas range should be more than enough for most users. The SUV has a gas tank capacity of 14.3kg giving a range of 400km in CNG mode, and, thanks to the automatic switch to petrol, the range is extended by an additional 160km.
CNG is a lot cheaper than petrol making it far more cost-effective than traditional fuels, not only that, but CNG isn’t affected by unexpected fluctuations in prices because it isn’t a petroleum derivative. Moreover CNG is far more efficient than either diesel, petrol and even LPG: the energy generated by 1kg of CNG is equivalent to 2 litres of LPG, 1.3 litres of diesel and 1.5 litres of petrol.
Even when the gas tank is empty the switch to petrol is so seamless the driver is unlikely to notice and a display light in the instrument cluster is the only indication that they are now driving using petrol rather than compressed natural gas.
Nothing missing
The new SEAT Arona TGI continues to be a practical, adaptable, customisable SUV, and all trim levels – Reference, Style, Xcellence and FR – are available, meaning customers can still still pick the vehicle that best suits their needs.
The Arona TGI remains an expressive vehicle, with the distinct feel of a crossover, a sturdy posture that is ready for the urban jungle and a varied selection of options to make it unique to its owner, including a choice of 68 possible colour combinations.
And even with the introduction of a compressed natural gas powertrain, practicality endures. At 4,138mm, the Arona TGI is 79mm longer than the Ibiza and 99mm taller, maintaining its greater ground clearance and higher driving position. And, even with the gas tanks integrated under the boot floor, the Arona offers an impressive 282 litre of luggage capacity.
The Arona TGI, along with the Leon, Ibiza and Mii, will give SEAT one of the most comprehensive CNG ranges in the market, with vehicles that not only reduce emissions, environmental impact and running costs, but at the same time mix advanced technologies and magnificent driving dynamism with stylish and appealing aesthetics.
SEAT Communication
Arnaud Hacault Head of Product CommunicationsT/ +34 659 13 48 04arnaud.hacault@seat.es
Jaume Rabassa Product CommunicationS / +34 619 61 64 70 jaume.rabassa@seat.es