Skoda showcases the CNG-powered Octavia G-TEC at the Geneva Motor Show

Skoda has displayed the Octavia G-TEC, its second CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered car after the Citigo, at the Geneva Motor Show. The Octavia G-TEC will be available in the sedan and combi-estate guise.

The Octavia G-TEC is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine which has been detuned from 122bhp to 110bhp. The engine has been designed for both CNG and petrol andincorporates Start-Stop System and regenerative braking for improved efficiency. The engine meets the Euro6 emission standards which come into effect from September 2014.Skoda claims that the Octavia G-TEC can travel up to 408km on CNG alone. Combine this with the extra 915km range of the petrol tank and we get an impressive range of 1323km for this car. 

The Skoda Octavia has always been a decent car and the recent facelift has made it more attractive. With this new variant, Skoda will attract buyers who wish to have the efficiency of diesel engines without the maintenance hassles of one. CNG, being cheaper than petrol, is a popular fuel among Indian users but most customers risk losing the warranty on their product when they retrofit a CNG system in the car.Previously Chevrolet and Toyota had tried to sell their D-Segment cars with the factory-fitted CNG systems, but they failed to make a mark in the segment. It will be interesting to see whether Skoda, risks bringing the Octavia G-TEC to India. Prices are yet to be announced and the production for the European market is set to commence by the end of May.