Print this post Opel expanding and enhancing its LPG offerings; new 1.4L LPG Turbo EcoFlex for Astra and Meriva

The Opel Meriva can now be ordered with the 1.4 liter LPG Turbo ecoFLEX dual fuel engine. Click to enlarge.

Opel is expanding and enhancing its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) offer. The Astra 5-door hatchback, the Astra Sports Tourer and the Meriva can now be ordered with the new 1.4 liter LPG Turbo ecoFLEX engine.

The dual fuel engine can operate in LPG and gasoline mode and is available in two power versions: 103 kW/140 hp with 200 N·m/148 lb-ft of torque in the Astra 5-door and Sports Tourer and with 88 kW/120 hp with 175 N·m/129 lb-ft in the Meriva. CO₂ emissions of the Euro 5 certified engine in LPG mode are as low as 124 g/km for the Meriva, 129 g/km for the Astra 5-door and 132 g/km for the Astra Sports Tourer in the combined cycle.

The entry price for the Astra 5-door 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX is €22,670 (US$29,384), for the Astra Sports Tourer LPG €23,770 (US$30,810) and for the Meriva LPG version prices start at €22,240 (US$28,827) (all recommended retail prices in Germany, including VAT).

Their debut comes after the Corsa LPG 1.2 ecoFLEX 3- and 5-door models had their launch in June 2011, marking the start of the new generation of Opel LPG vehicles. The Corsa 1.2 LPG three door version delivers 61kW/83 hp in LPG mode with 110 g/km CO₂. (Earlier post.)

In the autumn of 2012, Opel’s ecoFLEX spectrum will be further expanded when the 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX versions of the Zafira Tourer and the Insignia are released.

LPG is part of Opel’s portfolio of alternative propulsion systems that also includes CNG models (Compressed Natural Gas: Zafira 1.6 Turbo, Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG Turbo and Combo 1.4 CNG Turbo) as well as electric vehicles such as the Opel Ampera with range extender.

With its new LPG ecoFLEX models, Opel underscores its mission to be a leader in alternative propulsion systems and is responding to the increasing popularity of autogas throughout Europe which is driven by cost conscious and environmentally aware customers.

LPG owners can make fuel cost savings of up to 40%. In certain countries, such as Germany, there are significant tax incentives for LPG vehicle owners. LPG customers can expect up to 15% lower CO₂ emissions in LPG mode than their gasoline counterparts. In addition, the new Euro 5 standard models, Opel offers a complete LPG solution ex factory, ensuring that the LPG ecoFLEX models are delivered in high Opel quality and with the full manufacturer warranty. Since 2009, Opel has been producing LPG vehicles. Around 61,000 vehicles have been sold across Europe with around 80% in Italy alone.

The total operating range of the Astra 5-door 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX featuring a 56 liter gasoline tank and a 49 liter LPG tank is more than 1,400 kilometers (870 miles).

For its latest generation of LPG engines, Opel has carried out a significant optimization of the engine and LPG unit software so that both elements communicate better with one another. The engine can alternate easily between the LPG and the gasoline modes and adjust according to which type of fuel is being used. The engine runs more efficiently and CO₂ emissions are kept to a minimum.

Operation modes (LPG to gasoline and vice versa) are switched automatically or can be chosen manually. The Corsa, Astra and Meriva LPG models all feature a new Gasoline/LPG switch centrally located in the instrument panel, making the switch-over between the LPG and gasoline mode easy. A light is illuminated inside the switch when the vehicle is in LPG mode. As soon as the car switches into gasoline usage the light is switched off. This will also be offered in the Zafira Tourer and Insignia LPG variants for 2012.

Opel’s customized LPG storage solution has been integrated in the spare-wheel housing. This ensures that the passenger and load compartments are spacious and are not restricted. Tire repair kits are offered as standard on board all LPG vehicles.

There are more than 25,000 LPG stations in operation across Europe. With more than 6,400 LPG filling stations, Germany has the largest infrastructure in Europe. Italy has more than 2,800 stations; France more than 1,800; the Netherlands more than 1,400; and Belgium more than five hundred. In Britain, almost 600 filling stations sell LPG. Hungary has about 250 stations.

Opel’s current LPG ecoFLEX range
LPG ecoFLEX model	Fuel mode	Output (kW/hp)	N·m	Top speed (km/h)	Fuel (l/100 km)	CO2 (g/km)
Astra 5-door 1.4 Turbo	LPG Gasoline	103/140	200	200	7.9 6.0	129 141
Astra Sports Tourer 1.4 Turbo	LPG Gasoline	103/140	200	200	8.1 6.1	132 144
Meriva 1.4 Turbo	LPG Gasoline	88/120	175	187 188	7.6 6.2	124 146
Corsa 1.2 3-door	LPG Gasoline	61/83 63/85	110 115	168 170	6.8 5.5	110 129
Corsa 1.2 5-door	LPG Gasoline	61/83 63/85	110 115	168 170	7.1 5.6	115 134