After 2013, 2014 and 2015, now again rated number one by independent institute Ökotrend
Opel is celebrating an outstanding start to the new year after it’s Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG ecoFLEX has been once again crowned the most environmentally friendly van. For the fourth consecutive time, Germany’s environmental institute Ökotrend and the trade magazine Auto Test have named the natural gas model their “Auto Test Winner in Green” in its segment.
The compact seven-seater wins its class with the low-emission and ultra-economical 1.6 CNG ecoFLEX turbo engine under its hood. With fuel consumption of just 4.7 kilograms (7.2 m3) high-grade natural gas per 100 kilometers over the combined cycle, the 110 kW/150 hp Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG ecoFLEX model emits only 129 g/km CO2, which earns it the German A energy efficiency label.
Opel is a recognized pioneer in the advancement of alternative propulsion concepts. Already back in 2001, the automaker presented its first compressed natural gas vehicle concept with monovalentplus technology. Opel’s CNG ecoFLEX engines are optimized to run on natural gas, biogas or any combination of the two, as well as gasoline. CNG and biogas cost less than gasoline or diesel, and in terms of kilometers driven, are even cheaper than liquefied petroleum gas. Good reasons for many customers to use these naturally occurring fuels.
In Germany, the government has introduced a tax benefit regulation for the use of natural gas as a fuel until the end of 2018 at least. This recognizes its environmental friendliness because natural gas vehicles emit up to 25 percent less CO2, up to 80 percent less nitrogen and are free of benzol and soot particles. If 100 percent biogas is used as fuel, the vehicle’s carbon footprint is almost zero.
(Source: Opel)
