SEAT Claims First-Ever CNG-Powered SUV

Spanish automaker SEAT debuts what it calls the world’s first SUV powered by compressed natural gas, the Arona TGI, at the Paris auto show.

It’s the fourth vehicle in the Volkswagen-owned brand’s lineup to use what it calls cleaner, less-expensive CNG, joining the Leon, Ibiza and Mii.

“SEAT is actively boosting CNG as the fuel forms a sustainable additional alternative,” SEAT President Luca de Meo says in a statement. “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.”

The Arona is powered by a 3-cyl. 1.0L 12-valve TGI engine with an output of 90 hp available at 4,500-5,800 rpm and maximum torque of 118 lb.-ft. (160 Nm) at 1,900-3,500 rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard.

The Arona’s top speed is 108 mph (172 km/h) and it can accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 12.8 seconds.

The CNG variant of the Arona has three fuel tanks under a specific rear floor pan, a filler neck next to the gasoline filler neck, stainless steel gas pipes, gas pressure sensors and an electronic pressure regulator that controls gas distribution to the TGI engine.

Internally, the 1.0L engine includes chrome-nickel-covered pistons that incorporate new segments modified for use with gas, as well as reinforced valves and valve seats. The intake and exhaust valves’ closing ramps are flattened to increase wear resistance.

Although the Arona TGI is powered primarily by CNG, it uses gasoline to offset the challenge of cold-weather starting with CNG.

The vehicle starts the engine with gasoline when exterior temperatures fall below 14° F (-10° C), then starts a heating process for the gas injectors before the automatic activation of the CNG circuit when conditions allow.

The Arona TGI only uses gasoline as an alternative fuel when the CNG tanks are empty.   It has a gas tank capacity of 31.5 lbs. (14.3 kg) for a range of 250 miles (400 km) in CNG mode. An automatic switch to gasoline extends the range another 100 miles (160 km).

SEAT says the switch from CNG to gasoline is so seamless a display light in the instrument cluster is the only indication that the SUV now is driving using gasoline.

The Arona TGI was designed, developed and will be produced at SEAT’s headquarters in Martorell, Spain.