Volkswagen announces the methane-powered Golf TGI

Two years ago, Volkswagen AG released a new 1.5-liter methane-based car engine called the TGI. The unit uses a variable-geometry supercharger and direct injection, and is currently available with the Audi A3, the Seat Leon and the Skoda Octavia. Today, the company confirmed that the new Mk8 Golf is also getting it.

The engine is technically related to the gasoline-based 1.5 TSI model and even produces the same power and torque: 130 hp (97 kW) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft). The forced induction pressure goes up from 10.5:1 to 12.5:1. The usual seven-speed DSG is used for transmission. The car comes with three methane tanks capable of holding up to 17.3 kilograms of condensed gas, giving you around 400 kilometers (248 miles) of WLTP-rated driving range. A gas tank is also present, but you can only put nine liters of gas inside. It is basically only necessary to help the methane engine launch in cold weather – and also in emergencies, such as when you need to reach the gas station with your methane tanks empty.

The car otherwise looks and acts as a normal eighth-gen VW Golf (see video). Aside from the hatchback, the Variant wagon will also be using this new powertrain.

Pre-orders have already started. The only trim level available is called Life, and its full price amounts to €30,935. On a side note, the methane-burning, similarly-specced Audi A3 Sportback g-tron costs €230 less. As for the Variant, it will likely come at a premium over the hatchback version.