29.6.2001
Vauxhall's Dualfuel Astravan Easily Meets Euro 4 Emission Levels

Vauxhall's newly revised Dualfuel Astravan has driven into the UK marketplace with a more eco-friendly 1.6 8v engine that easily meets Euro 4 emission levels to be enforced in 2005.

The van's contribution to improving the atmosphere is dramatically illustrated with new figures, which show that carbon monoxide emissions are down by 39 per cent, hydrocarbons by 26.5 per cent and dangerous NOx gases by 38 per cent against petrol. CO2 emissions are 150.9 gm/km against 170.8 gm/km for petrol.

Against current Euro 3 regulations the new engine's emissions overall are down by an average of 79 percent.

Changes to the Astravan's engine include the fitting of a sequential injection system that means precise amounts of gas are fed through each injector. This more sophisticated system also ensures smoother running and slightly improved economy.

Astravan has a 50-liter ring tank offering a typical range of 320 miles, though actual range will depend on the vehicle load and the type of driving. A conventionally shaped cylinder tank fitted behind the driver bulkhead is also available. The ring tank offers a longer cargo length.

While drivers can expect slightly less in terms of miles per liter when using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) compared with petrol, the fuel cost of running LPG vehicles works out at least 30 percent less than petrol. LPG is a butane or propane gas used to power specially modified petrol-engine vehicles and is a popular, alternative vehicle fuel source.

The benefits of using LPG include cheaper tax rates than petrol, full warranty coverage for Vauxhall Dualfuel models, the option to choose between petrol and LPG at the flick of a switch, fleet operators may have their own on-site refueling facility and drivers barely notice any performance deterioration.