General Motors India has launched the CNG version of the Chevrolet Aveo sedan. The newly launched car will run of petrol as well as CNG, bring down the running costs for its owners, and will be much more environmentally friendly than its petrol-only sibling. The CNG kit on the Aveo is one of the more advanced options available in the market. The Italian kit features computer-controlled CNG injection technology and is an industry first. All “critical to quality” kit components are factory-fitted including the CNG injectors, selector switch, modified wiring and suspension for better reliability and longevity. The body of the car too is reinforced for the additional mass of the cylinder.
Aveo CNG Benefits, as claimed by the company include:
1. The sequential injection kit offers precise fuel delivery control through electronic injectors, ensuring efficient combustion.
2. The engine offers stable performance in CNG mode.
3. The Aveo has a CNG-compatible engine. Hardened valve seats and anodized pistons are used in the proven 1.4-litre VGIS (Variable Geometry Intake System) petrol engine. This ensures no engine damage or reliability issues in CNG mode.
4. Minimum service is required owing to the Aveo CNG’s advanced electronic operation.
5. The suspension has been reinforced to support the additional mass of the CNG cylinder in the trunk.
GM India claims to have done extensive testing and validation of the Aveo CNG. The Chevrolet Aveo CNG comes with a three-year/100,000-km standard warranty, which is an industry first in the mid-size sedan segment, and a service interval of 5,000 km or six months (whichever comes first). During the run of the Aveo in pure CNG mode will not impact the vehicle warranty.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, GM India President and Managing Director Mr. Karl Slym said “The launch of the Aveo CNG is a testament to the importance that GM India attaches to green technology and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Its running cost is approximately 57 percent lower than a similar vehicle powered by petrol and 25 percent lower than a similar vehicle powered by diesel. Because of the lower operating economics and the growing number of CNG stations being built across India, this new offering is expected to appeal to both individual and fleet customers. Under normal driving conditions, the Aveo CNG has a range of 180 to 200 kilometres on a full tank of CNG and is BS IV compliant.”