Vauxhall Astravan LPG - One Minute Test

Date: 19 October 2006   |   Author: John Mahoney

Astravan LPG

What's new: Despite a lack of Government incentives, Vauxhall is persevering with LPG technology, making it available on its all-new Astravan.

Excellent: Opting for the big tank version brings an outstanding range of 1300 miles between fill-ups. Running on gas, too, reduces CO2 by up to 15% and harmful NOX emissions by almost half. Operating within London means, thanks to congestion charge exemption, the savings pay for the conversion within 12 months.

Good: Firms outside London recover conversion costs of £1850 (plus dealer admin fee) after 25,000 miles thanks to LPG costing half that of petrol.

Average: Only available with the 90PS 1.4-litre, and that's not the sweetest of petrol engines.

Poor: Our test vehicle came with the no-cost optional big 140-litre LPG tank. However, while the regular 52-litre tank hides under the floor, the bigger tank sits behind the bulkhead, robbing at least a foot of space.

Verdict: A fine application of LPG tech.

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