The new dual-fuel car

Sofie Lidefjard achieves lower emissions and lower costs in a Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic

Proton has expanded its GEN-2 range with the addition of two dual fuel models. ‘ecoLogic’ is able to run on either LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) or petrol, offering customers significant savings on their fuel costs as a result.
    
The GEN-2 has a good-looking exterior and its sporty look continues once inside – you can’t miss the influence of the Lotus Design Studio in the styling of the controls.

Furthermore, everything is where it should be – within easy reach – and the dashboard is in clear view. The ecoLogic’s spacious interior comfortably accommodates five adults and the versatile rear seats fold flat for extra boot space.

Driving
It was my first LPG-experience and to say that I was excited would be an understatement. I was hoping for a smooth and uncomplicated ride that would forever make me turn my back on petrol and diesel.
    
In an urban environment, GEN-2 works perfectly fine. I found it easy to steer and park, and it also rolled off gently after stopping at red lights.
    
It was not until I hit the motorway the car started to feel a little bit uncomfortable. When the needle neared 70mph the car began to vibrate – ever so slightly but enough to notice.

Fuel
The GEN-2 ecoLogic starts on petrol and switches automatically to LPG once it becomes most efficient to do so, after about 20 seconds. Typically, LPG produces less carbon monoxide, particulates and nitrous oxides than other fuel sources, plus a 15-20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide compared to petrol. It also qualifies for lower road tax.
    
LPG is a by-product of the extraction and refining of crude oil and is therefore in plentiful supply in the UK. In fact, 45 per cent of LPG produced in the UK is currently exported.
    
With over 140,000 LPG-converted vehicles already in use, the UK has a well-developed refuelling infrastructure. Nationwide, there are over 1,400 public access refuelling stations. If you do happen to run out of LPG, the Proton ecoLogic will run on petrol at the flick of a switch, which, with two tanks, considerably extends the range of the GEN-2.
    
The GEN-2 ecoLogic is refuelled via a special filler cap that feeds into a 66-litre LPG tank, located in the spare wheel well. The only addition inside the cabin is a fuel switch that allows the driver to easily select either LPG or petrol operation. Located on the central console, a series of LED lights on the switch show the amount of LPG stored.

Money saving
LPG is far cheaper than petrol or diesel because of the lower fuel duty imposed by the Chancellor. It is approximately half the cost per litre of petrol. Fuel consumption can be greater using LPG but the overall cost savings are significant.
    
To convert a car to run on LPG currently costs between £1,500-£2,500. However, the GEN-2 ecoLogic is priced the same as its petrol equivalent so the customer starts saving on their fuel costs the minute they drive away, without having to first offset the cost of the conversion. There are no additional maintenance requirements other than a system check and filter change when the car goes in for its normal service.
    
Even though I wasn’t terribly impressed with the GEN-2’s performance, the benefits to driving a car that runs on LPG shouldn’t be ignored. These days everyone’s looking for ways to save money and at least readers of this magazine are interested in reducing their fleets’ environmental impact. Proton’s GEN-2 can help you achieve both.