Aftermarket CNG kit on a Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI?

COSTLY IN THE LONG RUN

I have a Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI, and the increasing petrol rates have made it expensive to drive. However, I have no plans of selling it and am contemplating fitting a CNG kit. Should I go ahead? If yes, what are the things to keep in mind, and, if no, why not?

Ranveer, Ghaziabad

We would advise you against any knee-jerk reaction to the recent rise in fuel prices and fitting a CNG kit in the Skoda Superb. The 1.8 TSI engine is a complex unit that also involves a turbocharger. Making the engine run on a dry fuel like CNG could cause extensive damage to its internals, including the valve seats, piston rings and cylinders. The risk of damage to these critical parts becomes extremely high, given the age of the vehicle.

Moreover, you would be losing out on the performance as well as driveability of the car, with increased load on various parts of the engine, transmission and suspension.

Hence, we would not recommend installing an aftermarket CNG kit in the Superb. But, if your daily running warrants a cheaper fuel, we would advise selling off the Superb and buying a new or used CNG car with a company-fitted kit.