Petrol goes further, but...

Press, 31 March 1980, Page 1

Petrol goes further, but...

PA Wellington One can drive further on a litre of petrol than on liquefied petroleum gas but it costs more, according to the findings of alternative fuels tests taken over 1700 km of North Island roads. The small, medium, and large cars (three in each section) and commercial vans up to IScwt were driven by a dozen , top drivers, including a former grand prix ace, Denny Huhne, and . scrutineered by the Motor Sport' Association. More analyses of the results will be made, but early pointers from the five-day tour were: Petrol was best in terms of consumption, but was more expensive than its competitors. L.P.G. was top with most drivers because its performance matched petrolpowered vehicles. Compressed natural gas Jacked power for acceleration and hill climbing, and seemed more suitable for city driving. L.P.G. returned Hie lowest miles k per « gallon figures, and was difficult to obtain in smaller centres where hand pumps had to be used. C.N.G. was the least expensive fuel and was easier to get, but cylinders for it were bulky and had to be refilled often.

The test cars were driven on a round trip from Wellington through New Plymouth, Auckland, Taw* ranga, and Hastings. They had to keep strictly to the road code and avoid coast, ing down hills or slip* streaming other vehicles. The energy research exercise " was organised by General Motors, which announced the results on. Saturday. The trial ended on Friday evening.