Volkswagen Group’s natural gas model range already comprises an impressive number of offerings, including vehicles from Skoda, Audi, and SEAT. The conglomerate’s core brand, Volkswagen, is returning to the CNG game with the new Golf TGI, sharing its powertrain with the new Skoda Octavia G-Tec.

What this means is there’s a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine under the bonnet with 131 bhp (96 kilowatts) and 148 pound-feet (200 Newton-metres) of peak torque available between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm. If these numbers sound familiar to you, that’s because the same four-cylinder unit also powers the recently unveiled Audi A3 G-Tron.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf TGI (2021)

It’s not just a standard direct-injection engine with a modified fuel delivery system though. Instead, the mill runs on the Miller combustion process which makes it more suitable for use on natural gas. This process generates low carbon emissions and maintains high efficiency thanks to a compression ratio of 12.5:1.

The Golf TGI comes equipped with a 115-litre natural gas tank (17.3 kilograms/38.13 pounds), which is enough for a range of up to 249 miles (400 kilometres) on compressed natural gas measured by the WLTP cycle. There’s also a 9-litre petrol tank which is essentially a reserve tank in case the natural gas should run empty.

Most of the prospective customers will probably be most interested in the fuel consumption numbers. According to Volkswagen, the Golf TGI burns between 4.1 and 4.3 kg of natural gas per 62 miles (100 kilometres) in combination with CO2 emissions of only 117–111 g/km. At a price of approximately €1 per kilogram CNG (£0.90 at the current exchange rates), this means 62 miles (100 km) cost about €4.1 to €4.3 (£3.70 to £3.88).

The new Golf TGI is already available to order in Europe in hatchback form with an estate version planned for release later this month. No information about UK market inclusion has been released.