If you want an effordable non-diesel car in the upper C-segment,
You basically had only one choice: the Lexus CT 200h.
The Lexus just got facelifted, which is a good thing,
because Audi just introduced this A3 G-Tron.
The Audi runs on both gasoline and natural gas (CNG).
Only 88g/km CO2, giving the car some tax benefits in the Netherlands.
The same benefits the Lexus has.
So which one is the best choice?
Let’s start with looking at some usage figures, like a real consumer.
The biggest difference between the two is in the fuel costs.
On 1 liter of fuel the Lexus drives 19 kilometer and the Audi 17.
Still, the Audi is cheaper to drive because of the price of natural gas.
On the other side, you pay more road taxes for the Audi.
So the Audi needs to drive more to benefit for his CNG-use
Both cars are a big investment but the usage costs are low.
If you drive a lot the Audi is cheaper, otherwise the Lexus.
When driving the Audi you don’t realize you are driving on CNG.
Under the hood there is a 1.4 TSFI engine with 110 PS.
Switching between gasoline and gas goes automatically.
You don’t even notice it, this car drives just like a normal A3.
It has enough power,
and a smooth DSG gearbox as standard, no differences here either.
There is one area where the difference is noticable: luggage room.
There are two 7 kilogram-CNG-tanks underneath the trunk.
As a result, the normal, 50l fuel tank could be retained.
Drawback is the fact there is no longer space underneath the floor.
This 14 kilograms CNG are enough for 300 kilometers.
That is not much. Besides that you need to find a CNG-station.
The number of CNG-station is increasing,
but still, finding a fuel station is not easy.
When you find one, refueling is actually quite simple.
Grab the hose, click it on and press start. That’s it.
It’s very easy, but still you need to find the fuel station.
In the Lexus, you won't have this problem.
But still, there are some concessions to be made.
For example the driving experience,
The whole drivetrain aims to eco friendly driving.
If you want to keep the eco meter in 'eco'....
Well, I've never been overtaken by seniors so many times.
Thanks to the CVT gearbox,
the collaboration between the two engines is very smooth.
Still, the drivetrain doesn't really involve the driver.
If you want to accelerate the engine gets very noisy …
and nothing really happens.
In short: not a very interesting experience.
That's fine, but Lexus didn't find the right balance.
the suspension is very firm, but the drivetrain is very detached.
The ride is even firmer than in the Audi, but it's less sporty.
What Lexus did good was the suspension change.
After the facelift, the suspension is still a bit firm,
but you no longer get the feeling there’s not a suspension at all.
So it's a lot better than before.
Two cars that are cheap to use after making some concessions,
Which one is better?
Well, that depends on how you use it.
Lexus is a good offer, cheaper if you don't drive too much,
and it turned out the Hybrid-system is very reliable.
So it's a very safe option.
But if you're looking for some driving pleasure,
the Audi A3 might be a better choice.