[Skiallday]

I am on my third V70, all of which I have had converted to use LPG, and in my view this is best car to convert as 2.4 engine runs perfectly on gas if set up correctly. Also by utilizing the spare wheel recess there is no loss of boot space and V70 remains one of the most practical (and indeed comfortable) cars on the road in terms of load space.

My two previous V70’s both achieved high mileage, (over 250,000 miles) and were still going well when I sold them.

My current V70, which is for sale at £9995 on the CarandClassic site, as I am changing job, is a top the range 2005 2.4 SE(170bhp) Auto with full leather (black) interior with only 70k on the clock. In my view this is the only model to go for as 140 bhp engine is under powered. All my cars have been converted by a specialist Autogas registered mechanic and I have installed the best equipment available (not cheap).

The set up with the ECU is important as it ensures trouble free motoring - with a 70 litre high –grade steel tank and Multi-point Sequential system with auto switch-over from petrol to gas once engine has reached pre-set parameters. This gives 300 -340 mile range on long runs returning about 44 mpg equivalent. With careful driving you can achieve 50 mpge – meaning that this is one of the most economical big cars on the road and it is much better for the environment than similar diesel car.
As the vehicle has been converted by an approved specialist, it is now registered with the DVLA as an “Alternative Fuel Vehicle” and qualifies for a reduced rate of VED.

More and more drivers are realizing the benefits of using LPG particularly as there are increasing problems with modern diesel engines: eg turbo failure, dual-mass flywheel failure and particulate filter problems, all of which are very costly to correct – even “Honest John” in The Daily Telegraph motoring section is advising motorists to be wary of diesels. My only diesel car (a Mondeo 2.0 Tdci) incurred all these problems over 3 years of ownership and the engine lost compression at only 190,000 miles – could only sell it for scrap. I will never again buy a diesel car.

LPG gives longer engine life, reduced emissions, lower annual road tax, reduces your fuel bill by about 40% and yet you keep all the advantages of a smooth, powerful, low maintenance petrol engine with 18k service intervals. It is the only alternative, low taxed fuel, that is available nationwide and throughout Europe and will be for many years to come.

Some people don’t realise how widely available LPG is, as at some petrol stations it is not clearly advertised even though it is sold there. I live on the Herts/Essex border and within a short distance I can refuel at BP, Shell, Tesco and an independent' though the cheapest place is at Sainsbury’s Becton, near City Airport, where it is often 5p/l cheaper than others. In total there are over 1400 LPG places in UK and the number is increasing monthly.

I hope this is of help to anyone considering converting a V70 to LPG. I am happy to answer any questions and I am in regular contact with the installer if you have technical questions regarding the LPG system.

Regards, Rich