Dacia's Bi-Fuel LPG option will give a claimed 620-mile range

Dacia is offering a new dual-fuel powertrain, making it the only mainstream manufacturer to offer new cars that run on LPG (liquid petroleum gas).

LPG versions of the Dacia Duster, Sandero and Logan MCV models are now available, badged TCe 100 Bi-Fuel. All are powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged dual-fuel powertrain and look identical to their petrol and diesel equivalents.

Prices start at £9145 for the Sandero Essential Bi-Fuel, while the Duster Essential Bi-Fuel is priced at £13,195.

A button on the dashboard switches from the petrol to LPG fuel tanks, offering a combined range of up to 620 miles. The steel LPG tank is mounted in place of the spare wheel, meaning boot space is unaffected.

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Dacia says that CO2 is reduced and torque is improved in LPG mode. In the Sandero, the smallest model, the new engine shaves nine per cent off of previous emissions. The Duster sees an 11 per cent drop in CO2 emissions, with up to 2.4 tonnes CO2 saving over a four-year period

The manufacturer claims that a Sandero Stepway Bi-Fuel could save the average driver around £594 per year, with UK LPG prices currently around half that of petrol and diesel. 1400 fuel stations in the UK currently sell LPG.

Dacia has offered LPG as an option in Europe for several years, and claims that one-third of all Dacia models in Italy are LPG-powered. Servicing and maintenance intervals identical to standard petrol models with the same three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

Order books are now open.