The comparison, conducted by leading motoring journalist Graham Smith and published in Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper, showed that the Territory fitted with a new-generation vapour-injection LPG system cost less to run over a 400km test route that a petrol-electric hybrid-engined Toyota Prius.

The Territory used $20.38 of fuel, while the Prius used $20.57.

“I wasn’t surprised by the result, given the price advantage of autogas and that modern LPG injection systems are getting much closer to petrol engines in terms of fuel economy,” says Smith.

The autogas-powered Territory achieved an average fuel consumption of 13.36 litres/100 km compared to the petrol version’s fuel consumption of 12.4 litres/100 km.

However, the much higher cost of petrol versus autogas meant the petrol Territory consumed a whopping $61.85 of fuel.

The autogas-powered Territory was also cheaper over the distance than a petrol-powered Holden Astra – which used $34.91 of fuel – and a diesel-engined Volkswagen Golf ($40.56).

Smith conducted the comparison test in response to public interest in alternatives to petrol-powered vehicles, following this year’s spike in fuel prices.

“With absolutely no sign that petrol prices will come down any time soon, it could be the right time to consider your driving future,” says Smith.

Smith says he was not previously a fan of autogas but has been converted by the new generation of sequential vapour-injection LPG systems.

“The way the dual-fuel Tartarini system fitted to the Territory functions is largely beyond criticism – you can’t tell the difference between the vehicle running or petrol and running on autogas. I would happily drive one for sure.”

The Tartarini sequential gas injection system is imported from Italy and distributed in Australia by Victorian Autogas Supplies.

The company’s chief executive, George Peake, says the Tartarini system was tested extensively by his company before going on Australian sale last year.

“We tested four other similar systems before settling on the Tartarini because of its performance, driveability and durability,” said Mr Peake.

“Engines fitted with the system produce about the same amount of power as on petrol. In fact an SS Commodore we had fitted with the system actually produces three kilowatts more.”

“The reliability has been terrific. We fitted the Tartarini system to a BA Falcon ute and it did 100,000km in six months without missing a beat before it came in for its first service.”