MG ROVER Group has announced an expansion to its Liquified Petroleum Gas-equipped range with 1.4 and 1.6-litre cars, complementing the 1.8-litre cars launched in 2002.

With London congestion charges now in force, the programme caters for increased demand for alternative fuel vehicles exempt from charges.

In a programme managed by Powertrain Limited, a sister company and supplier of engines to MG Rover Group, customers can now order an optional OEM (original equipment manufacturer) approved LPG conversion on new or existing 1.4, 1.6 or 1.8-litre Rover and MG cars. LPG, about 50 per cent cheaper than petrol, is cleaner for the environment and available at many filling stations.

Conversions are available on the following manual transmission Rover and MG models:

Rover 25, all 1.4 and 1.6-litre versions, Rover 45, all 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-litre, Rover 75, All 1.8-litre, MG ZR, ZR 105 and ZR 120, the MG ZS and the ZS 120.

The retail price of the LPG conversion on a Rover or MG car, including installation, is £2,195. Details of rebates for the conversion of up to 60 per cent are available on www.powershift.org.uk.

LPG is a mixture of propane and butane.

It is a cleaner fuel than petrol as it contains less contaminating components. A further advantage of LPG is the 50 per cent saving versus petrol.