Alongside unveiling the E85 compliant ADV160, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has reiterated that flex-fuel technology will remain a key part of its long-term product strategy. The company says E85-compatible models will complement battery-electric vehicles under its multi-pathway approach to future mobility rather than replace them.
1. The future of Honda is multi-fuel and multi-pathway, says GM, product planning. 2. ADV160 is the first flex-fuel scooter to be showcased in India 3. Honda showcased an electric scooter, a roadster, two cruisers, and adventure motorcycle duo alongside the ADV160.
Honda’s multi-fuel pathway: What to expect?
The remarks come as India’s ethanol blending programme gathers pace
Our sister concern, Autocar Professional, got some insights on the Japanese marques product planning strategy. Speaking at the HMSI 2026 event, Krishnakumar, General Manager, Product Planning, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said the company believes the future of mobility will be “multi-fuel, multi-pathway”, with different technologies catering to different customer needs and operating conditions.
“The future of mobility is multi-fuel, multi-pathway, and electric is one important part of that future,” he said while outlining Honda’s product strategy.
According to Honda, its flex-fuel journey began in 2009 with the introduction of the CG Titan Mix in Brazil, which the company describes as the world’s first production flex-fuel motorcycle. The experience gained from that programme has now been extended to products such as the ADV160.
Highlighting the company’s flex-fuel roadmap, Krishnakumar showcased the ADV160, an E85-compatible scooter capable of operating on any ethanol blend from E0 to E85. He said the system automatically adapts to the fuel blend, allowing the engine to optimise performance without any rider intervention. Notably, the ADV160 is also India’s first flex-fuel scooter to be showcased.
The ADV 160 comes powered by a 156.9 cc, liquid-cooled engine producing 16.3hp of power and 14.9 Nm of torque. Once launched, the ADV160 will rival the likes of the HeroXoom 160 and YamahaAerox 155.
Flex Fuel And Electric:
Honda used the event to underline that flex fuel is not being positioned as an alternative to electrification but as a complementary technology within its broader portfolio. Alongside the ADV160, the company showcased electric, roadster, cruiser, and adventure motorcycles, reinforcing its strategy of offering multiple powertrain solutions as customer requirements and infrastructure continue to evolve.
The remarks come as India’s ethanol blending programme gathers pace, with automakers and two-wheeler manufacturers increasingly evaluating flex-fuel technologies alongside battery-electric vehicles to support the country’s broader decarbonisation objectives.
With inputs from KIRAN MURALI AND MUKUL YUDHVEER SINGH
Not long after the success of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protests, a new social media-led campaign calling itself the E20 Janta Party has cropped up. It demands that Indian vehicle owners be given the option to purchase ethanol-free petrol alongside E20 fuel, as well as the resignation of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is a major proponent of the government’s ethanol blending policy.
For context, the E20 rollout started in April 2025, and it was mandated as the baseline petrol blend exactly one year later – all in an effort to reduce dependence on crude oil imports. This is despite the fact that E20 compliance was mandated in April 2023 as part of the BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, which means a hefty chunk of vehicles plying on Indian roads are not E20-compliant.
E20 Janta Party wants more transparency and options for fuel
No demands for E20 to be discontinued
Inspired by the CJP’s satirical, meme-driven approach, E20 Janta Party declared itself as a consumer rights movement that is not seeking the withdrawal of E20 petrol, but instead greater transparency and freedom of choice at fuel stations. Although ethanol-free fuel has been available in the form of 100-octane premium petrol (XP100, Speed100, and Power100), it’s sold only at select fuel stations and costs significantly more than standard E20, limiting its feasibility for most motorists.
“Our demand is very clear. E20 Janta Party is a people-powered movement demanding transparency, accountability, and the right of every Indian to know how the E20 policy affects their vehicles, wallets, and consumer rights,” the group said in a social media post. The campaign even referenced CJP’s initial call to mobilisation with a post stating, “What if all bike/car owners come together?”
The E20 Janta Party says it is not opposed to ethanol blending, nor is it asking for subsidies or free fuel. Instead, it wants fuel stations to offer consumers the choice between unblended petrol and ethanol-blended fuel. E20 Janta Party is also demanding transparent fuel labelling, publication of government data on the costs and benefits of different fuel blends, and independent scientific studies into mileage, engine performance, emissions, and maintenance costs, with the findings made publicly available.
Support pouring in for E20 Janta Party
At the time of writing, E20 Janta Party’s Twitter and Instagram accounts have attracted over 31,000 followers cumulatively, and the campaign has even begun attracting support beyond social media. Political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla announced a “Gaadi March” on July 31 against the E20 policy, while the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association planned a march to Parliament on August 4. The taxi association has raised concerns over fuel efficiency, maintenance costs and engine performance, particularly in older vehicles.
Govt continues to stand strong on ethanol blending policy
In recent months, motorists have expressed heightened acrimony surrounding the impact of E20 petrol on fuel efficiency and vehicle durability, whereas the government remains steadfast in its defence of the policy, saying E20 is a safe and cleaner fuel backed by scientific evaluation. A few weeks ago, prominent manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Hero Motocorp also backed E20 at a government briefing, notably claiming that they have found no significant concerns regarding accelerated wear and tear in older, non-compliant vehicles.
Petroleum Minister previously ruled out offering pure petrol or E10 alongside E20
Replying to a question in Parliament last week, Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi said the government had not received any “widespread or substantiated” complaints linking E20 petrol to vehicle performance issues. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier shot down the prospect of offering unblended and E10 petrol alongside E20, citing tremendous logistical issues like separate storage, transportation, and dispensing infrastructures.
Ethanol content in petrol could increase; diesel likely to be blended with isobutanol
The small-capacity adventure motorcycle segment in India has never been more competitive, and understandably so, given how well these bikes suit our riding conditions. While Honda has long had capable dual-sport motorcycles in its global portfolio, it never offered one in our market. That has now changed with the announcement of the XR300L and XR300 Rally. The brand is yet to reveal full specifications, but a combination of what is visible on the bikes and Honda’s existing global lineup gives us a good idea of what to expect. Here’s everything we know so far.
Honda XR300L
Engine is likely related to the CB300F, and Honda already sells an XR300L in South America
Visually, the engine on the India-spec XR300L appears closely related to the 293cc unit found in the CB300F. Additionally, Honda already sells an XR300L in South American markets such as Brazil and Colombia, and that motorcycle also uses a 293cc engine. If the India-spec bike uses the same motor, it is likely to produce around 24.3hp at 7,500rpm and 26.5Nm at 5,750rpm.
Interestingly, the Brazilian-spec XR300L is Flex Fuel-compatible, allowing it to run on either petrol or ethanol. While Honda has not confirmed whether the India-spec motorcycle will feature the same capability, it would make sense given the increasing focus on ethanol-blended fuels in India.
The South American XR300L is certified only to Euro 3 emissions standards, which could explain why the India-spec bike features noticeably different exhaust routing. The stricter emissions regulations here are likely to require revised exhaust architecture and engine tuning, even if the underlying engine remains the same. The bodywork also differs slightly from the South American model.
The bike sold in Brazil and Colombia uses a telescopic fork with 221mm of wheel travel and a rear monoshock with 227mm of travel. While Honda has not confirmed the India-spec motorcycle’s suspension figures, we could expect to see similarly impressive figures. The bike also rides on a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combo – a setup also seen on the India-spec bike.
Honda XR300 Rally
Gets a larger fuel tank, taller windscreen and TFT display over the XR300L
The XR300 Rally is expected to share its engine and core mechanical package with the XR300L, while adding equipment better suited to long-distance touring. Confirmed additions include a larger fuel tank (capacity yet to be revealed), a 5-inch TFT display that we’ve already seen on several Honda motorcycles in India, and more comprehensive switchgear to access its additional functions. A taller windscreen, knuckle guards and unique bodywork are also part of the package. The Rally also appears to use a different tyre tread pattern, although wheel and tyre sizes are expected to remain unchanged.
If the relationship between the global CRF300L and CRF300 Rally is anything to go by, the XR300 Rally is also likely to feature a slightly taller seat height, a marginal reduction in ground clearance and a small increase in kerb weight owing to its larger fuel tank.
For now, that’s all we know. Honda is yet to announce pricing or full specifications for either motorcycle, but with both bikes now officially unveiled, a launch over the coming months is imminent. Local manufacturing should also allow Honda to price them competitively. For reference, the arch rivals to these bikes, the Kawasaki KLX230 and Hero Xpulse 210 cost Rs 2.19 lakh and Rs 1.67-1.76 lakh, respectively.
Skoda Auto India has had a busy year, with the launch of the Kylaq, the return of the Kodiaq, an expanding dealer network and plans to strengthen its presence across multiple segments. The company is also preparing for an electric future while continuing to invest in its petrol-powered portfolio. In this interview, Brand Director Ashish Gupta talks about Skoda’s sales growth, the launch of the Kodiaq RS, upcoming model updates, EV strategy and the steps being taken to improve the ownership experience in India.
On his first year at the helm of Skoda India.
Coming from Volkswagen, I’ve basically switched to the other side of the office, but I’d say it’s been challenging but exhilarating. I’m more than satisfied with the year, from the brand side, sales and also setting the foundation for the future. All our KPIs – brand image, awareness, consideration, network coverage, dealer profitability, customer satisfaction, market coverage, etc. – have improved, and we have done really well. In sales, we went from number eleven to seven, and we also became number four in the global sales ranking for Skoda, just slightly behind the UK.
On the launch of the Kodiaq RS.
The Kodiaq is our flagship. It came here in 2017, and we have it on sale again. At the same time, this year marks 125 years for Skoda in motorsport, and it’s also about 50 years since the RS badge was first born, so we thought it would be great to bring in the Kodiaq RS as the pinnacle of our engineering and motorsport heritage. It’s coming in as a fully built unit, and we have only 50 units; allocation is a challenge when it’s a bestseller abroad, but we have the option of another batch later on.
On the Kylaq driving Skoda’s sales growth.
Yes, a large portion of our sales came from the Kylaq, but that was also because we were running out the Kushaq, which was due for an update and has now been launched. So, the demand for the Kushaq was always there. Also, it’s only been two months, so it’s too early to qualify, but we have seen an uptake of about 40% in sales, and the order book is solid.
On the Slavia and the upcoming update.
The Slavia is a very special model for us. SUVs are the flavour of the season, but sedans are doing fine too, and we are among the few manufacturers in the world that still have a sedan portfolio, all of which are doing well. In India, the Slavia continues our sedan legacy of models like the Octavia, Superb and Rapid, and so, yes, it will see an update, but it’s early to specify details.
On the company’s electric vehicle plans.
If you want to be a relevant player in that space, you have to have a local play, so that’s what we are working on. EV penetration was 7% in May, up from 4.5% at the end of last year, so yes, this is a space where we will accelerate our plans, but you cannot do this suddenly, as there are factors like the supply chain to consider. But there’s an international portfolio too that we can look at.
On the possibility of the Peaq making it to India.
Bringing in a global model is very difficult as far as pricing goes, and the EU-FTA, as you know, does not give benefits to EVs for now. So, for now, we have to look at what makes sense, and yes, a larger EV is easier to manage pricing with. And yes, the Peaq is certainly on my radar. We will look at the specifications and see how we can best manage that with pricing, as you cannot have a high-priced CBU but be low on equipment. So, we are working on this. My ambition is to get the global portfolio to India.
On a petrol-only portfolio and flex-fuel cars.
If you see, year to date, the petrol market is about 46%, which used to be above 50% last year, so there is a shift, but the market is also growing by 20%. So even if the share of other fuels is rising, the absolute volume of petrol is increasing, so I’m not worried about our current portfolio. As for flex fuel, yes, ethanol is a longer-term strategy that the government wants, so we have to look at it, and we are, but there is work to manage this, as we have to look at the engine portfolio and manage our strict emission norms too.
On addressing Skoda’s dealer experience.
If you look at our customer experience scores, they have been improving. Sales have grown by almost 12 percent over the last year, and customer experience for service has improved by 18 to 20 percent. So, are we perfect? No, but the trend has improved and is only rising. Also, we are now present at about 335 touchpoints in 183 cities and are just inaugurating our 200th workshop in India, so we are getting closer to our customers. We have competitive service packs and excellent parts availability. Today, we have a parts service rate of more than 96 percent at our warehouses and dealerships, which is among the best in the industry.
The premium maxi-scooter segment is steadily gathering momentum in India, and Honda has now committed to it with the unveiling of the much-anticipated ADV160. The adventure-styled scooter joins the HeroXoom 160 and YamahaAerox 155, giving buyers another premium 160cc, liquid-cooled option.
Honda, however, has arrived with a trick up its sleeve. The ADV160 has been showcased with an E85-compatible flex-fuel engine, making it the first flex-fuel scooter to be showcased in India. We compare its specifications with those of its closest rivals to see how the three stack up on paper.
Honda ADV160 vs rivals: Engine and output
Honda ADV160
Hero Xoom 160
Yamaha Aerox 155
Engine
157cc, single-cyl, liquid cooled
156cc, single-cyl, liquid-cooled
155cc, single-cyl, liquid-cooled
Power
16.3hp
14.9hp
15hp
Torque
14.9Nm
14Nm
13.9Nm
Power-to-weight ratio
122.6hp/tonne
104.9hp/tonne
119.0hp/tonne
The ADV160 produces the most power and torque.
Honda has the upper hand on paper here, producing the highest output while also boasting the best power-to-weight ratio of the three. Interestingly, these output figures are marginally higher than those of the ADV160 sold in several overseas markets. Honda also pulled a surprise by showcasing the ADV160 with an E85-compatible flex-fuel engine, making it the first flex-fuel scooter to be showcased in India. While ethanol’s higher octane rating can allow manufacturers to adopt more aggressive engine calibration, Honda hasn’t attributed the ADV160’s class-leading performance specifically to its flex-fuel capability. The Aerox 155 follows closely behind and, thanks to its lower kerb weight, isn’t far off the ADV160 in terms of power-to-weight ratio. The Xoom 160, meanwhile, ranks third on outright performance and also has the lowest power-to-weight ratio, owing largely to it being the heaviest scooter in this comparison.
Honda ADV160 vs rivals: Weight and dimension
Honda ADV160
Hero Xoom 160
Yamaha Aerox 155
Kerb weight
133kg
142kg
126kg
Wheelbase
1323mm
1348mm
1350mm
Ground clearance
NA
155mm
145mm
Seat height
780mm
787mm
790mm
Fuel tank capacity
8.0 litres
7.0 litres
5.5 litres
The ADV160 comes with the most fuel-carrying capacity
Honda is yet to reveal most of the ADV160’s weight and dimension specifications for the India-spec model, so the figures above have been sourced from the scooter sold in international markets and should be taken with a pinch of salt. Even so, the ADV160 appears to strike a middle ground between its two rivals, undercutting both in seat height while offering the largest underseat storage and fuel tank. The Aerox 155 remains the lightest scooter here and also has the longest wheelbase, while the Xoom 160 is the heaviest but offers a higher ground clearance than the Yamaha.
Honda ADV160 vs rivals: Tyres, brakes and suspension
Honda ADV160
Hero Xoom 160
Yamaha Aerox 155
Tyres
110/80-14 / 130/70-13
120/70 – R14 / 140/60 – R14
110/80-14 / 140/70-14
Brakes
240mm disc / 130mm drum (Single-channel ABS)
240mm disc / drum (Single-channel ABS)
230mm disc / 130mm drum (single-channel ABS)
Suspension
Telescopic fork / dual-shock absorber
Telescopic fork / dual-shock absorber
Telescopic fork / dual-shock absorber
All three scooters get single-channel ABS
There’s little to separate the three scooters when it comes to cycle parts, with telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers and single-channel ABS standard across the board. The ADV160 and Xoom 160 get a larger 240mm front disc, while the Aerox uses a slightly smaller 230mm unit. Hero has equipped the Xoom with the widest front tyre, whereas the Aerox gets the widest rear tyre. The ADV160, meanwhile, is the only scooter here to combine a 14-inch front wheel with a 13-inch rear, while both the Xoom and Aerox ride on 14-inch wheels at both ends.
Honda ADV160 vs rivals: Features
The ADV160 clearly leads the way when it comes to features. It is the only scooter here to combine a TFT instrument cluster with traction control, an adjustable windscreen and an idling stop system, while also offering the largest underseat storage. The Xoom 160 and Aerox 155 both get smartphone connectivity, navigation and keyless ignition, but rely on LCD instrument clusters. Of the two, only the Aerox offers traction control, while the Xoom counters with an adventure-style design and a competitive feature list. Overall, Honda has equipped the ADV160 with the most comprehensive package on paper.
Alongside a slew of unveils, Honda has unveiled the ADV160 in India, showcasing its first maxi-scooter with adventure-inspired styling in the country that will also get E85 compliance, making it one of the first scooters showcased with flex-fuel compliance. Honda says the ADV160 will be locally-manufactured in India and even exported overseas, helping it keep costs in check. Once launched, the ADV160 will be sold via Honda’s both – Red Wing and premium Big Wing showrooms in India. It packs features such as single-channel ABS, traction control, and a TFT display with smartphone connectivity.
Honda ADV160 launch timeline to be announced soon
E85-compliant 157cc liquid-cooled engine makes 16hp and 14.7Nm
To be sold via both the RedWing and premium BigWing showrooms
Honda ADV160 unveiled: What to expect?
Styled like a scaled-down X-ADV, the ADV160 features a tall adjustable windscreen, twin LED headlamps, and block-pattern tyres. Honda says the ADV160 brings the ‘Adventure-scooter’ format to India through the concept of City Adventure.
Feature highlights include a TFT instrument display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, a USB charging socket, Honda Selectable Torque Control (traction control), single-channel ABS and a generous under-seat storage compartment of 27 litres.
Honda ADV160 engine details
Powering the ADV160 is a 157cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 16.3hp and 14.9Nm, paired with a CVT automatic transmission. The talking point about this engine is its E85 compliance, denoting that it can run on an ethanol blend of up to 85 percent with 15 percent petrol.
The scooter rides on a telescopic fork and twin rear shock absorbers, with a 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheel setup. It weighs 133kg, has a 780mm seat height, 165mm ground clearance and an 8.1-litre fuel tank.
Honda ADV160 launch details:
While the specifications of the ADV160 are out, the brand has only unveiled it and says that the launch timeline for the models will be announced later today and we will update this story accordingly. However, it’s safe to say that since the ADV160 will be locally manufactured here in India and exported overseas, the pricing for this maxi-scooter will be competitive.
Mercedes-Benz India has said every car it has sold in the country since January 2026 is compatible with E25 ethanol-blended petrol, making it one of the first luxury carmakers in India to prepare its portfolio ahead of any mandate for higher ethanol blends.
The announcement comes months after India completed the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol. More recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified technical standards for higher ethanol blends, including E22, E25, E27 and E30, signalling the government’s efforts to prepare the regulatory framework for fuels beyond E20.
Mercedes cars in India have been E20-compatible since 2020
Announcement made at the launch of the AMG E 53 plug-in hybrid
Company to go ahead with a multi-powertrain strategy in India
Mercedes-Benz prepared line-up ahead of future ethanol norms
Speaking at the launch of the Mercedes-AMG E 53, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer said the company upgraded its India portfolio in anticipation of future fuel regulations. Explaining the decision, Iyer said Mercedes-Benz wanted to prepare its products ahead of any future regulation. “The Mercedes customers expect that we will learn the legislation and upcoming trends. There are a lot of discussions on E25. It may not happen, but we want to offer cars which are compliant,” he said.
According to Iyer, Mercedes-Benz adopted E25 compatibility to future-proof its products as discussions continue around increasing ethanol blending beyond E20. He added that the company had similarly made its India line-up E20-compatible from 2020, around three years before the fuel became mandatory.
The announcement comes weeks after Mercedes-Benz highlighted concerns over fuel adulteration, rather than the E20 blend itself. The company had said inconsistent fuel quality could affect vehicle performance and called for stricter quality control as higher ethanol blends are introduced.
Mercedes-Benz to continue offering multiple powertrains
Mercedes-Benz said it will continue offering a mix of internal combustion engine, battery electric and plug-in hybrid models in India instead of focusing on a single powertrain technology. “Our job and responsibility is to offer good options across the spectrum, including gasoline with an E25,” he said.
The AMG E 53 launched alongside the announcement is the brand’s second plug-in hybrid model in India after the recently introduced S-Class Plug-in Hybrid, and the first electrified AMG E-Class in the country. Mercedes-Benz says customer demand in India continues to be spread across conventional ICE models and electrified vehicles, supporting its multi-powertrain strategy.
India completed the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol in April last year, making it the standard grade of petrol sold at fuel stations across the country. E20 contains 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol, replacing the lower ethanol blends that were sold previously.
The transition has raised several questions among vehicle owners about compatibility, fuel efficiency, maintenance, warranties and long-term reliability. We separate the facts from the misconceptions and answer the key questions around E20.
1. What is E20 petrol and why has India switched to it?
E20 is fuel blended with 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol. Ethanol is a biofuel produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize and surplus food grains. India introduced the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in 2003 with E5 petrol, and while the blended percentage kept varying for a while, it was eventually increased to E10 before completing the nationwide rollout of E20 in 2025, five years ahead of the planned implementation. According to the government, the programme aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, improve energy security, lower emissions and create an additional market for agricultural produce.
2. Can I use E20 fuel in my car or bike?
New petrol cars and two-wheelers sold in India today are compatible with E20 petrol. Under the government’s roadmap, vehicle manufacturers were required to make new petrol models manufactured from April 2023 compatible with E20.
Vehicles manufactured before April 2023 were designed for lower ethanol blends, so compatibility may vary depending on the model and year of manufacturing. However, some brands state that they had E20 material compliance before 2023, for a list click here.
3. How do I know if my car is E20 compatible?
The easiest way is to check your vehicle’s fuel flap or the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s authorised dealership. As part of the government’s E20 roadmap, manufacturers progressively introduced E20-compatible petrol vehicles from 2023 onwards. However, compatibility can vary depending on the model and year of manufacture, so owners should not assume that every petrol vehicle is fully E20-compatible.
4. Can E20 damage older engines or fuel-system components?
Concerns about E20 mainly relate to older vehicles that were not originally designed for higher ethanol blends. While ethanol has not been found to significantly directly affect metal fuel-system components, prolonged exposure to E20 can accelerate wear in some older rubber and plastic parts such as fuel hoses, seals, O-rings, gaskets and certain fuel pipes if they are made from materials that are not ethanol compatible.
Before approving E20, ARAI tested metals, elastomers and plastics commonly used in fuel systems. The study found no significant corrosion of metal components, but certain rubber compounds and plastics used in older vehicles showed greater deterioration than with E10 fuel. These findings prompted manufacturers to use ethanol-compatible materials in newer vehicles. Thus, owners of older vehicles should keep up with regular servicing and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, increasing the inspection frequency if damage is suspected.
5. Does E20 reduce fuel efficiency?
Yes. E20 fuel generally returns lower fuel efficiency than petrol with a lower ethanol content because ethanol contains less energy than petrol. The exact reduction varies depending on the vehicle, engine and calibration.
E20 vs E10 mileage test results
Creta N Line
Dzire (BS 6)
Polo GT TSI
Dzire (BS 4)
Registration year
2024
2024
2017
2016
Average speed
17.8kph
20.25kph
18.0
19.3
Kpl on E20
10.59
14.24
9.13
9.8
Kpl on E10
12.12
14.81
9.63
11.19
Kpl variance
1.53
0.57
0.50
1.39
% variance
-12.62
-3.84
-5.19
-12.42
ARAI estimates a fuel efficiency drop of 1-6 percent with E20, while some manufacturers put it closer to 7-8 percent. In Autocar India’s real-world testing, both newer E20-compatible cars and older pre-E20 vehicles recorded a measurable drop in mileage when compared with an equivalent E10 blend. Among the newer cars, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire recorded a 3.8 percent drop, while the Hyundai Creta N Line saw a 12.6 percent decline.
Among older BS4-era cars, the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI posted a 5.2 percent drop, while the older Maruti Suzuki Dzire recorded a mileage drop of 12.4 percent.
The results also showed that there is no single figure applicable to every vehicle. Factors such as engine calibration and compression ratio all influence fuel efficiency, meaning some vehicles adapt better to E20 than others.
6. Does E20 improve performance or reduce emissions?
Octane rating test results
Fuel type
RON result
Regular E20 petrol
98.2 RON
XP95
98.8 RON
Yes, but not in a way that most motorists are likely to notice. E20 has a higher-octane rating than regular petrol, which improves resistance to engine knocking and can benefit engines designed to take advantage of higher-octane fuel.
The government says E20 aims to lower emissions by replacing a portion of petrol with domestically produced ethanol which is a renewable fuel. For most motorists, however, the most noticeable effect of switching to E20 is likely to be a small drop in mileage rather than a change in vehicle performance.
7. Is E20’s water contamination issue a real problem?
Image credit – Rushlane
Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it has the capability to absorb moisture. As a result, E20 is more susceptible to water contamination if excess moisture enters the fuel during storage or handling. In severe cases, this can lead to phase separation, where the ethanol and water separate from the petrol, affecting fuel quality.
Some petrol pump operators have raised concerns that existing underground storage tanks, particularly during the monsoon or in coastal areas, could be more prone to moisture ingress, increasing the risk of phase separation. However, the government and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) says that there is no evidence linking E20 itself to widespread fuel contamination or vehicle failures.
8. Will using E20 affect my vehicle’s warranty?
For most owners, no. Vehicle manufacturers have said that using E20 petrol will not affect the warranty of their vehicles, and valid warranties will continue to be honoured. The government, SIAM and several manufacturers have stated that vehicles continue to be covered under their standard warranty terms when fuelled with E20, for a full list click here. SIAM has also said that OEMs will honour the warranty committed to customers for E20 usage, and that insurance claims will remain unaffected.
9. Why isn’t E20 petrol cheaper than regular petrol?
Although E20 contains 20 percent ethanol, it is not cheaper than regular petrol because ethanol currently costs more to procure and blend than petrol under prevailing market conditions. The cost of ethanol procurement, tax, transportation, blending and distribution offsets any potential saving from replacing a portion of petrol with domestically produced ethanol.
Any savings from lower crude oil imports are realised at the national level rather than by consumers through lower pump prices.
10. Why can’t I still buy E10 or pure petrol?
Because by policy E20 is now India’s standard petrol. Following the nationwide rollout of the Ethanol Blending Programme, oil companies have standardised regular petrol and premium 95-octane petrol to an E20 blend. Maintaining parallel supplies of E10 and E20 would require separate storage, transportation and dispensing infrastructure, making nationwide distribution significantly more complex.
As a result, motorists can no longer choose between E10 and E20 at regular fuel stations. The only exception is 100-octane petrol, such as IndianOil XP100 and HP Power100, which remains effectively ethanol-free because it is a niche fuel sold in limited volumes. For most vehicle owners, however, E20 is now the only petrol available.
11. Is the government planning to increase ethanol blending beyond E20?
Not yet, but the groundwork has begun. While the government has said no decision has been taken to mandate petrol with more than 20 percent ethanol, it has begun preparing the regulatory framework for higher blends.
In May 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified fuel quality standards for E22, E25, E27 and E30 petrol, indicating that the government is laying the groundwork for future adoption. It has also proposed recognising E85 and E100 fuels under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
Separately, the government has tasked the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) with studying the impact of E25 petrol on existing E10- and E20-compatible vehicles, including its effect on fuel efficiency, durability, emissions and engine performance under long-term use.
However, any move beyond E20 will require extensive testing and consultation with vehicle manufacturers, fuel companies and research agencies to assess engine durability, emissions and fuel-system compatibility before it is introduced.
12. What should owners of older cars do now?
If your vehicle is not certified as E20-compatible, it does not necessarily mean it will experience immediate problems. However, owners should follow the manufacturer’s guidance, keep up with regular servicing and replace worn fuel-system components as required. It would also be prudent to increase the frequency of inspection of your vehicles fuel system to ensure there is no corrosive damage and catch it before it gets acute.
If you own a classic car, an older imported vehicle or a high-performance model designed for lower ethanol blends, using ethanol-free 100-octane petrol may be worth considering.
13. Can I convert my vehicle to run on E20 fuel?
Yes, but official upgrade programmes are currently limited and while a few manufacturers, like Royal Enfield and Maruti Suzuki, had mentioned a plan for these earlier, they don’t have much to say for now. In a recent government press conference that aimed to quell the E20 backlash, Maruti stated that the kits are for R&D purpose only.
Theoretically, it’s possible to replace critical components susceptible to E20 damage with those designed to handle the fuel – especially if your vehicle is still in production – and if you feel the need to, you can go ahead and have parts like fuel lines, fuel pump and gaskets replaced but by your authorised workshops only.
So, should you be worried about E20 petrol?
Not worried, but alert. Modern petrol cars and bikes designed or updated for E20 are engineered to run on the fuel without major issues, and extensive testing by the government, research agencies and manufacturers found no evidence of widespread reliability concerns.That said, E20 is not without trade-offs. Most motorists should expect a small reduction in fuel efficiency.
For owners of older vehicles, it would be wise to pay closer attention to fuel-system maintenance.
The Indian automobile industry has asked the government to introduce a proper system to check the quality of fuel sold at pumps, according to a report by ET Auto. The request comes after many vehicle owners reported issues such as stalling and difficulty in starting their vehicles following the wider rollout of E20 fuel, it stated further.
Industry executives have clarified that E20 itself is not the problem, provided the vehicle is designed to run on it. Instead, they believe contaminated or adulterated fuel is causing these issues. Fuel pump owners have also raised concerns about contaminated fuel.
Hygroscopic nature of ethanol can cause contamination
As per the publication, investigations into customer complaints have found elevated levels of moisture and chloride in some fuel samples. One reason behind this is that ethanol has a tendency to absorb water. Since the existing underground storage tanks and fuel pipelines were originally built for regular petrol, high ethanol blends can cause issues. Water can also enter these tanks through rainwater, moisture, condensation or even fuel tankers supplying petrol.
If the water content in an underground fuel tank rises above 0.5 percent, the ethanol mixes with the water and separates from the petrol. This process, known as phase separation, leaves a layer of petrol on top and a water-ethanol mixture at the bottom. Vehicles that receive fuel from the lower part of the tank may end up with this water-rich mixture instead of E20 fuel.
The report also notes that storage tanks and pipelines made of mild steel are more likely to corrode if not upgraded for higher ethanol blends.
Industry wants an independent fuel-testing body
On condition of anonymity, a senior industry executive told the publication, “The maker cannot be the checker. At present, oil marketing companies (OMCs) check the quality of fuel being dispensed at pumps. An independent body needs to be made responsible to examine whether the fuel being retailed meets the specifications outlined by the Bureau of Indian Standards or BIS (the national body responsible for the standardisation, marking and quality certification of goods).”
According to BIS guidelines, E20 fuel should not contain added detergents, dispersants, silicone, chlorine-based additives or metallic additives.
Another industry executive explained, “The quantum of ethanol being blended in petrol has doubled to 11 billion litres in the last two years. But while the ratio of ethanol in the fuel has increased, the infrastructure remains the same. Trucks which were used in alternate applications are carrying E20 fuel; depots and fuel storage tanks at petrol pumps have not been upgraded. Therefore, the instances of fuel contamination.”
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) said that it has completed an extensive nationwide fuel quality surveillance operation across its retail network to monitor ethanol-blended petrol compliance. It said that the inspection cycle concluded with zero reported instances of adulteration, contamination, or critical quality lapses.
HPCL conducted 2,173 unannounced inspections at fuel outlets
Inspection was to specifically verify localized ethanol blending metrics
According to operational data released by HPCL, field officers executed 2,173 unannounced surprise inspections at retail outlets between July 7 and July 13, 2026, specifically to verify localized ethanol blending metrics. These surprise checks were conducted alongside 1,385 regular field inspections scheduled throughout the network between July 3 and July 13, 2026.
The monitoring campaign also involved the company’s dedicated Quality Assurance Cell, which functions as an internal anti-adulteration division. The unit carried out 93 targeted surprise inspections, while technical teams utilized mobile laboratory facilities to test 49 individual fuel samples directly on-site.
