BS6.2 Update to meet Real Driving Emission (RDE) and E20 (20% Ethanol) fuel blend norms
The Indian government’s push towards a greener future led to the adaptation of BS6 emission norms, with phase I coming into effect in 2020. Phase II is set to transition by March 31, 2023. All vehicles sold in India after this deadline must comply with Real Driving Emission (RDE) norms and meet E20 (20% Ethanol) fuel blend.
What that means is manufacturers have in a steady flow announced price hikes. This is a common phenomenon at the start of every fiscal year. But this time around, price hikes include costs of BS6 P2 updates. The transition to meet stricter RDE norms has been smoother than ever before with manufacturers prepared months in advance.
Mahindra’s Fleet of BS6.2 Test Mules
A few days earlier, Sreechand V Nair spied a fleet of Mahindra test mules. What’s interesting is that the fuel compatibility notice for BS6.2 E20 was securely pasted to leave no room for doubt. The test fleet included a XUV300 Turbo, Scorpio N, and XUV700.
Having gotten a good look at the XUV300 TGDi test mules, it’s easy to see why the test vehicles look the way they do. It’s true, vehicles are being tested all the time. This helps manufacturers acquire real life data on hwo an engine would behave after x kms, how the suspension would hold, etc. These are data points, and so it’s only natural that every test mule seen isn’t a new one.
BS6.2 Gasoline” and “E20 fuel only” tests
This lot of test mules had a clear mix and match from the company’s parts repository. The front grille features the older oval logo instead of the newer Twin Peaks one. But alloy wheels have the newer logo. Front bumper is red in colour, which doesn’t match the rest of the white-painted body.
While it’s not always easy to spot cues, this bunch had plenty. MSPT P-342 sticker denotes it’s already been tested at Mahindra SUV Proving Track. “BS6.2 Gasoline” and “E20 fuel only” label indicate fuel being tested and norms set to meet.
The Transition to BS6 Phase II makes the small UV segment ready for more
Earlier in March 2023, Mahindra increased the price of its XUV300 petrol, turbo petrol variants by at least Rs 15,000. Diesel variants have seen the largest hike, with prices increasing by up to Rs 22,000 for the top-spec W8(O) variants.
The new engines are RDE-compliant, making them compatible with ethanol-based fuel. But we will keep seeing spyshots of the same in the weeks to come. In the compact UV segment, XUV300 goes up against Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet.
