Autocar India
3w

I was planning to buy the Honda Amaze CVT earlier, but due to uncertainty around a higher percentage of ethanol blending, I have decided to go with the Tata Altroz diesel. But now I read that the government is also planning to blend isobutanol in diesel. Should I buy a diesel vehicle or not? Will isobutanol adversely affect diesel engines and affect fuel economy?

Verified
3w

There is no reason to avoid either a petrol or a diesel car purely because of future fuel-blending plans.

Just as modern petrol cars are being engineered to handle higher ethanol blends, any future diesel blend regulations will be accompanied by corresponding changes from vehicle manufacturers. If isobutanol blending is introduced, it will be done in a controlled manner, and vehicles sold in the market will be calibrated accordingly. There is currently no evidence to suggest that such blends would cause adverse effects on modern diesel engines when used within the prescribed limits.

The more important question is whether a diesel suits your usage pattern. If your running is high and includes regular highway trips, the Altroz Diesel remains a compelling option. However, if your usage is predominantly urban, the Honda Amaze CVT is still the more sensible choice. It offers a smoother driving experience, lower complexity and none of the DPF-related concerns associated with modern diesel engines.

Tata Altroz

Tata Altroz

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

3w

Don't buy a diesel if your primary use is city driving, DPF is a very real problem. Think in terms of an EV, punch EV should be a suitable car.

2w

Honda amaze, such a amazing smoothness and n cluch operation no comparison with other in same segment, Amaze = no tension.

1w

If its hard earned money wait and watch how this fuel destroys cars

1w

If its hard earned money wait and watch

1w

I m planing to buy diesel creata turbo manual..just want to confirm how the engine will perform with isobutlon blending...is this blending safe for the creata engine

1w

Can I buy creta diesel now..Will the engine performance effect with blending of isobutlone

2w

If it is your hatd earned money wait Lets see the damage it causes then take decision

3w

I want to buy Toyota Hyryder G cng what price i sell my Baleno zeta 2023 buy at 10 lakh My monthly drive 12000 20% in city and 80% in Highway

3w

My monthly driving is 2000km mostly on highways ,I currently owngrand i10 and planning to move away to 1.5litre engine ,although i have zeroed to creta diesel but I am confused about future fuel blend regulations and DPF issues. Which car can I go which suits my requirements?

3w

With 2000 km a month usage you should be looking at an EV

2w

@basant_kumar DPF issues will be non existent if you run the car in highways that too almost 2k kms a month. Go for it worry free.

3w

I am planning to buy thar roxx ax7l at d. But bit of confused due to fuel blending. So should i purchase it or wait for some time?

3w

Diesel is better, if blended with isobutanol it will be just 5%

3w

If you like the Thar Roxx and it fits your requirements, I would say go ahead and buy. Currently, fuel-blending concerns are being overthought. The Roxx is E20-compliant, and any move beyond E20 would likely come with minimum 5 years of notice and OEM support. I wouldn't delay a purchase waiting for hypothetical E30/E40 mandates.

2w

@az.1 isobutanol blending is generally not an issue because it doesn’t absorb moisture from air(hygroscopic) + also it’s calorific value is better than ethanol so it’s a much cleaner burner

More questions on similar cars

4d

My son in Bangalore wants to buy his first car. The budget is 8 lac all-inclusive. It has to be an automatic. But AMTs have a bad reputation for jerky gear shifts. What other automatic options does he have? He is open to pre-owned cars. Please guide.

Verified
2d

Unfortunately, there are no new automatic cars that are not AMTs in that price range, and the closest you will get are the Honda Amaze or Hyundai i20, both of which use CVTs and cost around Rs 10 lakh on road. If the budget can be stretched to that much, they are both excellent options, albeit capped at low to medium variants because of your budget.Look at the same two cars; a pre-owned example and a 3-4-year-old one should fall within your budget. The CVTs' smooth shifts will make Bangalore’s bumper-to-bumper traffic a breeze, and you’ll find clean, low-mileage cars within Rs 8 lakh. They are both compact to park, with light controls, and service is not pricey, which helps a first-time owner.If he prefers a small SUV shape, look at a Nissan Magnite automatic or Renault Kiger turbo-petrol automatic. Both use a smooth auto, ride well on bad roads, and have good ground clearance for speed breakers. If you're willing to look at 5-year-old-plus cars that are in good condition, you could even get a midsize SUV or sedan. Whichever you pick, insist on full service records, get an independent inspection, and budget a little for fresh tyres and fluids so the first year is headache-free.

VehicleHonda Amaze
VehicleHyundai i20
VehicleNissan Magnite
VehicleRenault Kiger

Popular discussions right now

1w

I have a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, and I am extremely satisfied with its mileage (900-1000 km from 45 liters). However, I am losing the joy of driving. I migrated to this car after owning a Swift Dzire Diesel and an XL6. The mismatch between engine revs and acceleration is becoming unpleasant. Overtaking feels riskier, and even the brakes feel spongy. I have experienced a few unpleasant situations because of this. As a result, I have reduced my overall speed, making the safety of my family a bigger priority. But the driver in me is unhappy. Should I upgrade to the Duster Hybrid, the Hycross Hybrid, or the newly launched Sierra EV? Also, do diesel engines still make sense today?

Verified
6d

From what you've described, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid has impressed you with its efficiency but left you wanting more from behind the wheel. If driving enjoyment is back on your priority list, the Duster Hybrid looks like the most natural upgrade. It is expected to offer a much more engaging driving experience while retaining the fuel efficiency benefits of a strong hybrid.The Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid will certainly improve on comfort, refinement and performance, but it won't fundamentally change the character you're looking for. It is still geared towards relaxed family motoring rather than enthusiastic driving.The Tata Sierra EV is an interesting option and has now been launched. It promises strong performance, a premium cabin and a spacious interior. However, if the "driver in you" misses the involvement and confidence of your earlier diesel cars, we'd still wait to experience how the Duster Hybrid drives before making a decision.As for diesels, we don't think they should be ruled out altogether. With the right usage, they continue to make sense. However, given your appreciation for the fuel economy of your Grand Vitara and the direction the market is heading, we'd lean towards a strong hybrid rather than going back to diesel.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
VehicleTata Sierra EV
VehicleRenault Duster

Posted on: 14 Jun 2026