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Delhi

Hi, please advise which is the best petrol considering the current E20 fuel situation. The manual says 91 octane and above is recommended. Moreover, petrol pumps also do not mention the blend clearly. I mostly fuel with Shell, assuming it is 100% petrol, but I recently heard they also mix E20. Please advise which one will be best and most trustworthy.

Asked by: Henry
We note you have a 2021 Honda City so you really don’t need to worry about using E20 petrol. Honda has officially stated on its website that "All Honda cars manufactured in India since 1 Jan 2009 have been E20 Material Compatible and customers can use the E20 fuel in their existing Honda cars without the need of changing any part in the car” 
 
From our lab tests, Shell petrol currently has a slightly lower ethanol percentage but it too will eventually move to a full 20 percent blend as supply stabilises. E20 has less energy than pure petrol, so you can expect some drop in fuel efficiency, but there is no evidence that it will cause significant damage to a 2021 City’s fuel system or engine, and the issue has been unnecessarily overblown on social media. The best advice is to tank up at a reputable outlet and continue using your car as normal.​ Don’t worry about any E20 damage.
Answered by
AI
Autocar India team14 Dec' 25

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Asked by: Dr T Durganna

I have shortlisted the Innova HyCross Hybrid and the XEV 9S. Please advise which one I should buy. My usage is mostly city driving with occasional long trips.

The Toyota Innova HyCross is a good option for you. It is spacious, comfortable, and its strong hybrid powertrain will deliver an efficiency of around 13kpl in the city and 16kpl on the highway. Also, as a 7-seater, it is more comfortable, with ample space for adults in all three rows. Its ride quality is impressive in the city, and out on the highway too.The Mahindra XEV 9S is much better equipped in comparison, and on account of its pricing, it is a better value for money. But while the XEV 9S is comfortable in the city, its ride feels a bit bouncy on the highway, and space in the third row is much tighter than the Hycross. Hence, as a 7-seater, the Toyota car is the one to go for.
AI
Autocar India team
24 Jan' 26
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