The Automotive Research Association of India, commonly referred to as ARAI, has certified Skoda’s 1-litre TSI petrol engine as E20 compliant. Skoda stands among the first car manufacturers in India to achieve this certification. Additionally, Skoda has announced that its robust 1.5-litre TSI engine is currently under testing and is expected to meet E20 compliance by the fourth quarter of 2024.
Skoda Kushaq and Slavia: What is ethanol?
The Indian government has mandated that by April 2025, all vehicles must comply with E20 standards. E20 fuel is a type of blended biofuel composed of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. Ethanol is derived from renewable resources such as sugarcane, barley, and corn, which leads to lower tailpipe emissions and greater efficiency compared to conventional fuels.
Skoda Kushaq and Slavia: Engine Specs
The E20 ethanol-certified 1-litre turbo petrol engine is offered in both the Kushaq and Slavia, with options for a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic torque converter transmission. Being E20 certified, the 1-litre 3-cylinder engine is anticipated to be more fuel-efficient. This engine, also found in the Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun is set to receive its certification shortly. The 1-litre TSI engine delivers an output of 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque.
The E20-compliant engine was first introduced in the Kushaq Onyx AT and is expected to be included in the 1-litre TSI Skoda models produced in Chakan, Pune.
Speaking on the certification, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said: “Along with making cars that lead in driving dynamics and safety, efficiency and sustainability have also been at the centre of our product and production practices. TSI technology has been time-tested and proven for efficiency and emissions while being effectively powered. We have evolved and adapted this technology to various updates in standards and policies across the globe. The 1.0 TSI especially, with its 3-cylinder turbo configuration tuned for power and efficiency is a versatile powertrain, and the E20 certification is a testament to this. We are confident of a similar outcome when the 1.5 TSI is tested, later this year.”
