Skoda says petrol car buyers need not worry about E20 fuel

Skoda Auto India's Brand Director Ashish Gupta says the E20 ethanol-blend controversy has not hurt the company's sales or customer sentiment, even though a fair number of buyers are walking into showrooms with questions about the fuel. Gupta said the company's job right now is separating fact from noise, and that its entire petrol line-up is tested, developed and certified for E20, with published mileage figures already based on E20 fuel.

Why E20 fuel worries some owners

Ethanol-blended petrol has been a talking point ever since the government pushed the E20 rollout nationwide, with owners of older cars asking dealers whether their engines can handle the higher ethanol content. The worry usually centres on two things, a possible drop in fuel efficiency and whether rubber seals and fuel lines in older vehicles are built for ethanol exposure.

What Skoda is telling its customers

Gupta admitted that customers do come in with questions about what E20 might do to their cars, but said the anxiety is not spread evenly across the country. He pointed to higher anxiety levels in North and West India compared with the South, and said some buyers are moving away from petrol in pockets of the market even as overall car demand keeps growing. To back its E20 message, Skoda has been leaning on its four-year super care package, which bundles warranty, roadside assistance and free services, and this month is offering an extra two-year powertrain warranty that takes total engine and transmission cover up to six years for anyone buying now.

What buyers should still check

Even with that reassurance, it helps to be a little careful, especially if you are running an older petrol car or a lesser-known brand.

• Ask your dealer in writing whether your specific engine is rated for E20 fuel
• Track your mileage for a few tankfuls after switching pumps
• Stick to fuel stations you trust if you are unsure about blend consistency
• Get the fuel system checked during your next scheduled service
• Ask about extended warranty or powertrain cover if you are buying this month

Should this change what you buy?

This is a comment on customer sentiment and warranty offers, not a product announcement, so there is nothing here that should push you toward or away from a particular Skoda car. If you are shopping for a new petrol vehicle, it is still worth asking the dealership directly about E20 compatibility before signing the papers.

Have you noticed any change in mileage or engine feel after your regular fuel station switched to E20?