Although flex-fuel vehicles show better economy when fueled with gasoline, ethanol can become a more advantageous option due to its lower cost. With the officialization of E32, the vegetable fuel may gain more relevance. However, the higher ethanol content mixed with gasoline tends to increase consumption. Currently, the standardized methodology by Inmetro for disseminating averages is still based on E22 gasoline, which complicates the precise measurement of this impact.
To obtain more accurate results, tests conducted with hydrated ethanol, which is similar to what is found at gas stations, were considered. A ranking was created based on urban consumption to identify the most efficient models with this fuel.
The Toyota Yaris Cross HEV was classified as the most economical vehicle with ethanol, registering 13.2 km/l in the city and 10.7 km/l on the highway. This compact SUV has a more efficient mechanical system than the Corolla, combining a 1.5 direct injection engine with an electric motor.
Next, the Toyota Corolla HEV achieved an identical highway average to the Yaris Cross, reaching 10.7 km/l on the highway. However, its 1.8 engine consumes more in urban environments due to its larger size and weight.
In Toyota's flex hybrid trio, the Corolla Cross HEV showed the highest consumption with ethanol, marking 11.6 km/l in the city and 9.2 km/l on the highway. The sedan's aerodynamics are considered more favorable for economy compared to the SUV shape.
The Renault Kwid was the first non-hybrid car to appear on the list, with 10.4 km/l in the city. Although its 1.0 three-cylinder engine is economical in urban areas, its highway performance is not ideal.
The GWM Haval H6 HEV2, which became flex in June, demonstrated good consumption ratings for its category under the Inmetro methodology. It is important to note that the plug-in versions of this model consume more within this same methodology.
The Fiat Mobi Like, equipped with the Firefly engine, proved more economical than the Kwid on the highway average, reaching 11.1 km/l, while achieving 10.1 km/l in urban use.
The Hyundai HB20 1.0, known for the reliability of its 1.0 three-cylinder engine, tied with the Renault Kwid on the highway (10.7 km/l) and was close to the Fiat Mobi in the city (9.9 km/l).
The Chevrolet Onix turbo manual stood out for being more economical than its sibling Eco version (ethanol only). Its highway efficiency was the highest on the list, reaching 12.4 km/l, driven by the manual transmission, since the new single-fuel version is automatic.
Among the cars with the 1.0 Firefly engine from the Stellantis group, the Fiat Cronos 1.0 was the second most economical with ethanol (9.7 km/l in the city; 11.2 km/l on the highway), benefiting from the sedan's aerodynamics compared to hatchbacks.
The Chevrolet Onix 1.0, in the naturally aspirated version, had lower averages than the turbo model, but its 6-speed transmission made it the most efficient naturally aspirated 1.0 on the highway, with 11.3 km/l.
The Peugeot 208 1.0, another Stellantis vehicle with the 1.0 Firefly engine, surpassed the Fiat Argo and Citroën C3 in consumption thanks to its low suspension and more aerodynamic body, registering 9.5 km/l in the city and 10.8 km/l on the highway.
The Fiat Argo 1.0 achieved averages similar to the Peugeot 208 (9.4 km/l in the city; 10.4 km/l on the highway). This 1.0 engine compact is about to receive a new generation.
The Volkswagen Polo 1.0, the country's best-selling car, occupied the 13th position in this ranking, utilizing its 1.0 three-cylinder engine with a gearbox with longer ratios to aid in highway averages.
The Honda City is the only purely combustion car on this list that does not use a 1.0 engine, featuring a 1.5 recognized for its good consumption averages (9.3 km/l in the city; 10.4 km/l on the highway).
Finally, the Fiat Pulse Hybrid is the only mild hybrid included in the ranking, and this assistance contributes positively to the consumption averages within the Inmetro methodology when fueled with ethanol (9.3 km/l in the city; 10.2 km/l on the highway).
In defense of the government, which is facing criticism over the mandatory blending of 20% ethanol into gasoline, vehicle manufacturers reported on Saturday that they found no signs of engine damage. Nevertheless, they acknowledged a 3–3.5% decrease in fuel efficiency in vehicles manufactured before 2023. This drop in consumption is attributed to the fact that E20 gasoline has a lower calorific value.
According to TOI, the government contacted automakers and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) on Friday to refute false claims about E20 circulating on social media.
Top executives from companies such as Maruti Suzuki India, Toyota Kirloskar, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor, Hyundai Motor India, and Hero MotoCorp addressed the press on Saturday to alleviate consumer concerns. Rahul Bharti from Maruti Suzuki India stated that between 2025 and 2026, they serviced 28 million vehicles, 15 million of which were older than three years and not certified for E20 use. He emphasized: 'We have not found anything concerning regarding the use of E20 fuel in these vehicles... In addition to tests in our laboratories, the operational experience has also been satisfactory. This gives us confidence to inform our customers that there are no problems.'
In response to the question of whether the industry would urge the government to maintain the current mandatory ethanol blend of 20% for 10–15 years to build trust among new buyers, Vikram Gulati from Toyota Kirloskar Motor said that the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and the automotive industry, along with other stakeholders, are in dialogue with the government. He noted that there is a clear demand for Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV), and this issue is being advanced. According to him, increasing the number of FFVs in the market will provide a globally compatible path that brings sufficient flexibility and maneuverability. Discussions are underway, and the government is considering this direction.
Gulati also added that the decision to launch fuel pumps dispensing E85 (gasoline with 85% ethanol) is a step in this direction, and he supports this initiative.
