Tata Motors has announced introduction of its BS6 Phase II range of passenger vehicles with RDE (Real Driving Emissions) and E20-compliant engines. The move comes ahead of the new set of emission norms kicking in from April 2023.

RDE can also be understood as Phase 2 of the BS6 emission norms, which will require all cars to achieve emission targets in real-world conditions, apart from also being tested in a laboratory environment on the MIDC (Modified Indian Test Cycle). Tata Motors claims the “new RDE-compliant engines are more responsive, and have been tuned such that they offer more efficiency.”

As per Tata Motors, the low-end drivability of the Altroz hatchback and Punch compact SUV has been enhanced such that they offer a much smoother experience in lower gears. The two models will also see idle stop-start as standard coming across all their variants, translating into better on-road mileage.

On the diesel engine front, the company has upgraded the Revotorq diesel engines for both the Altroz and the Nexon compact SUV. Additionally, the Nexon diesel engine has been re-tuned to deliver better performance.

The company has also refreshed its portfolio across the petrol, diesel and CNG powertrain options with new features aimed at delivering enhanced safety, drivability, comfort and convenience in the form of a quieter cabin, lower NVH and new features. Tata Motors has added TPMS to the Tiago hatchback and Tigor sedan. Standard warranty on the entire PV range stands increased from two years / 75,000km to three years / 100,000km.

E20 compliance 

Tata Motors cars are also now compatible with E20 fuel, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. During India Energy Week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched E20 at 84 retail outlets of oil marketing companies in 11 States/UTs along the lines of the ethanol blending roadmap.

With E20 fuel, not only will India reduce its crude imports but it will also mean a cleaner fuel is being burned, as ethanol, being plant based, has the lowest carbon emissions on a well-to-wheel basis. To run E20 fuel, however, requires modifications to the engine – mainly material changes to bits like hoses and fuel lines as they need to handle the extra corrosive nature of ethanol. Engine tuning also needs to be tweaked to handle ethanol’s lower energy density and to enable the engine to meet emission regulations.

According to Rajan Amba, Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Customer Care, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, “Tata Motors has always been an active partner of the government’s mission to reduce vehicular pollution. We have been constantly innovating and introducing technologies that not only keep emissions in check. We took this opportunity of upgrading our cars not only with the new emission standards but also an enhanced portfolio that boasts of cutting-edge safety, drivability, upgraded features, better ride experience and most importantly a hassle-free ownership experience.”