CO2 emissions: Maruti Suzuki cars most efficient, Toyota Kirloskar least

Maruti Suzuki cars are the most efficient in terms of emissions and fuel consumption, with a CO2 emission of 109.5 gram per km and average fuel consumption of less than 5 litres for a distance of 100 km, according to the latest fuel consumption compliance report released by the Union transport ministry for 2017-18.

Among the top 10 carmakers, Toyota Kirloskar Motor had the highest average carbon dioxide (CO2) emission at 160.7 g/km, while in terms of fuel efficiency, Toyota cars consume around 7 litres of fuel for a 100-km distance. However, both the companies received the compliance certificate under the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, which require average corporate CO2 emission to be less than 130 g/km till 2022.

CAFE norms came into effect from April 1, 2017, which require cars to be 30% or more fuel-efficient from 2022 and 10% or more between 2017 and 2021, and is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the automobile industry. This is the first time such a norm has been introduced in India.

According to an official, compliance certificate is given if the emission levels are not way beyond the threshold and are at least 10% less than previous period. “By 2021-2022, companies will have to comply to the up to 130 g/km levels,” the official said.

The data is based on M1 category vehicles with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg. As per the automotive research association of India (ARAI) definition, M1 category vehicles are those used for carriage of passengers, comprising not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat.

Carmakers which did not meet the required emission limits till FY18 were Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Volkswagen group and FCA India Automobiles, the data showed. While M&M cars had an average emission level of 159.4 g/km, Tata Motors’ level was 136.5 g/km. Volkswagen group recorded an average emission of 136.9 g/km, and FCA India cars had an average emission levels of 155.2 g/km.

Average fuel consumption in M&M and FCA India cars is close of 7 litres per 100 km, while Tata Motors and Volkswagen group cars consume around 6 litres for the same distance, according to the ministry data.

Experts said fuel efficiency is calculated in the testing conditions and not the actual road conditions with traffic, therefore actual fuel consumption could be more for a 100-km distance. Apart from Maruti Hyundai, Honda Cars, Renault, Nissan and Ford reported their average emissions below 130 g/km. While Hyundai, Honda and Ford’s average fuel consumption came in at 5.5 litres, Renault and Nissan cars’ fuel consumption was a tad less than 5 litres for a 100-km distance.

Among the luxury carmakers, Mercedes-Benz India and Jaguar Land Rover had highest CO2 emission at 162.6 g/km and 168 g/km, respectively. BMW India cars emissions came in at 141.2 g/km. While Mercedes and JLR cars consumed about 7 litres fuel for a 100-km distance, BMW recorded an average fuel efficiency of around 6 litres.