BSVI Vs BSIV: All Your Questions Answered

by Kshitij Rawat | 03/09/2019
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Should I buy BSVI or BSIV car and other such questions answered in our BSVI Vs BSIV FAQs

With BSIV norms coming into effect on 1 April 2020, car manufacturers are busy updating and upgrading their cars. Some manufacturers are busier than others, having already introduced BSVI compliant vehicles. Others are more relaxed, introducing BSIV models first, and planning to upgrade them next year. Regardless, buyers are in a frenzy, not sure whether to part with their money or hold on to it tight. This has led to a massive slump in car sales, which has the entire Auto-Industry in a pinch. If you are wondering which to choose between BSIV and BSVI, there are plenty of factors that you need to consider. Taking a decision can be tricky, especially if you aren’t completely sure what you’re getting into. Let’s tackle some FAQs we encountered regarding BSVI vs BSIV comparison:

BS4 vs BS6 emission norms

Q1. I want a petrol car. Should I buy BSVI or BSIV car?

In terms of petrol cars, the decision is quite simple. You can choose a BSIV car if the you want, or a BSVI if it is available. See, simple! Currently, there aren’t many cars in the Indian market that comply with BSVI standards, but they will soon be here. That doesn’t mean you have to wait though. If you want a petrol car now, go right ahead.

If you’re waiting for discounts, well, there will significant ones coming up soon. Manufacturers would be clearing up their stock well before the April 2020 deadline, so it’s better to not wait till the last moment. There would be plenty of discounts during Diwali and New Year, so that's a great time to make the purchase. Consequently, if you wish to buy a cleaner BSVI model, you can buy the ones which are available, or wait for the vehicle of your choice to be introduced.

Also Read: Best 1000cc Cars In India

Q2. I want a diesel car. Should I buy BSVI or BSIV car?

With diesel cars, the choice is much different. Diesel cars are going to see significant changes in hardware, which means they’ll become much more expensive. Also, many manufacturers might even discontinue their small diesel cars altogether, at least until there is a viable option. Currently, there are only a handful of diesel cars that are BSVI compliant, and the near future isn’t very certain about the fate of the rest.

Thus, if you want to purchase a diesel car, you should go ahead and buy a BSIV model. You could wait for festive discounts, as savings would be enormous. If you want a cleaner BSVI model, then go for a larger car with a big engine. Small capacity diesel engines might become significantly more expensive after the change, which might make them too expensive to bring volumes, prompting manufacturers to not pour money into development.

Also Read: 10 Best Selling Diesel Cars In India in 2019

Q3. I want a CNG car. Should I buy BSVI or BSIV car?

The biggest problem with the change from BSIV to BSVI is the change in the composition of the fuel. The composition of CNG, however, will continue to be the same as it currently is. So CNG kits will remain unchanged. All the changes will be to the petrol engine to which they are paired, and those changes won’t affect CNG performance. Go right ahead and buy the car you want!

Also Read: CNG vs Petrol vs Diesel - What Type of Car Is For You?

Q4. Will BSIV cars become illegal after BSVI norms come into play?

This one needs an elaborate explanation. Firstly, it will become illegal for manufacturers to sell BSIV models, but it will not be illegal for individuals to sell their second-hand BSIV or even BSIII cars on the market. All you should do is comply with NGT guidelines, and you’re good to go.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has laid guidelines for pollution control

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has assured that all BSIV vehicles that are in operation right now will remain operational for the entire duration of their registration, which is 15 years. The only exception is the registration of new diesel cars in Delhi NCR, which is 10 years. That also extends to diesel cars that have valid registration of 15 years. Such vehicle registrations will not be deemed legal in the NCR region as per NGT guidelines, and you can demand refund on your road tax under these circumstances.

Also See: What is PUC Challan Rate (2019)?

If you live in Delhi NCR, the end of your registration period will mean the end of your vehicle’s life cycle. Supreme Court has banned the use of any petrol vehicle older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years, in accordance with NGT guidelines. You can, however, operate such vehicles in other states. You’d have to re-register the vehicle with your local RTO, which will be valid for another 5 years, post which you'll have to repeat the process. There are plenty of taxes that must be paid though. The Government is also planning to introduce a new scrappage policy for vehicles older than 15 years, the details of which are still being worked out.

Petrol cars older than 15 years and diesel cars older than 10 years cannot be driven in Delhi NCR

Q5. Will there be a problem if I run BSIV vehicle on BSVI fuel?

Theoretically, there shouldn’t be any problem running BSIV vehicles on BSVI fuel. In fact, the change is not extremely ground-breaking for petrol-powered cars. For diesel cars, however, the changes are slightly more notable. BSVI fuel will have lower quantity of sulphur in them, which although good for the environment, could be bad for the engine in the long run. There are no short terms effects recognised yet, which means you could run your BSIV vehicle for the entire duration of its registration period without any significant problems.

Also Read: BS-VI Fuel Is Now On Sale In Delhi

Q6. Will there be a problem if I run BSVI vehicle on BSIV fuel?

Yes, that would be a very bad idea! BSVI vehicles run different hardware on them, especially diesel cars. These include more sophisticated exhaust particulate filters, and different fuel-injection systems. The higher composition of sulphur in BSIV fuels will cause clogging in the filters, which could cause serious damage to the engine as well.

BS4 fuel can cause problems in BS6 engines

If you’re planning to buy one of the BSVI compliant choices in the market, make sure your local petrol pumps have BSVI fuel available. Currently, there aren’t many places in India where such fuel is available, and before the April 2020 deadline, finding BSVI fuel pump in smaller towns would be extremely difficult.

Q7. Will BSVI cars have higher mileage than BSIV cars?

No. The only noticable changes will be in terms of emissions and not fuel efficiency.

Also Read: How To Not Get Scammed At Indian Petrol Stations

Q8. Will BSIV cars have poorer resale value compared to BSVI cars?

Not significantly, but yes. As it happens with every model change or facelift, the previous models would lose a little value.

Also Read: 5 Easy Ways To Sell Your Used Cars At A Better Price

We hope this covered all the questions you might have had regarding the upcoming BSVI norms. If you have a question that wasn’t answered, feel free to comment below or reach out to us with your query.

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