India to Adopt New Car Pollution Test Method from 2027: What Consumers Need to Know

• India will switch to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) for emission testing from April 1, 2027, replacing the current Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC).
• The change impacts M1 and M2 category vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, MPVs, and commercial passenger buses/vans under 5 tonnes.
• WLTP uses more dynamic, real-world driving conditions, leading to potentially lower reported fuel efficiency figures and more accurate emission values.
• Consumers may see changes in vehicle prices due to manufacturer recalibrations and clearer differences in model comparisons.
• The transition affects new and existing vehicle models manufactured from April 1, 2027, aligning with proposed shifts in Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms.