For decades, the single most important question fired at a car salesperson in India has been, "How much does it give?" . Fuel efficiency, or mileage, is deeply ingrained in the Indian car buyer's psyche. Automakers know this, and they prominently display impressive mileage figures in their brochures and advertisements.

But then, the inevitable happens. You bring your shiny new car home, and after a few weeks of driving to work, you realise the fuel gauge is dropping much faster than you expected. The advertised 25 km/l is barely touching 17 km/l in reality. This is the "mileage shock," and it's a frustration shared by millions of car owners across the country.

So, what’s the deal? Are companies lying? Not exactly. But there's a significant gap between the advertised mileage and what you'll get on the road. This guide will help you understand that gap and estimate the real mileage before you spend your hard-earned money.

The Advertised Figure: Understanding ARAI Mileage

The mileage figure you see in ads is certified by the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). This is a mandatory test that every car model sold in India must undergo. However, it's crucial to understand how this test is conducted:

• It's a Lab Test: The car isn't driven on a real road. It's tested on a rolling dynamometer in a controlled, indoor environment.
• Ideal Conditions: The test follows a predefined cycle of acceleration, cruising, and braking at specific speeds. There is no traffic, no potholes, no steep inclines, and no headwinds.
• No AC or Electronics: The air conditioning, which is a major fuel guzzler, is kept off during the test.
• Standardized Driver: There is no aggressive driver; the test simulates a perfectly gentle driving style.

The ARAI figure is not a promise of real-world performance. Instead, it should be seen as a standardized benchmark to compare the relative fuel efficiency of different cars under identical, ideal conditions. Car A with an ARAI rating of 22 km/l is, in theory, more efficient than Car B with a rating of 20 km/l. But neither will likely give you those numbers in your daily commute.

Why Your Real-World Mileage is Always Lower

The real world is messy, and several factors conspire to reduce your car's fuel efficiency.

1. Traffic Conditions: This is the number one mileage killer in India. Bumper-to-bumper city traffic with constant starting and stopping burns a massive amount of fuel. Driving on an empty highway will yield mileage much closer to the ARAI figure than driving through Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Delhi during rush hour.
2. Driving Style: Are you a "pedal-to-the-metal" driver? Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and high-speed driving drastically increase fuel consumption. A smooth, gentle driving style can improve your mileage by up to 20%.
3. Air Conditioning (AC) Usage: In India's hot climate, driving without AC is often unimaginable. The AC compressor puts a significant load on the engine, easily reducing mileage by 10-15%, sometimes more in heavy traffic.
4. Vehicle Load: The more weight your car is carrying—be it passengers or luggage—the harder the engine has to work, and the more fuel it consumes.
5. Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder to move the car. Regularly checking and maintaining correct tyre pressure is one of the easiest ways to save fuel.
6. Road Conditions: Driving on poorly maintained roads or hilly terrain requires more power and thus more fuel than cruising on a smooth, flat expressway.

How to Estimate Real Mileage Before Buying

So, how do you get a realistic idea of what to expect? Don't just trust the brochure. Do your homework.

• The 70-80% Rule of Thumb: A good starting point is to expect your city mileage to be around 70-75% of the advertised ARAI figure. For highway driving in good conditions, you can expect around 80-90% of the ARAI figure. For example, if a car's ARAI mileage is 20 km/l, expect around 14-15 km/l in the city and 16-18 km/l on the highway.
• Dive into Owner Forums: This is your best resource. Websites like Team-BHP and dedicated Facebook or Reddit groups for specific car models are goldmines of real-world information. Existing owners post their actual fuel efficiency figures for city, highway, and mixed driving conditions. This is honest, crowdsourced data you can trust.
• Watch YouTube Reviews: Many Indian auto journalists now perform specific "real-world mileage tests." They'll top up the fuel tank, drive a set loop in city traffic and on highways, and then calculate the actual mileage. Look for these videos for the car you are considering.
• Take a Meaningful Test Drive: Don't just take a quick spin around the dealership. Ask for an extended test drive on a route you frequently travel, like your commute to the office. Keep an eye on the car’s real-time mileage indicator (MID). While not perfectly accurate, it will give you a much better feel for the car's efficiency in your specific environment.

Conclusion: Buy with Your Eyes Open

Mileage is important, but getting fixated on the ARAI number will only lead to disappointment. Understand that it's a benchmark, not a guarantee. By using the rule of thumb, researching owner reviews, and taking a proper test drive, you can set realistic expectations.

Ultimately, the "How much does it give?" question has a complex answer: it depends entirely on where, how, and with what load you drive. By arming yourself with this knowledge, you can make a smarter purchase and enjoy your new car without the dreaded "mileage shock."