Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, is set to introduce a major breakthrough in the affordable car segment with the launch of the Wagon R Flex Fuel. Expected to arrive soon, this innovative model aligns with the government’s push towards cleaner mobility and renewable energy adoption.
What is Flex Fuel Technology?:- Flex fuel (Flexible Fuel) technology allows the engine to run on blended fuels, ranging from 20% ethanol (E20) to 85% ethanol (E85), along with petrol. This provides customers the flexibility to use greener fuels without being tied only to conventional petrol. Ethanol-blended fuel not only reduces carbon emissions but also lowers dependency on imported crude oil.
Design & Exterior :- The Wagon R Flex Fuel will largely retain the familiar tall-boy design of the standard Wagon R but with distinctive badges, green highlights, and new decals to signify its eco-friendly nature. Expect minor tweaks to the grille and alloy wheels to differentiate it from the petrol-only model.
Engine & Performance Maruti Suzuki has re-engineered the 1.2-litre K-Series Dual Jet engine to handle ethanol blends. Key updates include corrosion-resistant fuel system parts, ethanol-compatible rubber and plastic components, and re-calibrated ECU mapping. Despite running on ethanol blends, the car will continue to deliver reliable performance and Maruti’s hallmark fuel efficiency, though mileage may vary depending on the ethanol mix.
Interior & Features :- Inside, the Wagon R Flex Fuel is expected to offer a practical and feature-rich cabin, similar to the current model. Highlights may include:
* 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system
* Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
* Dual-tone upholstery with eco-badging
* Safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and hill-hold assist (AMT variant).
Safety & Compliance The model will comply with BS6 Phase II norms and will be among the first flex-fuel hatchbacks in India to undergo emission certification for ethanol use. With the ethanol mix, the Wagon R Flex Fuel is expected to produce lower CO? emissions compared to petrol-only variants.
Price & Launch Timeline :- The Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel is expected to be priced slightly above the current petrol variants, with an estimated range of Rs6.5–8.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Its launch will likely coincide with the government’s rollout of expanded E20 fuel availability across India.
Rivals & Market Impact :- The Wagon R Flex Fuel will pioneer the flex-fuel hatchback space in India, facing no direct rivals at launch. However, it will serve as a reference point for future models from Tata Motors, Hyundai, and others expected to adopt similar technology.
Conclusion :- With the Wagon R Flex Fuel, Maruti Suzuki is setting the stage for affordable green mobility in India. Combining practicality, low running costs, and eco-friendliness, this hatchback has the potential to be the country’s first truly mass-market ethanol-ready car, driving the nation closer to its clean energy goals.
