New Wagon R Flex Fuel supports up to 85 percent ethanol blend and will initially target commercial fleet buyers.
Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the production-spec Wagon R Flex Fuel, becoming the first carmaker in India to introduce a production-ready flex-fuel passenger vehicle. The hatchback was previously showcased in prototype form, but the latest version is now ready for commercial deployment. Initially, the model will be sold exclusively for fleet operations such as taxi services.
The move aligns closely with the Indian government’s strategy to reduce crude oil imports while promoting alternative and locally produced fuels. Although Maruti Suzuki has officially showcased the new model, pricing and launch timelines are yet to be announced.
First Production Flex-Fuel Car In India
Development of the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex Fuel began in 2022 when it was first displayed as a concept model. It later reappeared at the Bharat Mobility Show in 2024. The version showcased now is the final production-spec model intended for mass manufacturing.
While engineered primarily for E85 fuel, the vehicle can operate on multiple ethanol-petrol blends ranging from E20 to E100. E85 fuel contains up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol, making it significantly cleaner compared to conventional petrol currently used in India.
With this development, India marks an important milestone in its transition toward alternative fuel mobility.
Familiar Engine With Special Modifications
The Wagon R Flex Fuel is powered by Maruti Suzuki’s familiar K12N 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. However, the powertrain has received extensive modifications to support high ethanol blends.
The car gets upgraded fuel injectors and a revised fuel pump, along with ethanol-compatible fuel lines. Maruti Suzuki has also recalibrated the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and added an ethanol sensor that detects fuel composition and optimises engine performance accordingly.
The company has not yet disclosed official power, torque, or fuel efficiency figures for the flex-fuel version. Visually, the model remains nearly identical to the standard Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, apart from dedicated flex-fuel badging and decals.
Fuel Infrastructure Remains A Challenge
Although E85-compatible technology is now production-ready, fuel infrastructure in India remains limited. Unlike E20 petrol, E85 requires dedicated storage systems and dispensing equipment at fuel stations.
To address this challenge, the government has outlined plans to expand E85 fuel availability across key regions. According to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, around 50 to 100 E85 fuel stations will initially be established across the Delhi-NCR and Mumbai-Pune-Nagpur corridors.
The number of stations is expected to rise rapidly, potentially reaching 500 by the end of 2026. The long-term target is to establish nearly 5,000 E85 fuel stations across major Indian cities by 2027.
Supporting India’s Energy Goals
The launch of the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex Fuel marks an important step in India’s shift toward cleaner mobility solutions. Since ethanol-based fuel is expected to cost less than regular E20 petrol, and infrastructure development is gradually expanding, flex-fuel vehicles could become particularly attractive for fleet and commercial operators.
The production-ready Wagon R Flex Fuel also highlights Maruti Suzuki’s growing focus on alternative fuel technologies and signals a new phase in India’s evolving automotive landscape.
