Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel version introduced, becomes India's first E100 car
Maruti Suzuki has introduced the WagonR flex-fuel version, India's first flex-fuel passenger car, marking a major step towards cleaner mobility and increased adoption of ethanol-blended fuels in the country.
Maruti Suzuki has introduced the WagonR flex-fuel version, marking a significant milestone in India’s transition towards alternative fuels. The model becomes the country’s first E100-compatible passenger car, capable of running purely 100 per cent ethanol. The unveil reflects the company’s push to support cleaner mobility solutions and reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels, while aligning with the government’s broader ethanol adoption strategy.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel was unveiled by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The move is in line with the government's strategy to decrease reliance on imported crude oil amid an uncertain geopolitical environment. The unveil follows the Centre’s recent expansion of the regulatory framework governing ethanol-blended fuels. In May, the government officially notified fuel standards for higher ethanol-petrol blends such as E22, E25, E27 and E30, laying the groundwork for the next phase of India’s ethanol blending initiative.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, "At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to offer cars with multiple technologies and fuels. The Company is introducing BEVs, Hybrids, CNG/CBG and ethanol flex-fuel vehicles to meet India’s twin goals of reducing oil import and carbon emissions. The ecosystem for ethanol as a fuel in India is in its early stages, and as a market leader, we think it is our responsibility to contribute to make `India Go Flex’. Once it reaches mainstream adoption, Flex-Fuel Vehicles have the potential to cut oil imports, carbon emissions, and local air pollution while enhancing domestic value addition and farmer incomes."
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the rollout of E85 fuel will initially begin with around 50 to 100 dispensing stations across the Delhi-NCR and Mumbai–Pune–Nagpur corridors. The network is expected to grow to about 500 outlets by December this year and further expand to nearly 5,000 stations across major cities nationwide by the end of next year. He also stated that E85 fuel would be offered at a substantially lower price than the currently available E20 petrol, making it a more economical option for consumers.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel: Exterior design
In terms of exterior design, the WagonR flex-fuel looks identical to the E20 versions of the WagonR. However, to distinguish the flex-fuel WagonR from the E20 version is that at the rear, there is a tiny flex-fuel badge.
The WagonR retains its familiar tall-boy silhouette and upright stance. At the front, it features a broad grille flanked by sweptback headlamps, while the sculpted bumper and large air intake.
In profile, the WagonR's boxy proportions prioritise cabin space and ease of ingress and egress. The tall roofline, large glass area and clean character lines contribute to its airy look, while blacked-out pillars help create a floating roof effect on higher variants.
At the rear, the vertically stacked tail lamps and upright tailgate emphasise the car's practicality. The simple bumper design and wide opening tailgate further enhance everyday usability, in line with the WagonR's family-oriented character.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel: Interior design
Just like the outside, nothing has changed inside the flex-fuel WagonR. Inside, the WagonR features a dual-tone cabin theme that enhances the sense of space and modernity. The hatchback comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a four-speaker audio setup for in-car entertainment. Convenience is further improved with steering-mounted controls, allowing drivers to access key functions without taking their hands off the wheel. Practicality remains one of the WagonR's strengths, with a generous 355-litre boot.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel: Powertrain
The WagonR Flex Fuel is powered by Maruti Suzuki’s proven 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K12N petrol engine, which has been specially modified to support higher ethanol blends. The vehicle is capable of running on any ethanol-petrol mix ranging from E20 to E85, offering greater fuel flexibility. While the company has confirmed the engine’s compatibility with E85 fuel, it has not yet disclosed key performance figures such as power, torque, or fuel-efficiency ratings for the flex-fuel version.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel: Availability
For the time being, the WagonR Flex Fuel will be offered only for commercial applications, which is why Maruti Suzuki has not announced its pricing. Nevertheless, considering the additional engineering and component upgrades required to support higher ethanol blends, including E100 compatibility, the flex-fuel model is expected to be priced above the standard petrol and CNG variants of the WagonR.
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Maruti Suzuki has introduced the WagonR flex-fuel version, marking a significant milestone in India’s transition towards alternative fuels. The model becomes the country’s first E100-compatible passenger car, capable of running purely 100 per cent ethanol. The unveil reflects the company’s push to support cleaner mobility solutions and reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels, while aligning with the government’s broader ethanol adoption strategy.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel was unveiled by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The move is in line with the government's strategy to decrease reliance on imported crude oil amid an uncertain geopolitical environment. The unveil follows the Centre’s recent expansion of the regulatory framework governing ethanol-blended fuels. In May, the government officially notified fuel standards for higher ethanol-petrol blends such as E22, E25, E27 and E30, laying the groundwork for the next phase of India’s ethanol blending initiative.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, "At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to offer cars with multiple technologies and fuels. The Company is introducing BEVs, Hybrids, CNG/CBG and ethanol flex-fuel vehicles to meet India’s twin goals of reducing oil import and carbon emissions. The ecosystem for ethanol as a fuel in India is in its early stages, and as a market leader, we think it is our responsibility to contribute to make `India Go Flex’. Once it reaches mainstream adoption, Flex-Fuel Vehicles have the potential to cut oil imports, carbon emissions, and local air pollution while enhancing domestic value addition and farmer incomes."
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the rollout of E85 fuel will initially begin with around 50 to 100 dispensing stations across the Delhi-NCR and Mumbai–Pune–Nagpur corridors. The network is expected to grow to about 500 outlets by December this year and further expand to nearly 5,000 stations across major cities nationwide by the end of next year. He also stated that E85 fuel would be offered at a substantially lower price than the currently available E20 petrol, making it a more economical option for consumers.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel: Exterior design
In terms of exterior design, the WagonR flex-fuel looks identical to the E20 versions of the WagonR. However, to distinguish the flex-fuel WagonR from the E20 version is that at the rear, there is a tiny flex-fuel badge.
The WagonR retains its familiar tall-boy silhouette and upright stance. At the front, it features a broad grille flanked by sweptback headlamps, while the sculpted bumper and large air intake.
In profile, the WagonR's boxy proportions prioritise cabin space and ease of ingress and egress. The tall roofline, large glass area and clean character lines contribute to its airy look, while blacked-out pillars help create a floating roof effect on higher variants.
At the rear, the vertically stacked tail lamps and upright tailgate emphasise the car's practicality. The simple bumper design and wide opening tailgate further enhance everyday usability, in line with the WagonR's family-oriented character.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel: Interior design
Just like the outside, nothing has changed inside the flex-fuel WagonR. Inside, the WagonR features a dual-tone cabin theme that enhances the sense of space and modernity. The hatchback comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a four-speaker audio setup for in-car entertainment. Convenience is further improved with steering-mounted controls, allowing drivers to access key functions without taking their hands off the wheel. Practicality remains one of the WagonR's strengths, with a generous 355-litre boot.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel: Powertrain
The WagonR Flex Fuel is powered by Maruti Suzuki’s proven 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K12N petrol engine, which has been specially modified to support higher ethanol blends. The vehicle is capable of running on any ethanol-petrol mix ranging from E20 to E85, offering greater fuel flexibility. While the company has confirmed the engine’s compatibility with E85 fuel, it has not yet disclosed key performance figures such as power, torque, or fuel-efficiency ratings for the flex-fuel version.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR flex-fuel: Availability
For the time being, the WagonR Flex Fuel will be offered only for commercial applications, which is why Maruti Suzuki has not announced its pricing. Nevertheless, considering the additional engineering and component upgrades required to support higher ethanol blends, including E100 compatibility, the flex-fuel model is expected to be priced above the standard petrol and CNG variants of the WagonR.
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