- Wagon R flex-fuel prototype was showcased at the Auto Expo 2023
- Could become India’s first mass-market flex-fuel vehicle
In January, Maruti Suzuki showcased a prototype of the Wagon R flex-fuel at the Auto Expo 2023. Speaking to the carmaker on the occasion of world environment day, Maruti has now confirmed its plans to begin production of the new version of its popular hatchback in November 2025, with a launch likely to take place later in the year.
At the heart of the Wagon R’s new version is likely to be the same 1.2-litre NA petrol engine producing 88.5bhp and 113Nmof torque. A five-speed manual transmission could be offered as standard, while an automatic variant could also be introduced at launch.
What makes the flex-fuel powered Wagon R different from the regular version is the fact that it can run on an ethanol blend of 20-85 per cent (E20 and E85 respectively), which essentially makes it a blend of 15 per cent gasoline and up to 85 per cent of ethanol. This version is expected to be notably more affordable and less polluting than its petrol-only counterpart.
On the design front, the flex-fuel variant will be more or less similar to that of the regular Wagon R that is currently sold in India. That said, a few minor distinguishing factors could include green embellishments all around and a watered-down version of the ‘flex-fuel’ graphics.
On the inside, the flex-fuel-powered Wagon R gets a dual-tone theme of black and beige, a large touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, and a three-spoke steering wheel, all carried over from the standard Wagon R. We expect changes to be limited to green inserts at certain places.