Maruti Suzuki has showcased the flex fuel prototype of its top selling hatchback WagonR at the Auto Expo 2023. Earlier this model was shown at the SIAM Ethanol Technology Exhibition in December 2022. As per Maruti’s claims, the WagonR flex fuel version has been designed and developed with the help of Suzuki Motor Corporation. The prototype of this hatchback can run on a mixture of ethanol and petrol. Its range is said to be 20 percent (E20) and 85 percent (E85).
Talking about the powertrain of the Maruti WagonR Flex Fuel prototype, it has a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine. It can run on flex fuel range from E20 to E85. Its gasoline unit generates 88.5 bhp power and 113 Nm torque. Maruti Suzuki has made some changes to its petrol engine to avoid the corrosive nature of ethanol. The motor also gets new fuel system technologies such as ethanol sensor for ethanol percentage detection and heated fuel rail for cold start assist. Even its engine management system, fuel injectors and fuel pump and other components have been updated. Its powertrain also meets all the norms of BS6 Phase II emission standards. Its prototype comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The company says that the ethanol-based WagonR can reduce tailpipe emissions by up to 79 percent compared to the regular ICE-powered version. Its power and performance will be similar to the regular petrol version. Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that its first flex fuel model will come in the compact segment and will be launched by 2025. If media reports are to be believed, the company’s entire product lineup will be E20 compliant by March 2023. Let us tell here that Maruti Suzuki is also going to expand its CNG product portfolio in the country. With this, the company is going to bring strong hybrid models and pure-electric vehicles in the coming years.
