This Maruti Wagon R Runs On More Than Just Petrol Or CNG

• Maruti Suzuki reveals the Wagon R flex fuel prototype. 
• The carmaker has made a couple of modifications to the engine to support this fuel.
• Maruti claims it reduces tailpipe emissions by 79 per cent compared to a pure petrol-powered Wagon R.
• Carmaker commits to make its entire portfolio ethanol (E20) compliant by March 2023. 

Maruti Suzuki has showcased a one-of-a-kind Wagon R prototype that can run on flex fuel. The flex fuel powered hatchback was unveiled by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at an event in New Delhi on ethanol adoption and flex fuel vehicles in India. 

For the uninitiated, flex-fuel is a blend of ethanol and petrol. This Wagon R flex-fuel prototype can run on any ethanol-petrol blend between 20% (E20) and 85% (E85) fuel. The latter for reference has 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol and will be priced noticeably lower than regular petrol. A couple of modifications will be done to the engine to ensure that the engine runs smoothly with the blended fuel. This particular model has been designed and developed by Maruti Suzuki in India, with support from Suzuki corporation in Japan. 

In this case, tech like ethanol sensors to measure its percentage and heated fuel rail for cold start assist have been introduced. Furthermore, it gets an upgraded engine management system, a more robust fuel pump and injectors as well as other mechanical components for better endurance of the engine. This particular powertrain complies with the upcoming and more stringent BS6 Phase-II emission norms as well. 

Commenting on the latest development, Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Maruti Suzuki has consistently aligned itself to the national objectives of reducing the country's oil import burden and improving the environment. Designed and developed locally in India with support from SMC, Japan, the Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype vehicle emboldens Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ efforts. 

Technical specifications of this particular hatchback haven’t been revealed, yet. But the  result, according to Takeuchi, is that “the Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype vehicle operating on E85 fuel will help reduce tailpipe GHG emissions by 79% in comparison to a conventional gasoline Wagon R model while ensuring the same power performance.”

This isn’t the first time a flex fuel car has been unveiled in India. Earlier this year, Toyota took the wraps off the flex-fuel powered Corolla to evaluate the possibility of flex fuels in the country.

Maruti Suzuki has already said that it plans to introduce flex fuel powered cars before, and now, the giant has committed itself to making its cars E20 compliant by March 2023 with an aim to introduce its first compact flex fuel vehicle by 2025. And with the introduction of this new fuel option, the carmaker will now have petrol, CNG, mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid powertrain options in the country.