Maruti Unveils Eco-Friendly Flex Fuel Wagon R Advancements.
Pune, 23rd November 2023: Maruti is gearing up to introduce its inaugural flex fuel Maruti Wagoneer in the Indian market, expanding its current lineup that includes petrol, CNG, and mild hybrid engines. The forthcoming flex fuel engine is poised to match the potency of the petrol variant, boasting comparable power and torque while offering a price advantage over petrol models. Set for a potential 2025 launch, the Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel is anticipated to be a compact car, though official confirmation from the company is pending. Toyota Kirloskar Motor is also embracing flex fuel technology, testing it on the Fortuner and Hilux models expected to be internationally unveiled soon.
Unveiled at the Auto Expo, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex Fuel is a standout addition to Maruti Suzuki’s range, previously showcased at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers Technology event in December 2022. Produced domestically with local engineers, this vehicle will operate on a 20% to 85% blended ethanol engine, utilizing the existing 1.2-liter Naturally Accepted petrol engine with significant modifications for enhanced performance. Maruti Suzuki claims the ethanol-based WagonR will be up to 79% less polluting than its petrol counterpart while delivering equivalent power and performance.
The flex fuel engine, an alternative fuel blend of petrol, methanol, or ethanol, allows engines to run on multiple fuel types, resembling normal petrol models with alterations to the engine and fuel system. This ethanol-based fuel, derived from corn, offers economic benefits compared to traditional petrol, priced between ₹60 to ₹70 when petrol hovers around ₹100. Aside from economic advantages, the shift to flex fuel is seen as a positive development for Indian farmers, potentially boosting the country’s economy.
Although the arrival of flex fuel in the Indian market is pending, robust efforts are underway to advance this technology. The future promises numerous projects employing flex fuel technology in the Indian market, as seen with the international sighting of the Toyota Hilux equipped with flex fuel technology.
