Maruti Suzuki Launches India’s First Flex-Fuel WagonR, Runs on 85% Ethanol Blend Fuel
Maruti Suzuki Launches India’s First Flex-Fuel WagonR, Runs on 85% Ethanol Blend Fuel
June 5, 2026: On the eve of World Environment Day, Maruti Suzuki on Wednesday unveiled the WagonR Flex Fuel, which the company described as India’s first flex-fuel passenger car. The vehicle was launched in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
The WagonR Flex Fuel is designed to run on ethanol-petrol blends ranging from E20 to E85, offering customers greater flexibility in fuel choice. According to the automaker, the vehicle has been specially engineered with modifications to its engine and fuel system to ensure compatibility with higher ethanol blends while retaining the familiar design of the standard WagonR.
Maruti Suzuki said the introduction of the flex-fuel vehicle aligns with India’s efforts to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner mobility solutions. The company also noted that increased ethanol usage could benefit farmers by boosting demand for agricultural feedstocks used in ethanol production.
Speaking at the launch event, Nitin Gadkari said India imports a significant quantity of crude oil every year and that biofuels such as ethanol can play an important role in reducing that dependence. He said flex-fuel vehicles could create sustainable demand for ethanol, benefiting farmers, industry and the environment.
Hardeep Singh Puri said the government aims to establish around 5,000 E85 fuel dispensing stations across the country by the end of 2027. He added that E85 fuel is expected to be more affordable than the currently available E20 petrol, making it a cost-effective option for consumers.
The WagonR Flex Fuel is powered by a 1.2-litre engine developed to operate on high ethanol blends. The vehicle comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, steering-mounted controls and manual air conditioning.
Safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), rear parking sensors and hill-hold assist.
The company said the vehicle will initially be offered to fleet operators, including cab aggregators and commercial users. Pricing details have not yet been announced.
The launch marks a significant step in India’s push towards alternative fuel technologies and ethanol-based mobility, as the government and automobile industry continue efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen domestic energy resources.
