First Maruti Suzuki Flex Fuel Vehicle Likely To Launch In Early 2026: What To Expect?

Wagon R On Road Price: In a recent Technology Strategy Briefing 2025, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) announced that its subsidiary company, Maruti Suzuki, will commence production of flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) in the current financial year (FY2025-26). The initiative can be seen within the broader framework of the Indian government's push for a higher ethanol blend as well as achieving carbon neutrality. 

First Maruti Suzuki FFV: What to Expect?

While yet to be confirmed, the first flex-fuel vehicle to roll off the production line is expected to be the Wagon R. To give a brief background, Maruti Suzuki showcased a prototype of the Wagon R Flex Fuel at the Bharat Mobility Expo in 2024. Designed to run on an ethanol-petrol blend between 20 and 85 per cent, the Wagon R Flex Fuel features new fuel system technologies, such as a heated fuel rail for easier cold starts, an ethanol sensor for ethanol percentage detection, and upgraded fuel pumps and injectors. The new technologies ensure that the vehicle remains compliant with stricter BS6 Phase-II emission norms.

Maruti Suzuki claims that the ethanol fuel-based Wagon R Flex Fuel running on E85 fuel will help 'reduce tailpipe emissions by 79 per cent' compared to a conventional gasoline Wagon R, while ensuring the same power and performance. 

Also Read: Ethanol Fiasco: Mahindra To Offer Warranty On Vehicles Damaged Due To E20 Fuel

As for the engine, the Wagon R Flex Fuel is likely to use the same 1.2-litre petrol unit that will be slightly tweaked to operate on E20-E85 Ethanol. On the outside, the vehicle is expected to receive subtle updates, including green inserts and a 'Flex Fuel' badging. Not much is expected on the inside as well, except for revisions to the instrument cluster to display ethanol blend levels. Market reports suggest that the brand will begin production of the Wagon R Flex Fuel in November 2025. 

The timing of the rollout of the Flex Fuel Vehicle is crucial, as petrol in many parts of the country contains a 20 per cent ethanol blend. Besides, the government has set a target for a 30 per cent ethanol blend (E30) by 2030. With flex fuels, consumers can future-proof their vehicles and adapt to these blends without any worries.

Also Read: Nitin Gadkari Criticises E20 Backlash Over Social Media, Says It's A 'Paid Campaign'

What are Flex Fuel Vehicles?

Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are those with specifically designed engines and fuel systems that can run on multiple fuel blends, including ethanol. They are a cleaner and greener alternative to traditional petrol/diesel-powered engines.