The Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex Fuel prototype has been showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo. Just so you know, the model was first unveiled at the SIAM Ethanol Technology Exhibition in New Delhi in December 2022. As per Maruti’s claim the WagonR flex fuel version has been designed and developed locally with support from Suzuki Motor Corporation. The hatchback’s prototype can run on a mixture of ethanol and petrol between 20 percent (E20) and 85 percent (E85).
Powertrain setup of the new Maruti WagonR Flex Fuel prototype includes a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine. It can run with a flex fuel range from E20 to E85. The gasoline unit pushes out a peak power of 88.5bhp and 113Nm of torque. In order to make it withstand the corrosive nature of ethanol and lower calorific value, Maruti Suzuki has made a few modifications to its petrol engine.
The motor has new fuel system technologies such as ethanol sensor for ethanol percentage detection and heated fuel rail for cold start assist. In fact, its engine management system, fuel injector and fuel pump along with other components have been updated. The powertrain also meets the stricter BS6 Phase II emission standards. The prototype comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Read – Maruti Electric SUV eVX Concept Previews Hyundai Creta EV Rival
The company says that the ethanol fuel-based WagonR can reduce tailpipe emissions by 79 percent than 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 be in the compact segment and it will launch by 2025. If reports are to be believed, the company’s entire product lineup will be E20 compliant by March 2023.
Maruti Suzuki has also been expanding its CNG product portfolio in the country. It also aims to introduce more strong hybrid models and pure-electric vehicles in the next couple of years.
Watch this space for all the updates from the Auto Expo 2023 and special previews from the Maruti Suzuki Pavilion.
