Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex-Fuel Car Showcased in Delhi, Can Run on a Mix of Ethanol and Petrol

The WagonR flex-fuel vehicle prototype was recently unveiled in Delhi by Maruti Suzuki. The WagonR Flex Fuel prototype was designed and developed locally by Maruti Suzuki engineers with necessary support from Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.

Maruti Suzuki says that the WagonR Flex Fuel prototype was created in accordance with the government's clean and green initiatives. It can run on any ethanol-petrol combination ranging from 20% (E20) to 85% (E85). New fuel system technology, such as heated fuel rail for cold start aid and ethanol sensor for ethanol percentage monitoring, have been developed to make the engine compatible with higher ethanol blends. To further enhance the durability of the engine and the vehicle, components such as the engine management system, updated fuel pumps, and fuel injectors, among others, have been created.

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Maruti Suzuki has developed engine management system strategies and emission control systems to conform to the strict BS6 Phase-II emission criteria in order to be in line with the most recent regulations. The Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex Fuel prototype is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 113Nm of maximum torque at 4,400rpm and 88.5bhp of power at 6,000rpm. The engine is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, commented on the occasion: '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 the Government of India’s "Make in India" efforts.'

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'Notably, our research shows that ethanol fuel-based WagonR Flex Fuel prototype vehicle operating on E85 fuel will help reduce tailpipe GHG emissions by 79% in comparison to a conventional gasoline WagonR model while ensuring the same power performance. Showcasing this Flex Fuel prototype vehicle is a step in this direction. We will introduce our first Flex Fuel vehicle for the compact segment by 2025', he further added.

Interestingly, Maruti Suzuki has been developing a range of technologies spanning electric, hybrid electric, CNG, bio-gas, ethanol, and flex-fuel in an effort to promote clean-fuel vehicles. By March 2023, the firm intends to have its all product lines fully compatible with E20 fuel regulations.