Intro

Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch its first mass-market E85 car, the Maruti WagonR Flex Fuel, in showrooms, a big step towards lower running costs and cleaner emissions in India.

Production timeline and launch window

Remember that prototype Maruti showed off at Auto Expo 2023? Well, the Flex Fuel WagonR project is moving along, with production slated to start in November 2025. This lines up with Suzuki’s bigger FY26 timeline. So, while we’re still waiting on a firm date, a launch in late 2025 or early 2026 is looking like a solid bet.

What is flex fuel and why it matters

This will run on E20 to E85 blends, allowing higher ethanol content that can reduce tailpipe emissions compared to petrol only. The company’s prototype has heated fuel rails for cold starts and an ethanol sensor to detect blend percentages, so it’s designed for real-world use on variable ethanol content.

Maruti WagonR Flex Fuel specs and performance

As for what’s under the hood, the WagonR Flex Fuel is expected to use a specially tuned version of the existing 1.2-litre K-series engine. The final figures aren’t out yet, but the prototype’s power and torque ratings were similar to the standard model at 88.5 bhp and 113 Nm. You can probably expect it to come with both a 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox.

Design and features: what to expect

Will be same as standard WagonR with green accents or badges, while the cabin will have dual-tone theme and touchscreen. Expect a clean feature set carried over from petrol model with ethanol indicators added for user clarity.

Also read

Mahindra Prepares Flex-Fuel Engines for Next-Gen SUVs

Price and positioning

And what about the price? Don’t be surprised if the Flex Fuel WagonR costs a bit more than the standard model. Industry analysts think it’ll be at the pricier end of the hatchback’s lineup, with estimates floating around ₹8.5 lakh to ₹9.5 lakh (ex-showroom). This car is really aimed at buyers who want to save money on fuel and go green, positioning it as one of India’s first mass-market E85 vehicles.

Closing note

If all goes as planned, Maruti WagonR Flex Fuel will be the face of ethanol ready mass market cars – easy to buy, cheaper to run on higher blends and in line with India’s green fuel agenda. Next up, launch and variants as production starts in FY26.