By Maruti Suzuki showcased the Wagon R Flex fuel at the 2023 auto expo. The Wagon R is the first vehicle from Maruti Suzuki to come with a flex fuel powertrain. However, the vehicle shown at the auto expo is only a prototype. The manufacturer showcased its vision at the 2023 auto expo with an electric concept and with the flex fuel Wagon R prototype, the manufacturer conveys its strong aspiration to explore advanced alternative fuel technologies. Currently, the manufacturer has mild and strong hybrid powertrains and also strongly expanding its CNG powertrains.
The prototype Wagon R is designed and developed by the engineers of Maruti Suzuki in India with support from Suzuki Corporation. The prototype flex Fuel hatch is engineered to run on any ethanol petrol blend between 20% (E20) and 85% (E85) fuel. The engine has done a few modifications to handle the corrosive nature of ethanol and its lower calorific value.
Ethanol sensors to measure the percentage and a heated fuel rail for cold start assist have been introduced in the engine. It gets an updated engine management system and a more robust fuel pump and injectors as well as other mechanical components for better endurance of the engine. This particular powertrain complies with the upcoming and more stringent BS6 Phase-II emission norms as well. The Wagon R flex fuel prototype will help reduce tailpipe GHG emissions by 79 %. The Wagon R is the second flex-fuel car in India unveiled and the first flex-fuel car unveiled was the Toyota Corolla.
