Maruti's new WagonR Flex Fuel launched! How different from normal WagonR? Know

Maruti's new WagonR Flex Fuel launched! How different from normal WagonR? Know

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Maruti Suzuki has launched its first flex fuel-powered car, Maruti Suzuki Flex Fuel, in the Indian market. It is India's first mass-market flex-fuel passenger car, which can run on E20 to E85 (and tested up to E100) ethanol-blended petrol. The normal Wagon R is mainly available with petrol (E20) or CNG options. Flex fuel version will increase eco-friendly fuel, support farmers and reduce dependence on imported oil.

If we compare it with the normal petrol version, the design, interior and most of the features of both the models are almost similar, but in flex fuel, the engine has been given special upgrades to deal with the corrosive effects of ethanol. The flex version is based on the ZXi+ MT and is costlier. Its ex-showroom price starts from around ₹ 7.24 lakh. Whereas, normal Wagon R is available in the range of ₹ 5-6.5 lakh. Let us know what is the difference between the two?

Design and interior

There is no big difference between the two models. The flex fuel Wagon R shares the same tall-boy stance, floating roof look (blacked-out C-pillar), vertical taillamps and 14-inch wheels as the normal Wagon R. The only difference is the fluorescent badging and side decals. Its length is 3655 mm, width is increased, wheelbase is 2435 mm. Parking of both is easy.

The interior of both is completely similar. Beige-black dual-tone cabin, spacious seating (5 people), good headroom and leg room. 7-inch touchscreen, steering-mounted controls, manual AC are available in all. Boot space is 341 litres. There are no additional changes in the flex version.

Features and safety

Both have 7-inch infotainment (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay), power ORVMs, tilt steering. Being based on the Flex Fuel top variant, some premium features are available as standard, but basic comfort is equal in both. 6 airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, hill hold assist and seatbelt reminder are standard on Flex Fuel. Variants with 6 airbags are also available in the normal Wagon R.

Engine and Performance

The normal Wagon R has two engine options, 1.0L (68 PS) and 1.2L K12N (90 PS, 113 Nm), which are available in MT/AMT option. The 1.2 liter K12N engine has been upgraded to flex fuel. Things like special injectors, fuel pump, lines, ECU and ethanol sensor are new in it. Power and torque are slightly better, but mileage may be lower on high ethanol blends. (ARAI- 25 kmpl in petrol mode) It can be bought only with 5-speed MT. At the same time, AMT is also available in normal 1.2L.

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What is Flex Fuel Vehicle? Understand the entire technology in easy language

What is Flex Fuel Vehicle? Understand the entire technology in easy language

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The first mass-market car running on a mixture of petrol and ethanol has arrived in India. Maruti Suzuki's new Wagon R Flex Fuel can run on fuel blends ranging from E20 to E85. After all, what is Flex Fuel Technology, what changes have been made in it from the normal engine and how can it reduce petrol expenses, pollution and oil imports? Know the complete details.

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How does Flex Fuel Vehicle work? Know

Maruti Suzuki has launched the country's first Flex Fuel running car, Wagon R Flex Fuel. Soon it will start being delivered to customers. However, details of its price and variant options are yet to be known. Flex fuel vehicles can also run on heavy blends of ethanol and petrol.

This flex fuel model, being launched in the mass market for the first time in India, can run on blends ranging from E20 to E85. By becoming an economical and eco-friendly option for the common people, it can prove to be a practical bridge technology along with electric cars. Let us know what is flex fuel and how will this technology be used?

What changed in Maruti Wagon R Felx Fuel

There has been no change in the exterior design of WagonR. Only flex fuel and biofuel badging has been given. The interior and features are also similar to the petrol version. It gets features like 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 6 airbags and power windows. It is based on 1.2-litre petrol engine, whose power is expected to be around 90 PS and torque 113 Nm. The company has not yet told about the mileage available with flex fuel.

What is flex fuel?

Flex fuel is an alternative fuel made by mixing regular petrol with renewable biofuel (mainly ethanol). Flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) can run on 100% petrol, 100% ethanol or any ratio of the two. In India it can start from E20 (20% ethanol) and go up to E85 (85% ethanol).

How does a flex fuel engine work?

Many hardware changes are made in flex fuel engines compared to normal petrol engines, because ethanol is more corrosive and has lower energy density. Some such changes take place in the engine-

  • Anti-Corrosion Fuel System: The fuel tank, fuel line and other related parts are made from special anti-corrosive materials to avoid any harm due to the corrosive nature of ethanol.
  • Large Fuel Injectors and Pumps: The amount of energy in ethanol is less than petrol, so the engine requires more fuel to give the same performance. For this reason, large capacity injectors and fuel pumps have been installed.
  • Ethanol Sensor: A sensor installed inside the fuel tank detects the percentage of ethanol (ranging from 10% to 85%) and immediately sends this information to the ECU.
  • Engine Control Unit (ECU): It automatically adjusts the air-fuel ratio, spark timing and fuel injection quantity as per the fuel mixture based on the information received from the sensors.
  • Heated Fuel Lines: To burn ethanol easily in cold weather, special arrangements have been made to heat the fuel lines, so that starting and performance is not affected.
  • Strong Engine Components: The internal parts of the engine like valve seats, piston rings and other important parts are made from special hardened material, so that there is no early wear or damage due to ethanol.

Why is ethanol so important?

Ethanol is going to be a necessity of the future in many ways. India is a big importer of crude oil. Ethanol blending will save foreign exchange. Farmers will benefit. Ethanol is made from sugarcane, maize etc., which will increase agricultural income. Pollution will also reduce, because tailpipe emissions from ethanol will reduce by 70-75%. Fuel can also become cheaper due to reduction in the quantity of petrol.

About the Author

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Ram Mohan MishraSenior Sub Editor

Ram Mohan Mishra, working as Senior Sub-Editor at News18 Hindi, is active in digital media since 2021 and is currently handling the Auto Desk. They provide car and bike related information in an easy, clear and reliable manner.read more

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Yamaha shifts greener motorcycle strategy in favour of ethanol, not EVs

Yamaha shifts greener motorcycle strategy in favour of ethanol, not EVs

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 11 Apr 2024, 07:18 AM

  • Yamaha India is aiming to focus on flex-fuel engine technology while the Indian two-wheeler industry is increasingly emphasising on electric mobility.
Yamaha India is aiming to focus on flex-fuel engine technology while the Indian two-wheeler industry is increasingly emphasising on electric mobility.

While the two-wheeler manufacturers in India are thriving for electric mobility, Yamaha India is aiming big with ethanol-based flex fuels, reported Mint. This comes as a more conservative approach towards greener mobility, considering the peers are focusing on pure electric two-wheelers. The report has quoted Eishin Chihana, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India, saying that anticipating a 0 per cent adoption rate for electric scooters by the end of this decade, the company is betting on a holistic approach to cleaner emission technologies and this strategy will be led by ethanol-based flex fuels.

Chihana stated that the OEM’s primary strategy to meet its emissions targets revolves around flex-fuel (E85) options for motorcycles, acknowledging the global shift towards sustainable fuels. He also stated that this strategy will help the OEM avoid the infrastructural and technological challenges of full electrification. This shift of strategy comes in line with the government’s focus on cleaner mobility solutions, which also include flex-fuel engines propelled by ethanol-blended petrol.

Interestingly, Yamaha India’s Chairman’s comment comes immediately after the former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant called for full electrification of the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment by 2030. Instead of focusing on pure electric propulsion tch, Chihana advocated for technologies like ethanol-blended fuels to achieve the country’s emission targets.

Considering the current market share of electric scooters at five to six per cent Yamaha India expects EVs to grow to 20 per cent of the scooter market in India by 2030, he said. “While 20 per cent of the market will become EV, 70-80 per cent will remain internal combustion engine. So, our Target 2030 is while we prepare for EVs, we will certainly increase our step-up models with ICE engines. We are preparing, but we are not in a hurry. Our focus remains on developing our premium motorcycle dealership network and targeting the younger generation with our urban, sporty motorcycles. Our first priority is to establish premium motorcycle dealerships across India,” he further added.

Speaking further, the Yamaha official said that despite the high petrol prices driving faster adoption of electric scooters, consumer behaviour remains largely unaffected due to usage patterns and infrastructure challenges. Interestingly, despite emphasising its intention to focus on flex-fuel engines, Yamaha plans to introduce two electric scooters by 2030. Besides that, the OEM intends to enhance its premium motorcycle strategy and distribution network as well over the next six years, Chihana said.

First Published Date: 11 Apr 2024, 07:18 AM IST


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