Main Takeaway: The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex Fuel, India’s first factory-built bi-fuel small car, will debut in January 2026 with an expected ex-showroom price of ₹6.5–7.5 lakh. It offers seamless petrol-ethanol operation, a peppy 1.0 L engine (67 PS/90 Nm), and Wagon R’s trademark spacious cabin and fuel efficiency.
Introduction
Maruti Suzuki expands its small-car lineup with the Wagon R Flex Fuel, launching in India in January 2026. Built at Maruti’s Hansalpur plant, this bi-fuel variant runs on both petrol and E20 ethanol blend, delivering eco-friendly motoring without compromising performance. Priced attractively between ₹6.5 lakh and ₹7.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the Flex Fuel Wagon R targets buyers seeking low running costs, reduced emissions, and the convenience of dual-fuel operation in a value-packed hatchback.
Launch Details and Market Positioning
Bookings for the Wagon R Flex Fuel open in December 2025, ahead of its January launch and February deliveries. Positioned alongside the standard Wagon R and CNG variants, the Flex Fuel model competes with the Hyundai Santro Petrol/E20 concept and Tata Tiago EV in the eco-friendly segment. Maruti leverages its expansive 4,000+ dealership network and proven service reliability to promote ethanol adoption under India’s sustainable mobility initiatives.
Expected Pricing and Variants
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (₹) | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| VXi Flex Fuel | 6.5–7.0 lakh | 1.0 L K10C engine (67 PS/90 Nm), 5-speed MT, petrol/E20 |
| VXi+ Flex Fuel | 7.0–7.5 lakh | 1.0 L K10C engine (67 PS/90 Nm), 5-speed MT, petrol/E20 + ABS/dual airbags |
Two well-equipped variants deliver value, with the VXi+ adding essential safety and comfort features.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.0 L K10C three-cylinder |
| Fuel Modes | Petrol / E20 ethanol blend |
| Power (PS) | 67 PS @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (Nm) | 90 Nm @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| 0–100 km/h | 14.0 s |
| Top Speed | 140 km/h |
| Fuel Efficiency (ARAI) | 23–25 km/l (petrol), 18–20 km/l (E20) |
| Length × Width × Height | 3,655 × 1,620 × 1,560 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,435 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Kerb Weight | ~850 kg |
Dual-fuel calibration ensures a smooth transition between petrol and ethanol without any drivability compromise.
Exterior Design and Features
The Flex Fuel Wagon R retains its characteristic tall-boy silhouette with minimal changes: subtle “Flex Fuel” badging on the fenders, body-colour bumpers, and 14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. Halogen headlamps, integrated turn indicators, and body-coloured ORVMs maintain the hatch’s practical and friendly design.
Interior Features and Technology
Inside, the Flex Fuel model mirrors the standard Wagon R’s spacious cabin:
- U-shaped instrument cluster with ECO and FUEL MODE display
- 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (VXi+)
- Fabric seats with headrests and rear armrest (VXi+)
- Manual AC with heater
- Dual front airbags (VXi+) and ABS with EBD
- Front power windows and central locking
Practical cubby storage, tall roofline, and split-folding rear seats emphasize versatility.
Competition Analysis
| Model | Price (₹) | Fuel Options | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel | 6.5–7.5 lakh | Petrol / E20 ethanol | Factory-built E20 readiness |
| Maruti Wagon R CNG | 6–7 lakh | Petrol / CNG | Widely adopted CNG tech |
| Tata Tiago | 5–8 lakh | Petrol / EV | Affordable EV variant |
| Hyundai Santro (conceptual) | – | Petrol / E20 (concept) | Early E20 concept; not yet launched |
The Wagon R Flex Fuel stands out for its production-ready E20 application and extensive support ecosystem.
Expected Timeline and Availability
- Bookings Open: December 2025
- Launch: January 2026
- Deliveries: February 2026
- Dealership Network: Pan-India Maruti outlets with dedicated ethanol servicing facilities and home-delivery fuel partner tie-ups.
Verdict
The Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel pioneers ethanol usage in India’s mass-market hatch segment, combining dual-fuel versatility, outstanding fuel efficiency, and Maruti’s service reliability. Its value-oriented pricing, minimalistic changes, and proven platform make it an ideal choice for eco-and cost-conscious buyers, catalyzing broader E20 adoption across India’s automotive landscape.
