Maruti Suzuki has announced the prices of the Wagon R Bioflex, its flex-fuel hatchback capable of running on ethanol-blended fuel containing up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). The model has been priced at Rs. 7.24 lakhs (ex-showroom) and is currently being offered exclusively for commercial fleet operators.
The Wagon R Bioflex is based on the top-spec ZXi+ manual variant of the standard Wagon R and carries a premium of Rs. 86,000 over its petrol-only counterpart. While Maruti Suzuki has confirmed the pricing and key features, detailed technical specifications and fuel efficiency figures are yet to be disclosed.
Powering the Wagon R Bioflex is the company’s 1.2-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated K12N petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. To enable compatibility with higher ethanol blends, the powertrain receives modifications such as revised fuel injectors, upgraded fuel pumps, ethanol-resistant fuel lines, a recalibrated engine control unit and an ethanol content sensor.
Although official performance and efficiency figures have not been revealed, the standard Wagon R ZXi+ produces 91 HP and 114 Nm of torque. It delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.56 km/l with the manual transmission.
Visually, the flex-fuel Wagon R remains largely unchanged from the regular model. Exterior updates are limited to flex-fuel-themed decals and a Bioflex badge. Inside, the hatchback retains the familiar dual-tone cabin layout and equipment list.
Maruti has confirmed that the Wagon R Bioflex comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six airbags and electronic stability control. Based on its ZXi+ trim level, it is also expected to feature rear parking sensors, front fog lamps, rear AC vents and steering-mounted audio controls.
The company has not yet outlined the long-term operating cost benefits of the flex-fuel version. While ethanol-based fuels are generally priced lower than petrol, fuel economy can vary depending on the ethanol blend used. As a result, the overall cost-effectiveness of the Wagon R Bioflex will become clearer once official efficiency figures and real-world usage data are available.
With the launch of the Wagon R Bioflex, Maruti Suzuki joins a growing list of manufacturers exploring alternative fuel technologies as India works towards reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
