Maruti Suzuki has officially started deliveries of the Wagon R Bioflex, its flex-fuel hatchback designed to run on high ethanol blends. The company has also opened the model to private buyers, expanding its availability beyond the commercial segment. Earlier, it was expected that the vehicle would initially be sold only to fleet and commercial customers. Based on the Wagon R ZXi+ 1.2 MT variant, the Bioflex is priced at ₹7.24 lakh (ex-showroom).
First Deliveries Rolled Out in Delhi
The first batch of Wagon R Bioflex vehicles was handed over to customers from Maruti Suzuki’s dealership in Karol Bagh, New Delhi. Members of the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) were among the initial recipients. Additionally, 13 private customers in Delhi received their vehicles, marking the start of retail deliveries for individual buyers.
Capable of Running on Ethanol Blends from E20 to E100
The Wagon R Bioflex is India’s first mass-produced flex-fuel passenger car. It is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 91 hp and 114 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Its biggest highlight is its ability to operate on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E100. To support higher ethanol concentrations, Maruti Suzuki has equipped the vehicle with upgraded fuel injectors, an improved fuel pump, ethanol-compatible fuel lines, a recalibrated ECU, and an ethanol sensor.
Fuel Efficiency Figures Yet to Be Announced
Maruti Suzuki has not revealed the official fuel-efficiency numbers for the Wagon R Bioflex. However, industry experts believe that vehicles running on higher ethanol blends generally return lower fuel economy than conventional petrol-powered models.
For comparison, the standard Wagon R 1.2-litre petrol variant delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.56 kmpl with the manual gearbox and 24.43 kmpl with the AMT transmission.
Priced ₹86,000 Higher Than the Standard Model
The Wagon R Bioflex is currently available in a single fully-loaded variant. At ₹7.24 lakh, it is approximately ₹86,000 more expensive than the regular Wagon R ZXi+ MT.
It is also priced significantly higher than Maruti Suzuki’s fleet-oriented Tour H3. However, the Bioflex benefits from a larger 1.2-litre engine and specialized flex-fuel technology, while the Tour H3 is equipped with a smaller 1.0-litre petrol engine.
Minimal Changes to Design and Features
In terms of styling, the Wagon R Bioflex closely resembles the standard Wagon R. The primary visual differences are the “Flex Fuel” decals on the sides and the “Bioflex” badge at the rear.
Inside, the hatchback retains the familiar black-and-beige dual-tone cabin theme. Feature highlights include:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
- Six airbags
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Rear AC vents
- Power windows
- Front fog lamps
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear wiper and washer
- ORVM-mounted turn indicators
With the launch of the Wagon R Bioflex, Maruti Suzuki has taken a significant step toward promoting alternative fuels in India. The model supports the country’s ethanol-blending initiative while offering customers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility solution.