The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has gone green, and in a big way. At the 2023 Auto Expo at Delhi, Maruti Suzuki unveiled the flex-fuel version of the Wagon R, which gives it the ability to run on both E85 fuel and normal petrol. This comes on the back of an initiative by the Transport Minister of India, Nitin Gadkari, to encourage the adoption of flex-fuel technology by Indian manufacturers. Essentially, through this technology, petrol cars will also be able to run anywhere between 20 percent to 85 percent ethanol blended fuel.
The advantages of this new flex-fuel standard are many, including savings on running costs and a massive reduction in the car’s CO2 emissions. In fact, Maruti Suzuki is using the Auto Expo as a great showcase of its new green cars, with its pavilion including the Wagon R flex-fuel, the Vitara Brezza S-CNG and the Grand Vitara Intelligent Electric Hybrid. Combined with a CVT transmission, the Grand Vitara is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the country with a claimed efficiency figure of 27.97kmpl.
Speaking about its green tenets, Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “For over 4 decades, Maruti Suzuki has been spreading the Joy of Mobility in India and fulfilling the aspirations of millions of Indian families. Along with our parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation, we remain highly optimistic and committed to the long-term growth story of India. With specific emphasis on Atma Nirbhar Bharat, we have committed ourselves to bring new products, technologies, investments and set up new facilities in India. We believe in exploring a full spectrum of technologies like hybrids, CNG, bio-CNG, ethanol and electric to support Government of India’s twin objective of reducing oil-import bill and Carbon Net Zero by 2070. Our approach towards electric vehicles is holistic with scale and localization. The Concept eVX is Suzuki’s first global strategic Electric Vehicle, and I am excited that it debuts here in India. It brings exciting urban SUV styling through its sharp design language and as a Battery Electric Vehicle it purposefully reinforces our commitment to environment friendliness and sustainability.”
Alongside these conventionally powered cars with a sustainable tilt, the Maruti Suzuki pavilion is also host to its first electric vehicle intended for mass production, the concept eVX.