Maruti Suzuki is all set to make its mark in the alternative fuel energy segment of India, with the country's first flex-fuel vehicle. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has confirmed that the company will launch a flex-fuel vehicle on World Environment Day, June 5, 2026. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Gadkari stated that the upcoming model would support E100 fuel, or 100% ethanol. Although the brand has not revealed the model name yet, the WagonR hatchback is being widely speculated to be the one.
As ethanol is expected to be cheaper than conventional petrol, and offer major returns in terms of savings in the long run while also reducing dependence on fossil fuels, Maruti's flex-fuel option will be significant,
and make it one of the first manufacturers to take step in this direction. With fuel prices surging high, the news comes as a move that could open up more fuel alternatives for buyers looking to reduce their running costs.
Could The WagonR Become India’s First E100 Car?
Though Maruti hasn't made any official statements, speculations are rife that the WagonR could soon create history by becoming the maiden car capable of running on E100 fuel. Currently, there is no flex-fuel car on sale in our country. For the unversed, Maruti had earlier showcased flex-fuel versions of several models in the past few years, including Fronx with fuel blends of up to E85. At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo last year, the flex-fuel version of the WagonR was also showcased. Given the hatchback’s strong sales numbers, affordable pricing and popularity among city buyers, the WagonR appears to be one of the strongest candidates for the upcoming launch. If this speculation turns out to be true, it could mark a major milestone not just for Maruti Suzuki, but also for India’s mass-market automotive industry.
That said, the long-term success of E100-compatible vehicles may still depend heavily on the extensive availability of ethanol fuel infrastructure across the country.
VIDEO | Nagpur, Maharashtra: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, says, "Our biggest pollution problem is fossil fuels... petrol and diesel. That is why, as the Transport Minister, I am happy that we have introduced electric scooters, electric cars, electric buses, electric trucks, and… pic.twitter.com/0me380XHVF
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 23, 2026
Maruti Suzuki WagonR E100: Expected Design And Engine Changes
The familiar tall boy silhouette of the hatchback will likely remain, as flex-fuel models generally do not receive major cosmetic overhauls. The E100 version, however, could get an exclusive badging, revised decals or unique colour options to distinguish itself as an ethanol-compatible vehicle from the standard one.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Cars To Get Costlier By Up To Rs 30,000 From June — Here’s Why
The bigger changes are likely to take place beneath the bonnet. To support ethanol blends of up to 100 percent, the WagonR may receive upgraded fuel lines, injectors, seals and fuel tank materials that can better handle the corrosive properties of ethanol. The engine management system is also anticipated to be recalibrated to automatically adapt ignition timing and fuel injection based on the fuel blend being used. More exact details are expected to be revealed closer to the launch date.
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