All flex-fuel cars showcased in India so far

Maruti Suzuki has become the first carmaker in India to begin production of flex-fuel cars with the Wagon R. However, other mass-market carmakers such as Toyota, Hyundai and Tata have also showcased flex-fuel models that show readiness for higher blends of ethanol-blended petrol. With E85 fuel dispensing stations being established across the nation, more carmakers could join the flex fuel bandwagon in the coming months. Below is a list of all the flex-fuel cars showcased in India, with some capable of running purely on ethanol as well. 

Toyota Corolla flex fuel

Toyota showcased its flex-fuel technology capabilities with the Corolla hybrid. Revealed in October 2022, the sedan uses a 102hp, 142Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine mated to a strong hybrid system and is capable of running on E100 fuel. It is unlikely to make it to our market, but at the time, Toyota said that its flex-fuel vehicle could arrive here if E85 or pure ethanol can be supplied across India, given that the technology is ready. We even had the opportunity to experience the flex-fuel Corolla on a test track. 

Toyota Innova Hycross flex fuel prototype

In August 2023, Toyota revealed a prototype of the Innova Hycross flex fuel. Like the standard Hycross, it utilises the same 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired to an electric motor. Engine tweaks include different spark plugs and piston ring tops, as well as valves and valve seals designed to be water-resistant and prevent corrosion. It also gets a three-way catalyst in the exhaust system to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Ethanol-compatibility modifications have been done to the vehicle’s fuel filter, fuel pump and fuel lines.

Tata Punch flex fuel 

Tata showcased its first flex-fuel model in the form of the Punch SUV, though in pre-facelift guise. It has the 88hp, 115Nm 1.2-litre petrol engine that also powers the current model. The engine is capable of running on blends of up to E85 and has modified ECU software, fuel injector systems and an exhaust after-treatment system to adapt to different ethanol blends.

Hyundai Creta flex fuel 

Hyundai revealed the Creta flex fuel at the Auto Expo 2025 to highlight its readiness for flex-fuel technology. The SUV’s engine has been modified to run on E100 ethanol. But instead of using the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol or turbo-petrol that’s available on the India-spec model, it gets a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that does duty in the Venue and i20 N Line. It develops 120hp and 172Nm, and is paired to a 6-speed torque converter automatic, unlike the 7-speed DCT on the Venue and i20.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R flex fuel

Maruti unveiled the production-spec Wagon R flex fuel years after unveiling its prototype in 2022. It is powered by the 1.2-litre petrol engine that also does duty in the standard model. While the Wagon R is compatible with running on E100 fuel, it has been homologated to only run on E85 fuel. Like the rest of the cars here, it gets upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pumps, new fuel lines, a newly calibrated ECU and an ethanol sensor for ethanol compliance. Currently, the car is only available for the commercial sector.