Maruti Suzuki has begun deliveries of the Wagon R Bioflex while making it available to private buyers. At the flex-fuel car’s unveiling earlier this month, reports stated that it would be sold only to commercial buyers. Priced at Rs 7.24 lakh ex-showroom, the Bioflex version is based on the standard model’s top-spec ZXi+ 1.2P MT variant.
- First few units delivered to ISMA members and private buyers in New Delhi
- Bioflex version is powered by the standard Wagon R’s 1.2-litre petrol engine
- Gets several mechanical tweaks to run on higher ethanol blends
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R flex fuel deliveries commence
Maruti delivered the first units of the Wagon R Bioflex to members of the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) from the brand’s showroom in Karol Bagh, New Delhi. It handed over another 13 units to private customers in New Delhi.
Maruti Wagon R flex fuel: A brief overview
The Wagon R Bioflex, India’s first production-spec flex-fuel car, is powered by the same 91hp, 114Nm 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the standard Wagon R, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It is capable of running on ethanol blends ranging between E20 and E100. However, to accommodate higher ethanol blends, it comes with upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pumps, new fuel lines, a recalibrated ECU and an ethanol sensor.
While Maruti has not yet revealed the Wagon R Bioflex’s ARAI-rated fuel-efficiency figures, its mileage is expected to be lower than that of the standard model. Recently, our E20 vs E85 fuel mileage test for the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 revealed that E85 delivered 24.40 percent lower efficiency than E20. Even though the Gixxer belongs to an entirely different vehicle category, a similar drop in fuel efficiency is expected for the Wagon R Bioflex. For reference, the standard Wagon R’s 1.2-litre petrol engine has a claimed efficiency of 23.56kpl for the 5-speed manual gearbox and 24.43kpl for the 5-speed AMT.
Currently, the Wagon R Bioflex is sold in only one fully loaded variant, which is priced at Rs 7.24 lakh – Rs 86,000 more than the regular petrol-powered Wagon R ZXi+ MT. Compared to the fleet-only Tour H3, which costs Rs 4.99 lakh (petrol MT) and Rs 5.89 lakh (CNG MT), the Wagon R Bioflex is more expensive by Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 2.25 lakh, respectively. That’s because its ethanol-compliant engine is a more powerful 1.2-litre unit, unlike the Tour H3, which uses a smaller 1.0-litre petrol mill.
The Wagon R Bioflex looks largely similar to the standard model but gets ‘Flex Fuel’ decals on the sides and ‘Bioflex’ badging at the back. Its cabin is identical to that of the regular Wagon R, with a black-and-beige theme and fabric seat upholstery. The equipment list comprises a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 6 airbags and electronic stability control (ESP). It also gets a manual AC with rear vents, all four power windows, a manually adjustable inside rearview mirror (IRVM), 4 speakers, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, a rear wiper and washer, as well as outside rearview mirror (ORVM)-mounted turn indicators.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.