Flex-fuel Maruti Suzuki Wagon R prototype revealed
Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its first flex-fuel prototype, a Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. The flex-fuel Wagon R was unveiled at an event in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways. This prototype has been developed by Maruti Suzuki in India with support from Suzuki Motor Japan.
Flex fuel Maruti Suzuki Wagon R prototype changesThis Maruti Suzuki Wagon R flex fuel prototype uses a reworked engine designed to run on higher ethanol blends. The motor is compatible with E20 to E85 blends for which new fuel systems have been added. These include a heated fuel rail to assist with cold starts and an ethanol sensor for detecting the ethanol percentage. The engine management system, upgraded fuel pump, fuel injector and other components have been upgraded. This Wagon R also complies with the newest BS6 Phase-II emission norms set to come into effect soon by way of revised engine management and emissions control systems.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R specifications, mileage
The petrol Maruti Suzuki Wagon R can be had with two engine options. The K10B 1.0 litre motor makes 68PS and 90Nm. Joining it in the line-up is the 1.2-litre petrol motor from the Baleno. This makes 83PS and 113Nm. Both units are mated to a five-speed manual in this case, an AMT is also available. The 1.0-litre unit has an ARAI-tested fuel consumption figure of 22.5kmpl, while the 1.2 returns 21.5kmpl.
Advantages of flex-fuel vehiclesMaruti Suzuki says it will make its entire product range E20 compliant, or capable of running on fuel blended with 20 per cent ethanol, by 2023. The company says this will lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce fuel costs as 85 per cent ethanol-blended petrol is expected to be 35 per cent cheaper while providing similar performance as a petrol vehicle. The company plans on using this prototype to test this technology in Indian conditions with Indian ethanol-blended fuel.
Also read,
Government asks automakers to begin manufacturing of flex-fuel vehicles in 6 months