Maruti Fronx Flex Fuel – What Is It?
The Maruti Fronx Flex Fuel is essentially a modified version of the Fronx crossover designed to operate on E20 to E85 ethanol-blended petrol. Ethanol is a biofuel derived from cops like sugarcane and when blended with petrol, it helps reduce carbon emissions and dependence on crude oil imports.
While the current Fronx sold in India is rated to run on E20, the Fronx Flex Fuel concept is compatible with much higher ethanol levels. This makes it future-ready as India aims to increase the ethanol blend in petrol to 30 percent within the next 5 years.
Why This Matters
The Indian government’s rollout of E20 fuel sparked widespread debate among car owners and industry experts. Manu questioned whether existing petrol engines could safely handle ethanol-blended fuel without causing long-term engine damage, corrosion, or lower fuel efficiency.
Ethanol, while cleaner to burn, absorbs more moisture and burns differently than petrol, which can affect cold starts, fuel system components, and mileage in engines if not calibrated correctly.
The Fronx Flex Fuel is Maruti Suzuki’s direct response to these concerns. It’s an engine designed specifically for ethanol. Not just to tolerate it, but to perform efficiently even at 85% ethanol concentration, thanks to revised materials, seals, and ECU calibration. In short, it’s a proof concept that ethanol-friendly cars can be made reliable and practical for Indian conditions.
Fronx Flex Fuel – Engine And Technical Details
Suzuki haven’t disclosed the exact engine specifications of the Fronx Flex Fuel concept. The Japan-spec Fronx is sold with a 1.5L normal petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter (TC) automatic. It also offers Suzuki’s AllGrip Select AWD system as an option.
However, it remains to be seen whether Maruti will bring this 1.5L engine to India or modify the current 1.2L normal petrol engine to support ethanol-based fuels. The flex fuel version is likely to have slightly lower fuel efficiency, as ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol. However, it will emit fewer greenhouse gases and burn cleaner, making it environmentally friendlier.
Expected Launch And Availability
Maruti Suzuki are expected to launch the Fronx Flex Fuel in India in 2026. The concept displayed in Japan is already close to production form, indicating that testing and calibration for Indian conditions are likely underway.
Given that the Fronx is currently produced in India for both domestic and export markets, manufacturing the Flex Fuel variant locally should be straightforward for Maruti Suzuki.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Crosses 1 Lakh Exports Milestone
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