Maruti Wagon R Bioflex Reaches Private Buyers: Symbolism, Not a Sensible Buy Yet
Maruti Suzuki has begun deliveries of the Wagon R Bioflex and opened the car to private buyers, after early reports suggested it would be a commercial-only model. Priced at Rs 7.24 lakh ex-showroom, based on the ZXi+ 1.2P MT, the first 13 units went to customers in New Delhi.
What was announced
Maruti Suzuki has commenced deliveries of the Wagon R Bioflex, India's first production-spec flex-fuel passenger car, and has made the variant available to private buyers. Earlier reports following the unveiling in early June indicated the car would be restricted to commercial fleet buyers, but Maruti has now opened the order book to individuals as well.
Private buyers can now own India's first flex-fuel car, but until E85 pumps exist outside pilot stations, the Bioflex is a statement, not a smart purchase.
The Bioflex is priced at Rs 7.24 lakh ex-showroom and is based on the top-spec ZXi+ 1.2P MT variant of the standard Wagon R. The first deliveries took place at Maruti's Karol Bagh showroom in New Delhi, with units going to members of the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). Thirteen units have also been handed over to private customers in Delhi.
Mechanically, the Bioflex uses the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the regular Wagon R, producing 91hp and 114Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The engine and fuel system have been re-engineered to handle ethanol blends ranging from regular petrol up to E100, with changes to fuel lines, injectors, and engine internals to cope with the higher corrosivity and different combustion characteristics of ethanol-heavy fuel. No automatic option is offered on the Bioflex at launch.
The Car Jury verdict
This is a milestone car, not a sensible buyer's pick today. The Wagon R Bioflex carries the same 91hp 1.2-litre engine as the standard ZXi+ MT, which retails for noticeably less, so private buyers are paying a premium for the ability to run E20 to E100 blends that are barely available at pumps outside a handful of pilot stations. Ethanol also delivers lower energy density, so running costs on E100 will sting unless ethanol pricing stays sharply below petrol.
Motor Inc of Motor Inc notes that Maruti is "always the one that will be talking about efficiency," and that efficiency calculus does not yet add up on flex fuel. Buy the regular ZXi+ MT, or if you want a Maruti hatch with future-proof economics, wait for the Swift. The Bioflex is policy theatre wearing a price tag.
