10 Flex Fuel Cars Ready For Launch: Toyota Innova Hycross To Tata Punch
Thanks to India’s aggressive push for higher ethanol blending, flex fuel vehicles are no longer a distant concept. They are fast becoming a near-term reality. Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), vehicles that run on higher Ethanol blends like E85 (85% Ethanol blended petrol) and E100 (near-pure Ethanol), are now being developed by various manufacturers. Automakers like Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors have already showcased or hinted at flex-fuel-ready models. This move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Here are 10 flex fuel vehicles that we expect to launch in the near future.
Suzuki Motor Corporation showcased an FFV based on the Fronx last year at the Japan Mobility Show. It is expected to be brought to India as well. The design is near-identical to that of the regular Fronx. The concept, however, had ‘Flex fuel’ decals on it. The company hasn’t revealed any detail of the FFV’s powertrain. We, however, know that it will be able to run on blends as high as E85 (85% Ethanol-blended petrol).
We expect it to be powered by a heavily modified version of the current model’s K12N engine. This 1.2L naturally aspirated engine makes around 90hp on the regular Fronx. The FFV will come with Ethanol-resistant fuel lines, upgraded injectors, modified fuel pumps, and even an Ethanol concentration sensor. This sensor will allow it to work smoothly on various blends.
The Wagon R has a strong presence in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki also has plans to roll out its flex fuel version in the near future. When launched, this will become India’s first mass-market flex-fuel car. The near-production-ready prototype was shown at Auto Expo 2023 and Bharat Mobility Expo 2025.
Like the Fronx FFV, the Wagon-R flex fuel has no design changes from the regular model. This hatchback will use a heavily modified flex-fuel compatible 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine. The engine will get heated fuel rail, new injectors, upgraded fuel pump, and the Ethanol sensor mentioned above, This FFV will be able to support blended ranging from E20 to E85.
The Baleno is powered by the same 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine as the Fronx. It makes sense to expect it to get a flex fuel version sometime in the future. The carmaker has, however, been silent about such plans with this premium hatchback.
Tata Motors has confirmed that it will launch the first flex-fuel car by early 2027 if not by the end of 2026. The Punch flex fuel, showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 could likely be the Indian giant’s first flex-fuel product. The FFV version will use the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with heavy modifications to the ECU, fuel injection system and exhaust after-treatment. This product is expected to be compatible with blends of up tro E85.
The flex-fuel Punch used the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine as the standard model, but it featured updates to the ECU, fuel-injection system and exhaust after-treatment system to detect and adapt to varying ethanol blends. The showcased model was compatible with up to E85 fuel, meaning it can run on petrol blended with up to 85 percent ethanol.
The Tiago and Tigor are also powered by the same 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine as the Punch. These are thus likely to get the flex-fuel powertrain sometime in the future. Tata Motors hasn’t confirmed these plans yet, but it remains a strong possibility.
One of Toyota’s first flex-fuel vehicles will be the Hycross FFV. It will be unique as it will pair a strong hybrid powertrain with ethanol compatibility. This combination is expected to deliver excellent fuel efficiency. The prototype showcased uses a modified version of the outgoing version’s 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Together with the strong hybrid setup, it has an output of 184hp, and can support blends of up to E85.
Maruti Invicto is essentially a badge-engineered version of the Hycross and shares its platform and powertrains. The FFV powertrain is also expected to be brought to the Maruti Suzuki MPV, with similar outputs.
Hyundai had showcased a flex fuel version of the Creta at Bharat Mobility Expo last year. The biggest highlight was that it could run on any blend of Ethanol- from E0 to E100. This version is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine generating around 118hp and 170 Nm. The standard Creta’s petrol engine, on the other hand, is a much larger 1.5L unit. The fuel system and ECU will have major changes to enable the blending support. The design of the prototype had no changes from that of the regular SUV.
Mahindra is preparing itself for the flex-fuel future by developing engines that work on higher Ethanol blends. Initially, it is working on E30 compatibility. The upcoming generations of its SUVs will target support for higher blends. Its flex-fuel ambitions will have the NU_IQ platform as its backbone. The company has confirmed that it is working on ethanol sensors, injector and fuel rail heaters, and revised ECU units for use on flex fuel vehicles. The XUV 3XO may be one of the first Mahindras to get FFV powertrain.