All flex-fuel cars showcased in India so far

With authorities pushing for higher ethanol-blended petrol, mass-market carmakers have been working toward bringing flex-fuel vehicles to our market. Infact, Maruti Suzuki was the first carmaker to begin production and launch a flex -fuel vehicle with the Wagon R Bioflex. Other carmakers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Tata, and Kia have also showcased flex-fuel models that show readiness for higher blends of ethanol-blended petrol. With E85 fuel dispensing stations being established across the nation, more carmakers could join the flex-fuel bandwagon in the future. Below is a list of all the flex-fuel cars showcased in India, with some capable of running purely on ethanol as well.

Toyota Corolla flex fuel

Toyota showcased its flex-fuel technology capabilities with the Corolla hybrid. Revealed in October 2022, the sedan uses a 102hp, 142Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine mated to a strong hybrid system and is capable of running on E100 fuel. It is unlikely to make it to our market, but at the time, Toyota said that its flex-fuel vehicle could arrive here if E85 or pure ethanol can be supplied across India, given that the technology is ready. We even had the opportunity to experience the flex-fuel Corolla on a test track.

Toyota Innova Hycross flex fuel prototype

In August 2023, Toyota revealed a prototype of the Innova Hycross flex fuel. Like the standard Hycross, it utilises the same 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired to an electric motor. Engine tweaks include different spark plugs and piston ring tops, as well as valves and valve seals designed to be water-resistant and prevent corrosion. It also gets a three-way catalyst in the exhaust system to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Ethanol-compatibility modifications have been done to the vehicle’s fuel filter, fuel pump and fuel lines.

Tata Punch flex fuel

Tata showcased its first flex-fuel model in the form of the Punch SUV, though in pre-facelift guise. It has the 88hp, 115Nm 1.2-litre petrol engine that also powers the current model. The engine is capable of running on blends of up to E85 and has modified ECU software, fuel injector systems and an exhaust after-treatment system to adapt to different ethanol blends.

Hyundai Creta flex fuel

Hyundai revealed the Creta flex fuel at the Auto Expo 2025 to highlight its readiness for flex-fuel technology. The SUV’s engine has been modified to run on E100 ethanol. But instead of using the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol or turbo-petrol that’s available on the India-spec model, it gets a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that does duty in the Venue and i20 N Line. It develops 120hp and 172Nm, and is paired to a 6-speed torque converter automatic, unlike the 7-speed DCT on the Venue and i20.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R flex fuel

The Maruti Wagon R Bioflex is the first flex-fuel car that went on sale in the country. Maruti unveiled the production-spec Wagon R flex fuel years after unveiling its prototype in 2022. It is powered by the 1.2-litre petrol engine that also does duty in the standard model. While the Wagon R is compatible with running on E100 fuel, it has been homologated to only run on E85 fuel. Like the rest of the cars here, it gets upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pumps, new fuel lines, a newly calibrated ECU, and an ethanol sensor for ethanol compliance.

Kia Syros FFV Concept

Kia India showcased its commitment to bringing flex-fuel cars to India with the Syros flex fuel vehicle (FFV) concept. According to Kia, the Syros FFV is capable of running on pure petrol, pure ethanol, and varying ethanol-petrol blends. It looks identical to the standard Syros, but under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engine which has tweaked components for compatibility with ethanol and is paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The arrival of a production-spec version is yet to be confirmed by Kia.