Maruti Suzuki has taken another big step toward green mobility by unveiling the Fronx Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFV) at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. This new version of the compact SUV highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, going beyond the regular E20 ethanol compatibility to a full flex-fuel system.
Maruti Steps Up Its Green Mobility Efforts
At a time when global automakers are shifting towards cleaner and greener technologies, Maruti Suzuki is exploring alternative fuel solutions to reduce carbon emissions. The Fronx FFV is designed to run on a mixture of petrol and ethanol, offering flexibility for different fuel types.
This move aligns with India’s ethanol-blending mission, which aims to increase ethanol content in fuel up to 20% by 2025 and eventually reach full flex-fuel adoption. Maruti’s focus on FFV technology shows its intention to stay ahead in this transition.
Engine Details and Performance
The Maruti Fronx FFV uses the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the current petrol version, but it has been tuned specifically to work efficiently with ethanol-blended fuels.
Flex-fuel vehicles can automatically adjust their fuel injection and combustion based on the fuel mix in the tank. This means the Fronx FFV can run on petrol, ethanol, or any combination of the two — reducing overall emissions while offering similar performance levels.
The existing India-spec Fronx already comes with multiple engine choices:
- 1.0-litre turbo petrol (99 bhp / 148 Nm)
- 1.2-litre NA petrol (88 bhp / 113 Nm)
- 1.2-litre NA + CNG (76 bhp / 98.5 Nm)
The FFV version is expected to retain similar output figures while improving eco-efficiency.
Design and Interior Changes
Visually, the showcased Fronx FFV gets a green-themed decal and a bold ‘Suzuki Flex Fuel’ badge, clearly differentiating it from the standard model.
Inside, Maruti has made subtle but premium upgrades, including a dual-tone interior finish and ventilated front seats, enhancing comfort for Indian customers who often drive in warm conditions. The car continues to maintain the modern cabin layout with a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, and safety features similar to the existing model.
India Launch Expected Soon
While Maruti has not officially confirmed launch details, the Fronx FFV is very likely to make its way to India, as the government continues to promote ethanol-based fuels.
India’s fuel infrastructure is also gradually improving to support higher ethanol blends, making flex-fuel vehicles more practical in the near future. The Fronx FFV could become one of the first mainstream flex-fuel cars from Maruti Suzuki in India.
Why Flex-Fuel Technology Matters
Flex-fuel technology offers a smart solution for reducing dependence on pure petrol while lowering carbon emissions. Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from crops like sugarcane and corn, which means it can help India reduce its crude oil imports and support local agriculture.
For consumers, flex-fuel vehicles provide greater fuel flexibility, potentially lower running costs, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Conclusion
The Maruti Fronx FFV’s debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show marks an important milestone in Maruti Suzuki’s journey towards sustainable mobility. By adopting flex-fuel technology, Maruti is preparing for a future where cars are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. The Fronx FFV could soon become a familiar sight on Indian roads, combining affordability, practicality, and green innovation.
FAQs
What does FFV mean?
FFV stands for Flex-Fuel Vehicle — a car that can run on petrol, ethanol, or a mix of both.
Which engine powers the Maruti Fronx FFV?
It uses a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine tuned for ethanol-blended fuels.
Will the Maruti Fronx FFV launch in India?
Yes, it is expected to arrive in India soon as part of Maruti Suzuki’s push for ethanol-based mobility.
What are the new features in the Fronx FFV?
The FFV version gets ventilated front seats, a dual-tone cabin, and new exterior graphics with a ‘Flex Fuel’ badge.
Why is flex-fuel important for India?
It helps reduce pollution, cuts fuel imports, and supports local farmers by using ethanol produced from crops like sugarcane.