Key highlights
- A heavily camouflaged Maruti Suzuki Victoris test mule has been spotted in India with temporary Haryana registration plates.
- The SUV could be testing E85 flex-fuel technology or a compressed biogas (CBG) powertrain, but neither has been confirmed.
- Suzuki had previously showcased a CBG-powered Victoris at the Japan Motor Show 2025.
Maruti Suzuki could be exploring another alternative-fuel powertrain for the Victoris. A heavily camouflaged test mule of the SUV has reportedly been spotted on Indian roads, raising speculation about the possibility of E85 flex-fuel or compressed biogas technology.
However, the camouflage offers no clear indication of what is being tested, and Maruti Suzuki has not officially confirmed the purpose of this development.
Could the Victoris get E85 flex-fuel technology?
One possibility is an E85-compatible flex-fuel powertrain. E85 refers to a petrol-ethanol blend containing up to 85% ethanol. Vehicles designed for such fuel require compatible fuel-system components and appropriate engine calibration to handle higher ethanol concentrations.
Maruti Suzuki has already demonstrated its interest in this technology through its flex-fuel development programme. The reported test mule could be evaluating a modified version of the Victoris’ 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, although there is no confirmed information about its engine or fuel compatibility.
The sighting alone does not establish that a flex-fuel version is being developed for production.
CBG-powered Victoris is another possibility
A compressed biogas (CBG) version is also possible. Suzuki showcased a CBG-powered Victoris at the Japan Motor Show in October 2025. That vehicle was based on the CNG version, with its powertrain adapted to run on biomethane.
CBG is produced from organic waste, including agricultural residues and animal waste, which is processed to obtain usable biomethane. Unlike conventional CNG, which is generally sourced from fossil natural gas, CBG offers a renewable alternative when produced sustainably.
Given that Suzuki has already demonstrated a CBG-powered Victoris, further development in this area would not be entirely unexpected. However, there is no confirmation that the recently spotted vehicle is the same type of prototype.
What happens next?
The Victoris already offers petrol, strong-hybrid and factory-fitted S-CNG powertrain options in India. An alternative-fuel variant could expand that range, but its technical specifications, fuel compatibility and launch prospects remain unknown.
For now, the test mule is an indication of possible development work, not confirmation of a new variant. More details will be needed to establish whether Maruti Suzuki is testing E85 flex-fuel technology, CBG or something else entirely.
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