Maruti Suzuki Invicto: In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s automotive industry, Maruti Suzuki has taken a bold step forward with the introduction of the Invicto – a premium MPV that marks the brand’s most ambitious venture into the luxury segment.
Launched on July 5, 2023, the Invicto represents a significant milestone for Maruti Suzuki, being their largest, most technologically advanced, and most expensive offering to date.
This comprehensive review delves into what makes the Invicto a game-changer for both the company and the Indian premium vehicle market.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto A Strategic Move into Premium Territory
The Invicto is a product of the Toyota-Maruti Suzuki joint venture, essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross but with distinctive styling elements that give it a unique identity.
This strategic collaboration allows Maruti to enter the premium MPV segment without the enormous investment typically required for research and development.
For a brand traditionally associated with affordable hatchbacks and compact cars, the Invicto, priced between Rs. 25.51 lakh and Rs. 29.22 lakh (ex-showroom), represents a dramatic shift in positioning.
The rationale behind this move is straightforward – Maruti Suzuki aims to fill a significant gap in their product lineup while establishing a foothold in the premium segment where they previously had no presence.
This upmarket move aligns with changing consumer preferences in India, where buyers are increasingly willing to pay more for vehicles that offer superior comfort, technology, and prestige.
Distinctive Design with a Premium Edge
At first glance, the Invicto commands attention with its imposing presence. Measuring 4,755mm in length, 1,850mm in width, and 1,795mm in height, it stands as one of the largest vehicles in Maruti’s portfolio.
The design language skillfully blends SUV and MPV elements, creating a vehicle with universal appeal that can confidently hold its own against competitors in the same price bracket.
The front facade features a wide grille adorned with two distinctive chrome slats that flow seamlessly into the headlights, giving the vehicle a confident stance. The NEXTre’ LED headlamps incorporate Maruti’s signature three-block daytime running lights, distinguishing it from its Toyota counterpart.
Other exterior highlights include precision-cut alloy wheels (though the 17-inch size appears somewhat small for the vehicle’s proportions), a shark-fin antenna, and stylishly designed LED taillights.
While the Invicto shares its foundational design with the Innova Hycross, Maruti has implemented subtle yet effective changes to create a unique identity.
The front bumper has been redesigned, and the lighting signature has been modified to align with Maruti’s Nexa range aesthetic. These modifications, though minimal, successfully differentiate the Invicto while maintaining the handsome proportions of the original design.
Sophisticated Interior with Premium Amenities
Step inside the Invicto, and you’re greeted by a cabin that challenges preconceived notions about Maruti interiors. The dashboard layout, while similar to the Hycross, features a different color scheme that enhances the premium feel.
The use of soft-touch materials, leatherette upholstery, and thoughtful design elements creates an ambiance that justifies the vehicle’s price point.
The Invicto is available in both 7-seater and 8-seater configurations, with the former featuring captain seats in the second row for enhanced comfort. The large panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy and spacious atmosphere.
Front seats come with ventilation, while the driver’s seat offers 8-way power adjustment with memory function – features previously unseen in a Maruti product.
In terms of convenience, the Invicto doesn’t disappoint. It comes equipped with a powered tailgate, auto-folding ORVMs, push-button start/stop, dual-zone climate control, and a separate climate control zone for second and third-row occupants.
The generous dimensions translate into ample space across all three rows, making it a practical choice for large families or those who frequently travel with multiple passengers.
Technology and Connectivity
The technological suite in the Invicto includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. While functional, some reviewers have noted that the screen lacks contrast and responsiveness compared to expectations at this price point.
The system is paired with a 6-speaker audio setup, which, though adequate, falls short of the 9-speaker JBL audio system offered in the equivalent Innova Hycross variant.
Other tech features include a 7-inch multi-information display, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera (another first for a Maruti vehicle), and Suzuki Connect – the brand’s connected car technology suite. This integration allows for remote vehicle monitoring, geofencing, and various safety alerts through a smartphone application.
Powertrain: Embracing Hybrid Technology
The Invicto comes exclusively with Toyota’s strong hybrid technology, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its segment. The powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor.
The internal combustion engine produces 172bhp and 188Nm of torque, while the electric motor contributes an additional 11bhp and 206Nm of torque, resulting in a combined output of approximately 186PS.
Power is transmitted to the front wheels through an e-CVT (electronic Continuously Variable Transmission) system, which contributes to the vehicle’s impressive ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 23.24 kmpl – a standout figure for a vehicle of this size and segment.
The hybrid system intelligently switches between pure electric, petrol, and hybrid modes depending on driving conditions, optimizing both performance and efficiency.
The decision to offer only the hybrid variant (unlike Toyota, which also offers a non-hybrid version of the Hycross) underscores Maruti’s focus on fuel economy, a brand value they’ve consistently championed.
This approach may limit the vehicle’s appeal among traditional diesel MPV buyers but positions it well for an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
Safety Features and Build Quality
Safety has been given due consideration in the Invicto, with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors offered as standard across all variants.
The top-spec Alpha+ variant adds further safety enhancements like a tire pressure monitoring system and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality.
However, unlike the Hycross, the Invicto does not offer Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which might be considered a significant omission at this price point.
Maruti insiders have indicated that this technology might be introduced in future updates, acknowledging that there’s room for improvement in this area.
The overall build quality is robust, with the vehicle exhibiting good structural integrity and a solid feel on the road. Some interior plastics, particularly in lower touchpoints, have been critiqued as not being fully in line with the premium positioning, but the overall impression remains positive, especially for a first foray into this segment.
Variants and Pricing Strategy
The Invicto is offered in just two trim levels – Zeta+ and Alpha+ – with the former available in both 7-seater and 8-seater configurations, while the Alpha+ comes exclusively as a 7-seater. This simplified lineup contrasts with Toyota’s more extensive variant strategy for the Hycross.
Pricing starts at Rs. 25.51 lakh for the Zeta+ 8-seater variant and goes up to Rs. 29.22 lakh for the top-spec Alpha+ variant (ex-showroom). While not inexpensive by any measure, the Invicto manages to undercut equivalent hybrid variants of the Innova Hycross, making it a more accessible entry point into the premium hybrid MPV segment.
The waiting period for the Invicto, currently around 2-3 months depending on the variant and location, is significantly shorter than the 10-month to 2-year wait reported for the Hycross hybrid variants. This availability advantage could prove decisive for buyers unwilling to endure the extended waiting period for the Toyota counterpart.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Invicto enters a competitive landscape, primarily facing off against its sibling, the Toyota Innova Hycross. Beyond this direct comparison, it also competes with vehicles like the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and to some extent, the Kia Carens, although it is positioned at a notably higher price point than most of these competitors.
What sets the Invicto apart in this segment is its hybrid powertrain, which offers superior fuel efficiency without compromising on power or refinement.
This unique selling proposition, combined with Maruti’s extensive service network and reputation for reliability, creates a compelling value proposition for buyers looking for a premium family mover with reduced running costs.
The decision to offer the vehicle exclusively through Maruti’s premium Nexa dealership network reinforces its upmarket positioning and ensures that the customer experience matches the expectations set by the product’s price point.
Color Options and Aesthetics
The Invicto is available in five color options – Nexa Blue, Stellar Bronze, Majestic Silver, Mystic White, and Magnificent Black. The Nexa Blue, in particular, is distinctive to the Maruti version and helps further differentiate it from the Hycross in the visual domain.
The color palette has been carefully selected to appeal to the premium buyer while maintaining the dignified presence expected of a vehicle in this segment.
Ownership Experience and After-Sales Support
One of the significant advantages the Invicto brings to the table is access to Maruti Suzuki’s unparalleled service network. With over 4,000 service centers across India, maintenance and support are easily accessible regardless of location – a factor that can significantly influence purchase decisions, especially for a premium offering.
The company’s reputation for affordable spare parts and maintenance costs also extends to the Invicto, potentially offering a lower total cost of ownership compared to its competitors over the vehicle’s lifetime. This value proposition becomes even more attractive when combined with the fuel savings provided by the hybrid powertrain.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto represents more than just a new product; it symbolizes the evolution of India’s largest carmaker as it adapts to changing market dynamics and consumer preferences.
By venturing into the premium segment with a technologically advanced hybrid MPV, Maruti has demonstrated its willingness to step outside its comfort zone and challenge established perceptions about the brand.
While the Invicto isn’t without its shortcomings – the absence of ADAS features, some interior material choices, and the screen quality have been points of criticism – these are overshadowed by its strengths: spacious and comfortable interior, refined hybrid powertrain, impressive fuel efficiency, and the backing of India’s most trusted automotive brand.
For families seeking a premium, spacious, and efficient vehicle that combines the practicality of an MPV with near-SUV road presence, the Invicto makes a compelling case.
It may be the most expensive Maruti ever, but it delivers the goods where it matters most. The Rs. 30 lakh Maruti, as some have dubbed it, has indeed proven itself worthy of consideration in a segment where the brand previously had no presence.
As Maruti Suzuki continues its journey upmarket, the Invicto stands as a testament to the company’s adaptability and vision – a blueprint for future premium offerings that stay true to the brand’s core values while breaking new ground in terms of luxury, technology, and customer experience.