Maruti Suzuki, a household name in India known for its affordability and fuel efficiency, has taken a bold step toward the premium segment with the Invicto. Launched on July 5, 2023, this new MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) marks a significant shift for the brand in price point, features, and overall positioning.
Let’s look into the details of the Invicto, the most expensive car of Maruti Suzuki till date, and explore what it signifies for Maruti Suzuki’s future.
A New Era for Maruti Suzuki
Traditionally, Maruti Suzuki has dominated the Indian car market with its budget-friendly hatchbacks and sedans. However, the Invicto breaks this custom with a starting price of ₹24.8 lakh, which positions it well above previous offerings. It is the most expensive car of Maruti Suzuki.
This strategic move caters to a growing segment of Indian car buyers seeking practicality, space, and premium features. Maruti isn’t entirely venturing into uncharted territory. The Invicto is a badge-engineered version of the Toyota Innova Crysta, utilizing Toyota’s expertise in the premium MPV segment.
This collaboration allows Maruti Suzuki to offer a high-quality product while keeping development costs in check.
What Makes the Invicto Special?
The Invicto boasts several features that elevate it from its usual offerings. Here’s a glimpse of what sets it apart:
Spacious Interior
The Invicto offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for large families and long journeys. The comfortable seating and thoughtful cabin layout ensure a pleasant driving experience for everyone on board.
Strong Hybrid Powertrain
A key highlight is Invicto’s 2.0-liter petrol engine combined with a solid hybrid system, resulting in impressive fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for cost-conscious Indian buyers even in the premium segment.
Comfort and Convenience
While it might not have the most luxurious feel compared to some rivals, it offers a good balance of functionality and comfort.
- Ventilated Seats: A welcome feature in hot climates, ventilated seats keep passengers cool on long journeys.
- Panoramic Sunroof: Enhances the feeling of spaciousness and provides a more airy cabin experience.
- Powered Tailgate: Offers effortless access to the cargo area, especially convenient when carrying groceries or luggage.
- Smartwatch Connectivity: Allows users to remotely control certain car functions like locking/unlocking doors or checking fuel levels through their smartwatch (if compatible).
- Suzuki Connect Telematics: Provides connected car features like real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing alerts, and emergency assistance.
- Multi-Zone Climate Control: Ensures individual comfort for passengers in different zones of the car.
- Wireless Phone Charging: Eliminates the need for cables and keeps your phone charged on the go.
- Ambient Lighting: Creates a relaxing and customizable atmosphere within the cabin.
Safety and Security
- 360-Degree Camera: Provides a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings, aiding parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors: Offer audible warnings to avoid obstacles while parking.
- Hill Hold Assist: Prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on an incline.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain control of the vehicle during sudden maneuvers or slippery road conditions.
- Six Airbags (Standard): Provides comprehensive protection for occupants in case of a collision.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages: Allows for safe and secure installation of child seats.
Technology and Entertainment
- 10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Large and responsive interface for accessing navigation, music, and other entertainment features.
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay: Seamlessly integrates your smartphone with the car’s infotainment system for hands-free calling, music streaming, and navigation.
- Heads-Up Display (HUD) (Optional): Projects important driving information like speed and navigation onto the windshield, minimizing distractions.
- Premium Sound System: Delivers a high-quality audio experience for passengers.
Based on recent updates, the Invicto sports a new grille with two chrome slats, reworked headlamps, and LED taillights. Other exterior features include new dual-tone alloy wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and a shark-fin antenna.
Target Audience and Competition
The Invicto targets a specific demographic: families and professionals who prioritize space, comfort, fuel efficiency, and Maruti Suzuki’s brand reliability while venturing into the premium segment for the first time.
The Invicto’s primary competitor is the Kia Carnival, another feature-rich MPV. While the Carnival might boast a more luxurious feel, the Invicto counters with Maruti Suzuki’s widespread service network and potentially lower maintenance costs.
What Do the Critics Say?
It’s important to acknowledge that some critics might argue that Invicto’s design lacks originality due to its shared platform with the Toyota Innova Crysta. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki will need to establish itself in the premium segment, where brand perception holds significant weight.
Concluding Thoughts
Despite these potential considerations, the Invicto’s arrival signifies a bold move for Maruti Suzuki. Its success will be closely monitored, as it has the potential to reshape the Indian premium MPV landscape and pave the way for Maruti Suzuki’s further exploration of this segment.
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