Maruti Suzuki Invicto: Maruti Suzuki, renowned for its value-laden hatchbacks and pragmatic sedans, ventured into unfamiliar territory with the Invicto, a premium MPV that seeks to combine style with space and smart hybrid tech.
it’s Maruti’s most expensive offering so far and even sports a badge that says it has the same genetic lineage as the Toyota Innova Hycross.
Based on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform, the Invicto is not an example of a badge-engineered rebadge — this is Maruti-Suzuki’s play for the well-heeled buyer who wants luxury, but swear by the practicality of a Maruti.
So does it justify the premium and does it feel like a styled up Maruti in an expensive jacket? Let’s take a deeper look.
Design: Bold, Yet Familiar
The Maruti Invicto gets its silhouette basis from the Hycross bored out of the Toyota Innova, but there are enough visual tweaks to make it look significantly different.
Up front, the grille features Maruti’s signature chrome slats that are neatly flanked by sharp LED headlamps and the reworked bumper. The posture is commanding and the body curves are smooth but muscul-ery.
The alloy wheels are uniquely designed and the rear gets a connected LED taillamps along with neat Invicto badging.
It’s obviously a re-skin of the Hycross, but it seems Maruti has done a good job of giving the MPV its own brand character.
Interior: Spacious and Smart
Step inside, and the Invicto welcomes you with an interior that feels upmarket and well thought out.
The dashboard is uncluttered, the materials are high-quality (with a smattering of hard plastics still there), and there’s a good amount of space in all three rows.
It’s available in both 7- and 8-seating configurations, so a family-friendly SUV.
The seats are broad and comfortable, the second-row captain chairs when fitted (in the seven-seater) add a touch of lounge chair comfort and the third row will accommodate adults comfortably enough for shorter journeys.
In terms of features, the Invicto gets a 10.1-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof to name a few.
It comes with connected car tech, USB-C ports in all rows and with all of the seats in place, generous boot space to boot.
Performance: Both Hybrid and City Comfort in One Ample Measure
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated with Toyota’s battle-proven hybrid tech.
The two produce a total output of about 184 hp and are linked to an e-CVT automatic transmission.
The true standout here is the fuel economy. Based on ARAI testing, the Invicto is claimed to deliver an approximate mileage of 23.24 km/l which makes it one of the most fuel efficient MPVs in its category.
The hybrid set up means the car silently runs in EV mode at low speeds and the switch from petrol to electric is seamless.
It’s not sporty but it is a smooth performer. It’s not designed for carving up corners and doesn’t pretend to be.
Highway confidence is impressive and, for its size, city driving is mostly stress free due to light steering and good visibility.
Safety and Tech
The Invicto gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. But, unlike the Hycross, it misses out on ADAS, and that’s a big miss at this price.
Build quality is fine though, and its platform has a good track record, in global safety tests.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
High-quality, spacious cabin configuration
Great fuel efficiency with hybrid technology
Excellent driving dynamics
Pros Loaded with technology and modern features
Maruti’s extensive service reach
Strong resale value expected
Cons:
No ADAS features
Same design as of Innova Hycross
No diesel option for high-mileage drivers
e-CVT isn’t conducive to spirited driving
A few of the cabin’s hard plastics
Maruti Suzuki Invicto: Final Verdict
Infosys’ Maruti Suzuki Invicto is certainly one of his costliest Marutis ever, but it’s also one of the company’s most comfortable and utilitarian vehicles.
The Tourer was the start, one of the shaper-looking MPVs in that era, and though it came in FWD only, it’s a complete package with hybrid power, acres of cabin space and family feature focuses to boot, it’s good value for premium MPV buyers who places comfort ahead of brand.
Purists can quibble about badge engineering, but the Invicto is just enough of an attempt at redundancy.
It gets you Toyota’s dependability, Maruti’s service network- and a no-nonsense approach that you can’t nitpick.
So, if you’re in the market for a rugged, capable and top-quality MPV for the long term, then the Invicto ticks all the right boxes.
