Rs 30 lakh for a Maruti? The Toyota Innova Hycross-based Invicto sure makes a case to spend big.
In a line, the Invicto is Maruti Suzuki’s version of partner Toyota’s Innova Hycross. The two premium MPVs are identical under the skin but Maruti’s choice of powertrains and variants for the Invicto reflect the carmaker’s broader focus on fuel economy and premiumisation. To elaborate, the Invicto is only available with the high efficiency strong hybrid petrol powertrain (and not the standard petrol engine offered on the Toyota) and variants are limited to high and top-spec versions only. The Invicto range is priced at a very un-Maruti-like Rs 24.79- 28.42 lakh (ex-showroom) and in turn pushes the brand into an altogether new price bracket.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto design and styling
If you picture a small hatchback when you think Maruti Suzuki, you’ll be taken aback when you see the Invicto in the metal. Measuring 4,755mm length, 1,850mm width and 1,795mm height (identical to its Toyota twin), the Invicto is a large vehicle that stands out amidst other Marutis.
Thing is, you won’t establish the Invicto as a Maruti at first sight, particularly if you’re familiar with the Toyota Innova Hycross. Maruti’s version has the same handsome SUV-esque MPV design and visual differentiation is minimal, restricted to certain styling elements only. The Maruti’s grille, for instance, sports a different mesh and houses two chrome slats that flow into the headlights. The headlights, again, are similar but get three-block daytime running lamps which is a signature element on Maruti’s Nexa line of models. With photos of the Innova Hycross open for ready reference, you’ll also notice a slightly different front bumper and reprofiled tail lamps on the Invicto.
If anything, your eyes will lock on to the alloy wheels. While snazzy in look, the 17-inch rims appear small for a vehicle so large. There’s no version with 18-inch rims as offered on the top-spec Hycross. Maruti opted against larger rims in the interest of ride comfort.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto interior and quality
First impressions of the interior are no different to a Hycross’. It’s an airy space with a premium quotient. Maruti’s choice of black with champagne gold details give the interior some distinction to a similar spec Hycross’ that uses brown as the primary colour. The Invicto’s leatherette upholstery looks rich and the padded materials on the dash only further the appearance. However, as on the Hycross, there are also a few too many scratchy plastics in clear sight.
Drivers will like the large seats for comfort, visibility all around is really good and all essential controls and switches are in easy reach, including the gear lever that’s positioned high up. The dashboard doesn’t break new ground for design but it’s neat and user-friendly.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto space and comfort
Like the Hycross, the Invicto is offered in 8 seat and 7 seat configurations. While the former gets a bench seat middle row, the latter gets a pair of individual chairs. These captain’s seats are large and comfortable, and pack in backrest recline and there’s an adjustable armrest each too. What’s missing, sadly, is a powered legrest which is something you get on the top-spec Hycross.
Space-wise, you really can’t complain. It’s easy to strike a happy legroom compromise with the third row occupants, and on occasions when the last row isn’t occupied, the middle row seats can be slid a long way back to free up even more legroom. At full stretch, though, taller occupants might find their feet fouling with the battery casing under the front seats.
Access to the third row is convenient. The middle row seats slide far forwards to create a large aperture, and on seven seat versions you also have the option to squeeze through the passage between the captain’s chairs. Space at the very back is impressive as three row models go, with enough room for three average sized adults to sit in reasonable comfort. Tall passengers will find headroom limited, though.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto features and safety equipment
As mentioned, Maruti is offering the Invicto in high-spec Zeta+ and fully-loaded Alpha+ trims only. The feature list is long and includes many firsts for a Maruti, such as a powered driver’s seat with memory, dual zone climate control (with a dedicated zone for the rear section of the cabin), rear window sunshades and a powered tail gate. Other key features include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and a 360 degree camera. The cameras aren’t particularly high-res but are helpful nonetheless when guiding the Invicto into a tight spot.
The 10.1-inch touchscreen is also not great and actually feels a step down on Suzuki’s SmartPlay Pro+ unit that goes in lesser Marutis. The graphics are dull and the screen isn’t very responsive either. The unit does pack in Android Auto (wired) and Apple CarPlay (wireless), and comes paired to a 6 speaker audio system. A like-priced Hycross gets a 9 speaker JBL sound system.
In terms of safety equipment, the Invicto gets 6 airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, hill start assist and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard. However, there’s no ADAS or advanced driver assistance systems as offered on the Hycross. Maruti insiders have not ruled out the tech in the future but hinted there’s still much room for improvement.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto practicality
With bottleholders, cupholders and small bays aplenty, the Invicto has you covered in terms of space for knick knacks. Also impressive is luggage room. With the last row in place, there’s enough space for a couple of soft bags or cabin luggage. Folding the 50:50 split rear seats flat opens up cargo van levels of room. The wide opening makes it easy to load large items and the powered tailgate is a feature you’d be grateful for on mucky days.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto performance
The Maruti Invicto can only be had with a strong hybrid powertrain. The system comprises a 152hp, 1987cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine (again, the largest on a Maruti) and a 113hp AC synchronous electric motor that’s powered by a self charging nickel metal hydride battery. Combined max power is 186hp and drive goes to the front wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.
By default, the Invicto starts in electric mode and in easy-going traffic (read gentle throttle inputs) you can cover quite a distance before the engine needs to kick in to help replenish the battery pack. The silent progress in electric mode is easy to get used to as is the economy that it enables. Our road test of the Innova Hycross yielded 13.1kpl in the city (16.1kpl out on the highway) which is an impressive figure for a large MPV.
Pressing down slightly harder on the accelerator has the engine become the main source of propulsion and relegates the electric motor to a supporting role. Performance is pleasant and you’ll like the steady supply of power. There’s enough go for a quick overtake too but mashing down on the accelerator also makes the engine sound strained. Drive modes, namely Power, Normal and Eco help prep the Invicto for the driving conditions, and there are paddleshifters too to shuffle through the six steps of the e-CVT gearbox.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto ride and handling
For a vehicle this large, the Invicto is surprisingly easy to drive. The steering is easy to twirl at parking speeds and the relatively small turning circle only helps make the Invicto feel smaller than it is. Ride comfort also gets a thumbs up. Maruti’s decision to opt for 17-inch rims rather than larger 18-inchers manifests in a more rounded ride than that offered by a top-spec Hycross. Bump absorption is appreciable and the suspension also works quietly. There is quite a bit of road noise that makes its way into the cabin though.
High speed manners are also good with a satisfactory feel at the steering at all times and well controlled body movements. The Hycross turns diligently enough on a winding road and isn’t ruffled by bad sections of road taken at speed and it. That being said, the monocoque-bodied Invicto doesn’t offer that sense of invincibility like a ladder frame model would. Also, buyers in the hills might not take keenly to the front wheel drive layout.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto price and verdict
The Maruti Invicto ticks all the main boxes premium MPV buyers would be interested in. It’s got the size, the features, the comfort and rounds it all up with impressive fuel economy. Peace of mind ownership is another given. Then again, these are the very same highlights on an Innova Hycross. So how should you choose one over the other?
In a nutshell, the Maruti is marginally more affordable than comparable versions of the Innova Hycross but the Toyotas do pack in a crucial few more features too. Affinity to the respective brands, personal opinion on looks or even preference for interior colours are the other points that could swing buyers. However, given how similar the two products are, the smart way to go about the choice is to opt for the one with quicker delivery.
As with the Hycross, the Invicto isn’t perfect. Some plastics aren’t in line with the price tag and the lack of a diesel engine will keep it out of the radar of many buyers. In the bigger picture, the Invicto has a lot more going for it than against it, and makes for an easy vehicle to recommend.
The Rs 30 lakh Maruti is worth it.
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