Maruti Suzuki Introduces Invicto Premium Hybrid MUV, Starting at an Impressive Rs 24.79 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki has introduced the Invicto hybrid MUV, a rebadged version of Toyota’s premium people-mover, the Toyota Innova Hycross. The Invicto will be sold through Maruti’s Nexa showrooms across India. As the eighth product in the Nexa lineup, the Invicto is priced at Rs 24.79 lakh (ex-showroom) and features a seven-seat configuration.
Powered by a hybrid powertrain combining petrol and electric capabilities, the Invicto boasts a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.24 kmpl. This aligns with Maruti Suzuki’s emphasis on fuel efficiency, which has been a distinguishing factor across its product range. With the Invicto, Maruti aims to offer customers a premium MUV option within its Nexa portfolio.
By leveraging the concept of badge engineering, Maruti Suzuki can tap into the popularity and success of the Toyota Innova Hycross while maintaining its own brand identity and catering to the specific needs and preferences of Indian customers.
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto shares its mechanical components with the Toyota Innova Hycross. It is equipped with a 2-liter petrol engine (1987 cc) that is coupled with an electric motor and an eCVT drivetrain. The hybrid powertrain delivers a combined power output of 184 bhp and 188 Nm of torque. Manufacturing of the Invicto will take place at Toyota’s facility located in Bidadi, near Bengaluru, Karnataka.
To set the Maruti Suzuki Invicto apart from the Toyota Innova Hycross, the vehicle has undergone minor cosmetic updates. These include changes to the grille, bumper profile, and lamp clusters. Additionally, the Invicto features Suzuki badging, distinguishing it as a Maruti Suzuki product. These subtle visual modifications help create a distinct identity for the Invicto while maintaining its mechanical similarities with the Innova Hycross.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto features
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto boasts an array of features, positioning it as the brand’s most premium offering. Among its notable features is dual-zone climate control, allowing passengers to customize their comfort settings. The Invicto also includes a powered driver’s seat, providing enhanced convenience and adjustability for the driver.
Furthermore, a panoramic sunroof adds to the overall spacious and airy feel of the vehicle. The presence of a 10-inch infotainment system, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensures seamless connectivity and access to a wide range of entertainment and navigation options. These features contribute to an elevated driving experience for Invicto owners.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto specifications
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto stands out as the brand’s largest product to date in terms of size. Its dimensions include a length of 4,755 mm, a width of 1,845 mm, and a height of 1,790 mm, accompanied by a spacious wheelbase of 2,850 mm. Notably, it is also the heaviest vehicle in the Maruti Suzuki lineup, weighing over 1.9 tons in curb weight.
The Invicto is equipped with a 52-litre fuel tank to accommodate the petrol engine, while the hybrid system incorporates a Ni-MH 168-cell battery. The vehicle’s substantial presence is further accentuated by its 18-inch wheels fitted with 255/50 R18 tires, contributing to its commanding stance on the road.
The Toyota Suzuki partnership
Toyota and Suzuki have established a global partnership that involves the exchange and supply of vehicles between the two companies. This collaboration capitalizes on their strengths, with Toyota’s expertise in hybrid-electric powertrains and Suzuki’s leadership in compact vehicles. As part of this partnership, Toyota has been selling re-badged Maruti Suzuki vehicles in the Indian market. For instance, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback has been marketed as the Toyota Glanza, while the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is sold as the Toyota Urban Cruiser. These vehicles undergo minor cosmetic changes to differentiate them, but they are manufactured by Maruti Suzuki and supplied to Toyota, creating a badge-engineering arrangement.
This strategic collaboration allows both companies to leverage their respective capabilities and offer a wider range of vehicles to customers in the Indian market. It enables Toyota to expand its product portfolio with popular Maruti Suzuki models, while Maruti Suzuki benefits from Toyota’s hybrid technology and global presence. The partnership aims to enhance competitiveness, increase efficiency, and meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers through shared resources and expertise.
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder showcase a higher level of differentiation compared to the badge-engineered models. In these vehicles, the body shell is manufactured by Maruti Suzuki, but there are notable differences in the powertrain components.
In the hybrid versions of the Grand Vitara and Hyryder, the engine and drivetrain are sourced from Toyota. This includes the hybrid system technology and related components, which are known for their efficiency and performance. On the other hand, in the non-hybrid versions, the engine is supplied by Maruti Suzuki.
By leveraging the strengths of both companies, this arrangement allows Maruti Suzuki to provide a platform and body structure for the vehicles while benefiting from Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology. This collaboration aims to offer customers a wider range of options, catering to different preferences and requirements in terms of engine performance and fuel efficiency.
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto marks a significant shift in the collaboration between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. Unlike previous badge-engineered models, where Maruti Suzuki manufactured the vehicles and supplied them to Toyota, the Invicto is the first product fully made by Toyota that will be rebadged and sold by Maruti Suzuki.
This partnership allows Maruti Suzuki to enter the premium MUV segment above Rs 20 lakh, expanding its product portfolio and catering to a wider range of customers. With the Invicto, Maruti Suzuki offers its most expensive product to date in India, surpassing the Suzuki Kizashi which was once its most premium offering around a decade ago.
By leveraging Toyota’s manufacturing capabilities and expertise, Maruti Suzuki aims to enhance its presence in the higher price segments and strengthen its position in the Indian market. This strategic collaboration enables both companies to benefit from each other’s strengths and deliver a diverse range of products to meet customer demands.
