Maruti Invicto : With the arrival of the Maruti Invicto, the country’s largest carmaker has made forays into a segment where it has seldom explored – premium MPVs.

Built on the Toyota Innova Hycross platform, the Invicto is an eco-friendly offering with strong design lines, and the backing of Maruti’s extensive service network, offering an alternative to popular nameplates.

Touted as Maruti Suzuki’s new flagship, the Invicto is not just another badged car, but a declaration of intent from a budget brand that’s now playing in the premium space.

Aggressive SUV-inspired MPV Styling

Aggressive Design Language The Maruti Invicto will get an understating illuminating like the new MPV.

Among other elements, while the face retains the family look of the Innova Hycross, the Invicto sports a more SUV-like look with its characteristic front grille, signature Nexa LED DRLs, and an updated bumper.

The use of chrome is kept to a minimum to maintain a clean, classic look.

The car stands on 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and for an MPV is tall and looks good; it not only gets roof rails but the sharp lines around the body give it a better stance than other MPVs.

It’s sold exclusively from Maruti’s Nexa chain of showrooms, which underlines the premium positioning.

Cabin is Roomy and Loaded with Features

Walk inside, and the Invicto welcomes you with an opulent and generous interior.

The dash design is reminiscent of the Innova Hycross but with Maruti’s own touches and materials.

It looks sleek with its black and champagne-gold colour scheme.

This premium feel is further heightened by dual-tone leatherette upholstery, soft-touch surfaces and ambient lighting.

The 3-row MPV comes in both 7 and 8-seater configurations and this makes it suitable for large families or owners whose preference is to be driven around.

It comes equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, powered front seats, ventilated seats, rear sunshades, automatic climate control, and wireless phone charging.

The combination of that panoramic sunroof with the already open-air feeling of the cabin, particularly for second-row passengers, makes this setup work just fine for everyone seated inside.

Across all three rows there is plenty of space, and even adult passengers can make use of the third row on shorter trips.

Hybridized, Efficient Performance Powertrain

Under the bonnet, the Invicto is propelled by a 2.0-litre strong hybrid petrol engine which delivers 186 PS.

The power is transmitted to the front wheels through an e-CVT gearbox; and then comes an impressive ARAI figure of 23.24 km/l, which for a car of this size is fantastic.

The plug-in powertrain is capable of automatically switching between pure EV, petrol and combined modes, depending on driving conditions.

Result is relaxed and quiet urban driving with sufficient performance for open highway work.

Although there’s no diesel or turbo-petrol available, the hybrid is a smooth, quiet and adept in fuel saving and over-the-road comfort.

Ride Comfort and Handling

Ridiculously nimble for something of its bulk, the Invicto is based off monocoque construction, so it drives more like a car. The suspension is comfort-biased and it keeps the cabin settled over patchy roads.

It skates over undulations and is ideal for long distance travel.

The steering is certainly light around town, but adds enough weight at pace to make for secure cruising.

The Invicto is surprisingly easy to drive given its size due to the high seating position and good visibility.

Bajaj CT 125x – Affordable price bike launched with dhakad mileage

Safety Package

In terms of safety, the Invicto gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Assist, rear parking camera, and ISOFIX mounts.

But, it doesn’t have ADAS functionalities of the Toyota edition and that could be a turn-off for tech-aware buyers.

Pros

The available 3.6L V6 engine features TWIN VORTEC performance with 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torqueFN FN FN.

Large 3-row interior with high-end materials

Fully equipped with latest technology and comfort feature

Reasonably smooth and quiet ride

Supported by Maruti Suzuki’s widespread service network

Cons

No diesel or turbo-petrol engine on offer

Doesn’t offer ADAS tech available in competitors

It bears a striking resemblance to the Innova Hycross

It is more expensive than other regular Maruti cars.

Limited variant options

Maruti Invicto: Verdict

The Maruti Invicto represents a new beginning for the firm. It’s premium, it’s pragmatic and it’s efficient, providing everything a contemporary family could ever want in a 3-row MPV.

Not thrilling, maybe, but satisfying in the areas that are important, like space, fuel economy, serenity and peace of mind.

Sensible buyers will go for the Invicto, the premium MPV that is easy to run and comes with Maruti’s strong after-sales support.