The year 2023 has been quite eventful for Maruti Suzuki India, as the Indo-Japanese carmaker seems to be on a launch spree. And so far, all of them have come from the Nexa brand. First, it was the all-new Fronx, then came the Jimny 5-door 4x4 SUV, and more recently the company launched its flagship model – the Maruti Suzuki Invicto MPV. It’s the most premium and most expensive model from Maruti Suzuki India and we recently got a chance to spend a day with the new Invicto MPV.
Maruti’s new flagship comes with several features that make it worthy of that title, at the same time, it also misses out on certain features that we think should have been included in a model like this. So, the question is, should you be spending around Rs. 30 lakh to add this Maruti Suzuki to your garage? Let’s find out.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Invicto MPV Launched In India
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto comes with several visual updates that sets it apart from the Hycross
Now, unless you have been sitting under a rock for the past several months, you must know that the Invicto is based on the Toyota Innova Hycross that was launched last year. In fact, it is a rebadged version of the same car. However, Maruti Suzuki has gone the extra mile to visually distinguish the MPV from its Toyota counterpart.
Updates include the signature Nexa look thanks to the chrome grille, three-dot LED DRLs and piano black accents
Starting with the facia, the Invicto comes with the signature Nexa face, highlighted by the new glossy black grille with loads of chrome details, including the twin chrome slats that connect the two headlamps. It’s a bit too much chrome for my liking, but at least it’s tastefully done. The LED headlamps too have been updated and now come with three-dot LED DRLs, which again is a Nexa signature that we have seen in other models like the Baleno, Fronx and Grand Vitara. The bumper too comes with new glossy black elements that add a nice finish to the overall look.
The Invicto gets a set of 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, which are a size smaller than what the Hycross gets
Another major change on the outside is the addition of a set of new 17-inch dual-tone precision-cut alloy wheels, which are a size smaller than what you get on the Innova Hycross. That being said, Maruti has gone for a set of larger 215/60 profile tyres here which are perfectly sized for the wheel arches and look well-proportioned. However, they have made an impact on the ride quality of the MPV, but more on that later.
The taillamps too have been updated and come with matching tri-LED signature lights
As for the rear section, the taillamps too have been updated and come with matching tri-LED signature lights. The rest of the car, however, both in terms of design and dimensions, remains identical to the Innova Hycross. Maruti Suzuki India also offers a tonne of accessories like chrome inserts and faux skid plates, which can be used to further add a premium look to the Invicto.
The only visual change inside the cabin is the addition of the new champagne gold inserts
Step inside and you’ll notice that the cabin is not really any different when compared to the Hycross. In fact, the design and layout largely remain unchanged; what is new though, are the stylings accents. In the Invicto, you get champagne gold inserts in the dashboard and door panels instead of the silver ones on the Hycross. The rest of the cabin pretty much looks the same.
Both the driver and front passenger get ventilated seats, the former also gets an electrically adjustable seat with memory function
Of course, this being the company’s flagship car, you do get to see premium fit and finish, with a soft touch material all around. The seats are upholstered in faux leather, while the driver and front passenger get ventilated seats. Additionally, the driver also gets an electrically adjustable seat with a 2-step memory function, which is a first for a Nexa model. You also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, up to 3 type C USB ports, a 12V power socket, dual-zone climate control, and adjustable headrests for all occupants. The Invicto also comes with a panoramic sunroof.
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto also comes with a panoramic sunroof, one of its big highlights
The company does offer the option of both a 7-seater as well as an 8-seater layout with the former featuring captain seats in the middle row. However, that option is only available for the Zeta+ variant, whereas this Alpha+ variant, which is the top-end model gets the captain seats as standard. They offer good under-thigh support, and thanks to the sliding function you can get optimum legroom as well. Both seats come with individual armrests, a retractable centre tray with cup holders, and sunshades.
The Invicto offers a luggage capacity of 239 litres, which can be expanded to 690 litres with the 3rd row down
What you do not get are the powered ottoman seats that are offered in the Hycross, you do not get them in this car, which should have been a very good feature to have for a flagship like the Invicto. As for the third row, they come with a 50:50 split function and are suitable only for kids. Whereas, in terms of boot space, even with all seats up, the Invicto offers a luggage capacity of 239 litres, which simply by folding down the third row can be expanded to 690 litres.
The Invicto is equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display that is loaded with SmartPlay Magnum+ infotainment system. However, like Hycross, here too the touchscreen unit is not very responsive and does have some latency issues. However, the unit gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Now, if you are an iPhone user you will get wireless functionality, but Android phone users will need a data cable to use Android Auto. Why the discrimination Maruti?
The Invicto gets a 10.1-inch display with SmartPlay, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay
Anyway, the system does offer a bunch of connectivity suits like vehicle tracking, geofencing, and for the first time, emergency call or eCall function as part of the Suzuki Connect App.
The Invicto also comes with a part analogue part digital instrument cluster, which is loaded with a 7-inch colour TFT display. The unit offers a tonne of vehicle information like drive modes, tyre pressure indicator, gear position, and other warning and alert notifications. While Maruti does not offer a wireless charger or air purifier as standard, you can add them as an accessory, along with ambient lights.
Maruti Suzuki India is offering front and reverse parking sensors, 360 view cameras and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
With regards to safety, the Invicto is loaded with features like 6 airbags, an anti-locking braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control with hill start assist, seat belt reminder (for all occupants), and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki India is also offering front and reverse parking sensors, 360 view cameras and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System among others. However, what you do not get are the Advanced Drive Assistant Systems or ADAS functionalities that are offered in the top-spec Innova Hycross.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Invicto vs Rivals: Specifications Comparison
The Invicto is only offered with the strong hybrid powertrain option
Unlike the Innova Hycross, the Invicto is only offered in the strong hybrid option, which means there is no regular petrol engine on offer. Under the hood, you get the same 2.0-litre petrol engine that is paired with a 201.6-Volt AC Synchronous electric motor. The combined output of the powertrain stands at 184 bhp that’s produced at 6000 rpm. At the same time, the engine develops a peak torque of 188 Nm at 4400-5200 rpm, while the electric motor offers an additional boost of 206 Nm, which come in for a short duration, offering that additional boost when required.
The Invicto offers a combined power output of 184 bhp, while the engine torque stands at 188 Nm
The powertrain is paired with an electronically controlled Continuous Variable Transmission or e-CVT unit as standard. The unit does its job well, and you also get paddle shifters to shift between the three modes – Eco, Normal, and Power, which allows seamless transition between the engine, hybrid and electric drive modes.
The MPV gets an e-CVT unit as standard which is efficient and does its job well
Overall, the performance is pretty much what I had expected and there is no change in that area. The powertrain develops a good amount of power and torque to pull this mammoth of an MPV, but if I had to nitpick, I would say the engine does its job well, but it’s not very engaging. And that’s a complaint I had with the Hycross as well.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Invicto Racks Up Over 6,200 Bookings Before Launch
In terms of ride quality, the Invicto’s suspension is a bit on the softer side, which allows it to take on all the undulations on the road with great ease. Additionally, the fatter rubber aids in making the ride a bit more supple, but on the flip side, the tyre noise has increased. Possibly a result of the new, large profile tyres. So yes, there is room for improvement with regard to the NVH levels of the MPV.
The Invicto's ride quality is nice and supple and it takes on all the undulations on the road with ease
However, in the handling department, things are quite good. The steering is light, which means manoeuvring this close to a 4.7-metre-long MPV in city traffic will be that much easier. Yes, there is a noticeable amount of body roll, but despite that the Invicto feels very stable and the vehicle reacts to the steering inputs quite nicely.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Invicto vs Toyota Innova Hycross: Differences Explained
If you can live without ADAS and a few other creature comforts, the Invicto certainly offers good value
Priced between Rs. 24.79 lakh and Rs. 28.42 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) the new Invicto MPV is certainly the most expensive Maruti Suzuki product so far, with its on-road prices crossing the Rs. 30 lakh milestone. However, considering the fact that it is only offered in the higher-spec Zeta+ and Alpha+ trims, the Invicto manages to undercut the top-spec Innova Hycross, its only direct rival in the segment, by close to Rs. 2 lakh. However, that comes at the cost of lesser features and tech. In a nutshell, the Maruti Suzuki Invicto is certainly a capable, and well-equipped product. And if you can live without ADAS and a few other creature comforts, it certainly offers better value.
Photos: Arvind Salhan
