Maruti flagship MPV to be christened Invicto

Maruti Suzuki's upcoming all-new MPV will be called the 'Invicto', as per the carmaker's latest BSE filing. The Invicto will launch on July 5, and, as we've reported before, will be based on the Innova Hycross and will be manufactured and supplied by Toyota. It will be Maruti's new flagship model in our market, sitting at the top of the carmaker's line-up.

1. Invicto will be the first automatic-only Maruti
2. Will come with multiple seating options
3. Will be a tech-laden, low-volume product

Maruti Invicto MPV: what do we know so far?

Spy pictures of the Maruti Invicto have already surfaced online, giving us a look at the Innova Hycross' sibling ahead of its launch next month. In order to differentiate it from its Toyota counterpart, the Maruti Invicto gets brand-specific styling tweaks that include a new front bumper and grille, new headlamps and tail-lamp inserts, and a unique alloy wheel design. On the inside, expect minor tweaks to the upholstery and features list.

Maruti had said earlier that the Invicto will be a low-volume product for the brand, essentially showcasing “carbon-friendly hybrid tech”. Also, going by the long waiting period for the Innova Hycross, it will be interesting to see how Toyota allocates units for Maruti as both the Innova Hycross and the Invicto will be built on the same manufacturing line. Toyota, however, has recently added a third shift at its facility in order to clear the order backlog.

Maruti Invicto MPV powertrain, fuel efficiency

Maruti Suzuki will be offering the same powertrain options on the Invicto as the Toyota Innova Hycross. Higher variants will, of course, get the 183hp, 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain, which should translate to Innova Hycross' levels of fuel economy – 13-16kpl in the real world. Maruti is also expected to offer the 173hp, 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a CVT gearbox.

The Invicto is expected to have the same seven- and eight-seater configuration as the Innova Hycross. Upon launch next month, the Invicto will find itself in the premium MPV segment alongside the Hycross, with the Kia Carnival positioned a little higher.

Image source