The upcoming Maruti Suzuki Invicto MPV will be the brand’s new flagship and, as we've reported before, it is likely to be launched only as a hybrid, which means prices will be well north of Rs 20 lakh. However, contrary to what was expected so far, the Invicto is likely to not be offered with the ADAS suite that comes on the Innova Hycross.
This is unlike any other badge-engineered product between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki before where sibling models have mimicked the equipment list, even if not correspondingly on equivalent trims.
- Maruti Invicto to miss out on ADAS features
- Other high-end features could also be skipped
- Price announcement is slated for July 5
Maruti to skip ADAS for price competitiveness?
Our sources tell us that the Maruti is looking to axe certain ADAS features on the Invicto, or even the complete package altogether, given its high cost but lower perceived utility and value. Even though Maruti is treading new grounds in terms of price, the company is still keen to keep costs in check and not completely throw away the value proposition that is associated with the brand.
Being based on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform and also using their 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, the Invicto, spec-to-spec, would have commanded a price premium over an equivalent Innova Hycross. However, with a lower top-end sticker price, the Invicto is likely not to appear as expensive a proposition.
In addition, a few other high-end convenience features could also be dropped to achieve a competitive price positioning. These could perhaps include features such as the JBL-branded sound system, memory function for the driver’s seat or even the powered tailgate.
Maruti Invicto expected price, variant details
As mentioned above, the Invicto will be offered with a single powertrain – a 183hp, 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine coupled with an electric motor that comes mated to an e-CVT gearbox. But while the Invicto’s booking portal is currently accepting orders for just a single, fully-loaded Alpha Plus trim in a 7-seater configuration, and only in one colour, the webpage is understood to be still under development.
Maruti is very likely to introduce a couple of more trims, certainly more colours, and both 7- and 8-seater configurations as well. As for its expected price, for reference, the strong-hybrid variants of the Innova Hycross are priced between Rs 25.03 lakh-29.35 lakh (ex-showroom), barring the top-spec ZX(O) trim, which exclusively gets the ADAS suite at Rs 29.99 lakh. The Maruti Invicto can be expected to undercut this top-end price.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
