Should you buy the Maruti Invicto ? - Review

 

Maruti Suzuki has recently launched their new premium MPV, Maruti Invicto in India with price ranging between Rs 24.79 Lakh to Rs 28.42 Lakh (Ex-Showroom). Maruti Suzuki Invicto is based on the Toyota Innova Hycross. In this article we will find whether you should buy the Invicto or not

 

Design

 

Design wise Maruti Invicto is almost exactly the same as the Toyota Innova Hycross, though there are some minor differentiations like the grille is different with Suzuki logo, the design of the bumpers are different which looks similiar to the Nexa signature design. The headlights are similiar to the Hycross but again it gets 3 block DRLs which is again a part of NEXA signature design which also implies on the rear tail lights too.

 

 

Comfort & Space

 

Well, Maruti Suzuki Invicto and the Toyota Innova Hycross are surely the most comfortable and spacious cars in the segment, Invicto is offered with a 7 seater and a 8 seater configuration options and the space at the second row is exceptional, the seats are have a comfortable bolstering and are have good under thigh support too, definitely it will make longer journeys super comfortable. However, what is missing is the powered legrest which is available in the top spec variant of the Innova Hycross.

 

At the 3rd row, you can't really complain about the space, their is decent leg room and headroom comparing to other competitors in the segment and will never be a problem for shorter journeys atleast. However, taller occupants might find some problem at the third row but for most of us it will work like a charm.

 

Practicality

 

The Maruti Suzuki Invicto have you covered with all the storage spaces like cup holders, bottle holders, impressive luggage room, dashboard compartments. With last row in place, there is ample room for you to keep cabin luggage and small bags. The wide opening of the boot makes easy for you to load and unload the luggages and the 50:50 split seats opens a huge cargo room for you to keep more and larger luggages and even a cycle can fit like a charm. 

So, Practicality wise it is one of the most practical MPV in the segment. 

 

Engine & Performance

 

As the Maruti Invicto is based on the Toyota Innova Hycross, it is powered by the same Strong Hybrid powertrain which is a 1987cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine and a 113 HP AC synchronous electric motor that is powered by the self charging nickel metal hydride battery which gives a combined max power of 186 hp and is powered by E-CVT Gearbox.

 

It is started in the EV mode and keep on running on EV mode on slow going traffic which is also depends on the gentle throttle input. As soon as you push the throttle and little more harder then it switched to the Hybrid mode which means then the power is delivered to the wheels by engine and electric motor. Low-end performance is very good and even at the speeds of 40-50 you can easily overtake because this hybrid system gives you a surge of power but if you mash down the acclerator even more harder than the engine starts creating noise and feels strained. There are three drive modes on offer, the ECO mode, Normal Mode and the Power mode. All the modes handles the throttle inputs. The e-cvt gearbox in our testing feels super smooth and there are paddle shifters which is divided in six ratios to play with it.

In our testing the vehicle delivered fuel efficiency around 15-16 Km/L which included highways and city driving. So, Performance wise we don't have any complaint for the Maruti Invicto

 

Ride & Handling

 

Maruti Invicto is a large vehicle and being a MPV most of you think that it is not dynamic to drive but we will solve your myths. Maruti Invicto is a very easy to drive vehicle with a very smooth and super responsive steering. From Maruti Standards, it is one of the best steering. How perfectly it gains weight in high speed and how smooth it is in super tight areas. The ride comfort also gets a thumbs up from our side. The suspensions are firm and feels very planted on high speeds. However, there is body roll but it is very controlled. However, The Invicto is offered with a 17'' wheels which can be better if it was 18'' like the Innova Hycross. Bump absorbption is commendable and there is no unpleasant noise to hear from the suspension.

 

Overall ride & handling in our test got a thumbs up for the Maruti Suzuki Invicto.

 

Improvements

 

There is surely scopes of improvements like we did not like the quality of infotainment system which has been provided in the Invicto, the Smartplay Magnum+ isn't the one that should be in this segment. Maruti's Smartplay Pro + is also a better infotainment than this. The screen resolution and the crispness was not good and the sound quality was also average.

 

In some areas, the plastic quality can be of better quality like around the infotainment. Also, Maruti Suzuki should have been opted for the 18'' Alloys which looks more beautiful and would have enhance the looks of Invicto.

 

Conclusion

 

So, We called Maruti Invicto the boss of MPVs ofcourse after the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Invicto ticked all the boxes of an individual who is wanting a comfortable yet practical car in this segment, with such good mileage and easy to drive dynamics this MPV really gets recommended from our side. As it will be sold from the Nexa Channels we definitely hope that the Sales & after sales experience will be commendable. If you're planning for Toyota Innova Hycross and because of huge waiting periods you are getting disappointed, you can surely go for the Maruti Invicto also if you want a wider service area network then you can also go for the Maruti Invicto.