Maruti Suzuki is all set to start accepting bookings for its highly anticipated Invicto MPV from June 19, as confirmed by the automaker. This forthcoming vehicle, the Maruti Invicto, will be a sibling of the popular Toyota Innova Hycross, albeit with some distinctive features. It will also mark Maruti’s entry into the premium segment, with a price tag expected to exceed Rs 20 lakh. With this new addition, Maruti will expand its MPV lineup, which currently includes the Ertiga and XL6 models.
Maruti Invicto's Prices to be Announced in July
The official announcement of the Maruti Invicto’s prices is slated for July. This MPV will break the Rs 20 lakh barrier, becoming the first Maruti model to do so. The higher pricing is primarily attributed to Maruti’s obligation to pay royalty to Toyota for the collaboration.
Powertrain Options Anticipated to Remain Unaltered from Hycross
The powertrain options for the Maruti Invicto are likely to mirror those of the Toyota Innova Hycross. Therefore, customers can expect the same power and performance from the Invicto. This decision ensures that Maruti leverages the successful powertrain offerings of its sibling model.
Maruti Invicto's Positioning
Maruti is aiming to elevate its brand image with the launch of the Invicto. Shashank Srivastava, the executive director at Maruti Suzuki, has emphasized the growing overlap between the SUV and MPV segments in the Rs 20 lakh-plus price range. According to Srivastava, discerning buyers in this segment seek a premium three-row experience, blurring the lines between the two categories. He stated, “We have discovered that there is a segment for a premium, three-row vehicle buyer, and it seems to have strong cross-consideration. It appears to be a unified segment with similar requirements, purchasing motivations, and income brackets.”
Maruti Invicto Set to Command Premium Pricing Above Hycross
Similar to the production arrangement between Toyota and Maruti for the Grand Vitara, the new Invicto MPV will be manufactured and supplied to Maruti by Toyota. Based on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform and equipped with a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid powertrain, the Invicto will command a slight premium over the comparable Innova Hycross variant. Maruti will be required to pay Toyota a royalty for utilizing its powertrain technology. Furthermore, Maruti plans to retain both the 7-seater and 8-seater configurations for the Invicto, providing flexibility to potential buyers.
For reference, the petrol variants of the Innova Hycross are priced between Rs 18.55 lakh and Rs 19.45 lakh, while the strong hybrids range from Rs 25.03 lakh to Rs 29.99 lakh. It will be interesting to observe how Toyota manages production allocation between the Innova Hycross and the Invicto since both models will be manufactured on the same assembly line. Considering the existing waiting period of up to two years for certain strong-hybrid variants of the Hycross, the addition of the Invicto might further extend the waiting period.
Maruti Invicto Powertrain Options
Maruti has confirmed that the Invicto will be equipped with the same 183hp, 2.0-litre strong-hybrid powertrain found in the Hycross, paired with an e-CVT transmission. Additionally, it is expected that the entry-level trims will offer a 173hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine, coupled with a CVT transmission. Notably, the Invicto will be the first Maruti model to be exclusively available with automatic gearboxes. Spy shots of the Invicto have already surfaced, showcasing distinctive cosmetic enhancements that set it apart from its Toyota counterpart.
In conclusion, Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming Invicto MPV is generating significant anticipation among car enthusiasts. With its higher price range, powerful performance, and premium features, the Invicto aims to offer a distinct three-row vehicle experience. By partnering with Toyota and leveraging their successful powertrain technology, Maruti plans to position the Invicto as a worthy competitor in the competitive MPV market. The commencement of bookings on June 19 will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone for Maruti as it ventures into the premium segment.
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