Maruti Invicto is better than Toyota Innova Hycross. Discover How?

From the Global partnership of Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, Maruti launched it’s first MPV introduced as Invicto. It is a Maruti version of Toyota Innova Hycross. The two MPVs are basically the same, but the powertrains, variants, features and design, Maruti has chosen for the Invicto reflect the automaker's focus on fuel economy, cost-cutting and differentiation.

Exterior Design

If your mind pictures a small hatchback when you think of Maruti Suzuki, you will be surprised to see the Invicto in metal. At 4,755mm long, 1,850mm wide, and 1,795mm tall (the same as its Toyota twin), the Invicto is a big car that sets it apart from other Maruti models.

Maruti's version features the same sleek SUV-like MPV design as the Toyota Innova Hycross.

The truth is, you wouldn't immediately think the Invicto is a Maruti, especially if you know the Toyota Innova Hycross. Maruti's version features the same attractive SUV-like MPV design, except for minor differences limited to certain styles.

For example, the Maruti's grille has a distinctive mesh and houses two chrome strips that extend towards the headlights. The headlights are similar but feature triple-block daytime running lights, a signature of the Maruti Nexa model range.

If you open the photos of the Innova Hycross for reference, you will also notice that the front bumper and taillights are slightly different from the Invicto. If this happens, you will be blinded by the iron wheel.

While the exterior is stylish, the 17-inch wheels are a bit small for a large car. There is no version of the high-end Hycross with 18-inch wheels. For the ride, Maruti chose not to use larger wheels.

Interior & Comfort

Maruti Suzuki Invicto is no different from the Hycross. Airy and beautiful place. Maruti chose black with champagne details to distinguish the interior from the similarly featured Hycross, which uses brown as the main colour.

The Invicto's faux leather interior feels rich, and the padded material on the instrument panel only enhances the look. However, as with the Hycross, there are some plastic scratches that are very noticeable. The faux leather interior of the Invicto looks great.

Drivers will be within easy reach of a large, comfortable seat with excellent all-round visibility and all essential controls and switches, including a high-mounted Glass level. The dashboard does not spoil the new design, but it is neat and user-friendly.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto Width and Comfort is just like the Hycross, the Invicto is available in 8-seater and 7-seater configurations. These large and comfortable executive chairs are functional and each seat has adjustable armrests. Unfortunately missing is the electric leg support found on the high-end Hycross.

In terms of space, you really have nothing to complain about. It's easy to go with three rows of passengers with a satisfactory compromise of legroom, and when the last row is empty, the middle row seat will slide to provide more legroom. However, by extension, taller drivers may find their feet dirty when the battery is under the front seat. However, taller drivers will find the headroom limited.

Invicto Features & Safety

As mentioned earlier, Maruti offers the Invicto only with high-end Zeta+ and fully loaded Alpha+ hardware. The list of features is long and includes many Maruti firsts, such as power steering seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control (with dedicated zones under the cab), west window and power tailgate.

Other highlights include front seats, panoramic sunroof, headlights and a 360-degree camera. Cameras aren't a particularly great solution, but still useful when taking the Invicto into tight spaces.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen isn't the same, and it actually feels a little lower than the Suzuki SmartPlay Pro+ unit in the smaller Marutis. The graphics go black and the screen is very unresponsive. The unit comes with Android Auto (wired) and Apple CarPlay (wireless) and has a 6-speaker audio system. The similarly priced Hycross comes with a 9-speaker JBL sound system.

The large panoramic sunroom provides plenty of light. In terms of safety equipment, the Invicto comes standard with airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, hill assist and ISOFIX child seat. However, no ADAS or advanced driver assistance systems are offered in Hycross.

Maruti insiders didn't rule out the possibility of future technology, but hinted that there was still a lot of room for improvement.Invicto comes with a set of bottle holders, cup holders and child holders for you to enjoy your space for your accessories. Another impressive thing is the trunk.

When the last row is placed, there is plenty of room for a few soft bags or suitcases. 50 folds: Split the rear seat flat to unlock 50 levels of van space. The wide opening makes it easy to load large items, and the power tailgate is a feature you'll appreciate on a muddy day.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto Performance

The Maruti Invicto can only be equipped with hybrid power. The system consists of a 152hp, 1987cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine (again the largest in a Maruti) and a 113hp AC synchronous electric motor powered by a self-charged Ni-MH battery.

Together, the maximum power is 186 horsepower and the drive is sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT transmission. The Invicto starts in electric mode by default, and in smooth running mode (read a light throttle input), you will travel a reasonable distance before the engine is started to support the battery pack. The silent progress of the electric mode provides ease of use according to the work it brings.

Hybrid power & Modes

Press the accelerator a little harder and the generator is reduced to a secondary role, making the engine the basis of propulsion. Performance is a delight and you will love the stable power.

There's also plenty of power for acceleration, but pressing the gas can also amplify the engine's noise. Drive modes, Power, Normal and Eco, help prepare the Invicto for driving, and there are also paddle shifters to shift the e-CVT transmission in 6 steps.

## Invicto Price & Specifications

Maruti Invicto fulfills all the essential needs that satisfy the premium MPV buyer. It is cheaper than the Toyota Innova Hycross, It cost Rs. 24.79 - 28.42 Lakh (ex showroom- Delhi).

CarBike360 Says

It has size, performance, comfort and good fuel economy. The peace of mind of owning is another advantage. Moreover, these are the only highlights of Innova Hycross. So how should you choose one of them.

In short, the Maruti is slightly cheaper than its Innova Hycross counterpart, but the Toyota comes with a lot of important features. The choice of different types, the personal perception of the exterior and even the liking of the interior color are other factors that can affect the buyers.

However, considering that the two products are similar, it is useful to choose the one with fast delivery. Invicto is a car that is easy to recommend, with more positive aspects than negative aspects. Like the Hycross, the Invicto isn't perfect either.

There are some plastics that do not match the price, and many buyers will not notice it, as there is no diesel engine. But looking at the bigger picture, the Invicto has more pros than cons, making it easy to recommend.