Maruti’s best sellers from the hatchback and SUV segments make it easy to overlook the brand’s dominance in the MPV space

The Maruti Invicto MPV is set to launch in July, and it will be the most expensive Maruti on sale to date, with an expected price of around Rs 19 lakh and up (ex-showroom). Maruti is the most popular carmaker in India, and even in the MPV segment, it’s a leader with the Ertiga and Eeco. While we expect the Invicto to help Maruti gain a foothold in the premium MPV space, the brand has a long history in the MPV segment.

We will take a trip down India’s automotive history and remember all the Maruti MPVs that came before the Invicto and learn about the carmaker’s journey in this segment.

Maruti Omni

In 1984, right after the launch of the Maruti 800, the Maruti Van was introduced. It was later renamed Omni in 1988.

The Omni became an instant hit, not only in the commercial segment but also with families. Its simple concept of transporting maximum passengers at minimal cost made it highly successful.

Interesting Fact: The Omni was launched for under Rs 1 lakh in 1984!

In 1998, the Omni received its first facelift with subtle design changes inside and out. It continued with the same engine as the Maruti 800 and manual transmission. Another facelift was introduced 7 years later, and it remained largely unchanged until its discontinuation in 2019.

After 35 years of service, the Omni retired, leaving its duties to the Eeco.

Maruti Versa

In 2001, Maruti launched the Versa as a better-equipped alternative to the Omni. It had a starting price of around Rs 4 lakh (ex-showroom), which was considered expensive at that time.

The Versa aimed to blend utility with comfort while accommodating 6-7 passengers. However, its price and basic van-like styling didn’t appeal to buyers. The more attractive Esteem sedan, priced only slightly higher, was preferred by those considering buying the Versa.

The Maruti Versa featured a modest 1.3-litre petrol engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. It had decent equipment for its time, including premium fabric upholstery, adjustable steering column, rear AC vents, power windows, central locking, and adjustable seats.

In 2009, the Versa was phased out, and the carmaker learned the lesson of simplicity and affordability.

Also Read: Top 10 Indian Celebrity Brand Ambassadors For Indian Cars!

Maruti Eeco

In 2010, the Eeco was introduced as the successor to the Versa. It was essentially a facelifted version of the Versa, maintaining the same van-like appearance but with stripped-down features and comforts. It was designed to be an affordable option for transporting goods or people.

With the removal of several features from the Versa, the Eeco came at a very aggressive price. Starting at around Rs 2.7 lakh (ex-showroom), it was priced at half of the Versa’s cost. The Eeco lacked vital features like power steering, power windows, central locking, airbags, and AC (optional).

The simplicity of its design made the Eeco rugged, spacious for cargo, and cost-effective, leading to its success in the commercial segment. It is widely used as taxis, ambulances, and school vans among lower economic sections, and as cargo vans. The Eeco is one of India’s best-selling cars, averaging around 9,000 units per month.

Over the 13 years of being on sale, its exterior remains identical to the original version, with slight interior refreshments. The only updates have been to meet the latest regulations.

Maruti Ertiga

In 2012, Maruti launched its first “proper” MPV, the Ertiga, at the Auto Expo. It was positioned as a Life Utility Vehicle (LUV) and was priced at Rs 5.89 lakh. The Ertiga featured a three-row configuration and had a stylish look with extended hatchback-like design.

The Ertiga was also the first Maruti MPV to offer a diesel engine, which was known for its efficiency of around 20kmpl. It also came with a new 1.4-litre petrol engine that provided a refined driving experience. The Ertiga offered car-like comfort and driving characteristics, a significant improvement over the Eeco.

With seating for seven people and reasonable comfort, the Ertiga quickly gained popularity among buyers seeking an affordable family car with manageable proportions. It faced minimal competition and attracted demand from private buyers as well as fleets. In just 4 years, it had crossed the 2.25 lakh sales mark.

FUN FACT – The Maruti Ertiga was one of the earliest MPVs to receive a decent 3-star safety rating.

In 2018, the Ertiga received a comprehensive facelift, which included more efficient petrol and diesel engines, additional features, and a more stylish appeal. The petrol variant also offered a 4-speed automatic transmission, enhancing its practicality. By this time, it had already become a segment leader with over 2.25 lakh units sold.

In 2018, a new generation of Ertiga was introduced based on Suzuki’s new HEARTECT platform. It retained the diesel engine but introduced a new 1.5-litre petrol engine. The new Ertiga featured several improved features, including dual airbags, a rear camera, a touchscreen infotainment system, ESP, and hill-hold function. The pricing of the new generation ranged from Rs 7.44 lakh to Rs 13.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

In 2020, with the implementation of BS6 emission norms, the diesel option was discontinued for the Ertiga. The latest mild facelift took place in 2022, and the Ertiga continues to be a segment leader in the MPV space.

Maruti XL6

As the design of the Ertiga began to look outdated, Maruti saw an opportunity for a better-looking but still affordable compact MPV to be sold through its premium Nexa dealerships. The XL6 was introduced in 2019 as a more stylish, premium, and comfortable version of the Ertiga. It is strictly a six-seater, unlike the seven-seat Ertiga.

At the launch, the XL6 was priced at around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) and was available in two fully-loaded variants. It offered a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. In 2022, it received a mild facelift, refreshing its design and features. With several additions over the Ertiga and a more stylish appearance, the XL6 can be considered an upgrade in the MPV space.

Maruti Invicto

The Maruti Invicto is essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross, with slightly different looks. It is the result of a collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota to exchange cars, platforms, and technologies.

The Invicto will be a premium offering with features like a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen system, wireless charger, ventilated front seats, and second-row powered Ottoman seats. It will also be the first Maruti car to feature the radar-based ADAS safety feature.

The Invicto will be powered by the Innova’s 2-litre petrol-hybrid engine, known for its efficiency of 23.24kmpl. It is one of Maruti’s most powerful powertrains introduced in the last decade.

Final Thoughts

Maruti has been known for its high-volume models, except for its initial Nexa offerings. However, the brand has expanded its image by introducing feature-rich products that compete globally and are in high demand.

The Invicto represents how Maruti has learned from its past and established itself as a multi-faceted brand. In terms of MPVs, Maruti offers a range from the basic Eeco to a premium MPV with a justifiable price tag of around Rs 20 lakh and higher.