Maruti Suzuki is India’s number one carmaker and in some ways, it is similar to our very own Perodua. However, aside from producing Suzuki models, it has a partnership with Toyota in the subcontinent.
This resulted in some Suzuki models sold in India (and South Africa) being offered with a Toyota badge but this Innova Zenix marks the first time a Toyota model is given the Suzuki rebadge in India.
Toyota models have been rebadged as Suzuki before outside of India. Europe has the likes of the RAV4-based Across and the Corolla Wagon-based Swace while Japan offers the Suzuki Landy which is based on the Toyota Noah.
The Invicto name has been registered at the Indian IP office
Initially thought to be called the Maruti Suzuki Engage, many Indian automotive media have since reported that it would be called the Maruti Suzuki Invicto. Based on spyshots taken by Motorbeam, it seems that it would only be a cosmetic rebadge with a distinct Suzuki front grille.
The Suzuki-badged Innova has been teased on social media with a 5-July 2023 launch date. It will be sold at Maruti Suzuki Nexa dealers which is the brand’s more upmarket showroom network and will be the flagship model.
Based on the recent rebadges done between Suzuki and Toyota, it’s very likely that the Invicto/Engage will be utilizing the same Toyota powertrains and features. Unlike the Indonesian Innova, the Indian equivalent is more opulent with a 9-speaker JBL audio set-up and powered ottoman seats for the middle row.
The Innova Hycross as it is called in India is offered with a 2.0-litre petrol or hybrid engine across 6 variants. Perhaps the Suzuki version would have fewer choices as the Innova has a strong reputation in India.
Back in Malaysia, the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix is expected to arrive soon as shots of car transporters holding a few units of the crossover MPV on our roads have surfaced.
Unlike the outgoing AN140 generation which is locally assembled (CKD) here, the all-new AG10 generation will be imported (CBU) from Indonesia. So, expect the Innova Zenix to hover around the RM 150k mark when it reaches here.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
