Maruti Engage MPV Spotted Undisguised For The First Time As Production Gets Underway

• Maruti’s upcoming MPV, likely to be called Engage, spotted without any camouflage.

• Production of Maruti’s version of Hycross has commenced as per these leaked images. 

• Gets a chrome strip on the upper grille, similar to the one on the Grand Vitara.

• Lower front bumper gets slightly redesigned.

• Will share its 2-litre petrol and strong-hybrid powertrain with the Toyota Innova Hycross.

• Debut is slated for July 5

A new Maruti flagship, likely to be called Engage, is due for an unveiling on July 5 and it’ll come in the form of a premium MPV, which will be none other than the rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross. Ahead of its global debut, new images have surfaced online, which showcase the vehicle without any disguise on it at what seems like a production facility. Here’s what we deciphered:

As is the case with most cross engineered Maruti-Toyota offerings, the majority of the design is mutual and you only get a few changes in specific areas that set the two vehicles apart. In typical Maruti fashion, a chrome strip on the upper grille can be seen connecting the two headlights similar to the Grand Vitara, while the lower front bumper has also been tweaked slightly to induce Maruti’s own DNA in the design. 

The bespoke dual-tone alloy wheels (Hycross gets monotone) along with body-coloured cladding on the wheel arches are visible in profile. The rear of the upcoming Maruti MPV is yet to be papped, but we don’t expect groundbreaking changes there except for the change of emblem and moniker badge (likely to be called Engage). The cabin too should be the same for the most part, except for a new upholstery tone, but that should be about it. 

The list of features and safety equipment on offer should be a carbon copy of the Toyota and the highlighting features should be the 10-inch touchscreen system, a digital driver’s display, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, six airbags, and a radar-based ADAS system, which will be the first for a Maruti model.

Also Read: Maruti Jimny Vs Mahindra Thar: Which Is The More Affordable Off-roader?

Powertrain options will be the same as the Innova Hycross which gets a 174PS/205Nm 2-litre petrol and a 186PS/206Nm 2-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain. The former is geared using a CVT, while the hybrid powertrain gets an e-CVT transmission. Here’s a real-world performance comparison between the two powertrains.

The Maruti MPV should be priced in a similar ballpark as the Toyota Innova Hycross which is sold from Rs 18.55 lakh to Rs 29.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Apart from taking on the Toyota Innova Hycross itself, it’ll be a premium alternative to the Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Crysta.

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