Maruti Suzuki Hustler : The first time I saw spy shots of the Maruti Suzuki Hustler, I nearly spilled my morning coffee.
Here was Maruti, the king of sensible sedans and practical hatchbacks, teasing us with something that looked like it belonged more at a Tokyo auto show than a Delhi dealership.
After months of speculation and hushed corridor conversations, the Hustler is finally ready to hit Indian roads, and trust me, it’s nothing like what we expected from Maruti.
During a recent press preview in Manesar, I got my hands on a pre-production model, and the experience was eye-opening.
“We wanted to break free from our usual DNA,” confessed Rahul Sharma, Maruti’s design chief, while pointing at the distinctive grille pattern. “Indian buyers are ready for something bold, especially in the compact SUV segment.”
Maruti Suzuki Hustler A Design That Turns Heads
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the Hustler is, well, weird in the best possible way.
While every other compact SUV tries to look muscular and tough, the Hustler embraces a boxier, almost retro-futuristic aesthetic that instantly sets it apart.
The vertical chrome slats on the grille might raise eyebrows, but they grow on you quickly.
The two-tone color scheme immediately caught my attention. During evening drives through Gurgaon, the contrast between the black roof and vibrant body colors (my test unit wore a stunning “Ocean Blue”) created head-turning moments at every traffic signal.
Young professionals stopped to ask about booking details, while older drivers admired its unique character.
What’s clever is how Maruti has balanced quirky design with practical elements. The upright driving position offers excellent visibility, while the tall greenhouse and large glass area make the cabin feel airy.
The ground clearance, at 195mm, handles most Indian road conditions without drama.
Maruti Suzuki Hustler Interior: Surprise, Surprise!
Step inside, and you’ll find Maruti has abandoned their traditional conservative interior approach. The dashboard features a clean, geometric design with surprising attention to detail.
The 9-inch touchscreen dominates the center console – finally, a Maruti that doesn’t make you squint at undersized displays!
But here’s the real revelation: the storage solutions are genius. The Hustler features 37 cubby holes and storage spaces, including an ingenious tray under the front seats perfect for bottles or small bags.
I counted them during my test drive because they’re that good. My wife, who carries enough in her handbag to survive a week, was visibly impressed.
The seats deserve special mention. Maruti’s engineers have clearly spent time in real traffic, understanding how Indians use their cars.
The fabric upholstery resists spills (critical for families), and the rear bench accommodates three adults comfortably – a rarity in this segment.
Maruti Suzuki Hustler Performance: Enough but Not Excessive
The Hustler comes with two engine options: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol producing 103 PS and a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid variant with 104 PS and better fuel efficiency.
During my 200-kilometer test loop covering city traffic, highways, and village roads, the mild-hybrid variant impressed with its refinement.
What struck me wasn’t just the numbers but the drivability. The automatic transmission (5-speed AGS) has improved significantly – gear changes are smoother than previous Maruti autos.
In manual mode, the shifts are responsive enough for Indian highway overtaking scenarios. Fuel efficiency averaged 18.7 km/l in mixed conditions, beating Maruti’s claimed figures.
The suspension setup deserves recognition. While not sporty, it soaks up potholes with minimal cabin intrusion.
On the Mumbai-Pune highway (where I drove a friend’s demo unit), the ride quality at 100-120 km/h remained composed.
Tech Features: Finally Playing Catch-up
Maruti has clearly listened to the market feedback. The Hustler packs features that traditionally remained optional even in their premium models:
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Connected car tech with smartphone app integration
360-degree camera
Heads-up display (in top variants)
Push-button start with keyless entry
The infotainment system runs smoother than expected – no lag when switching between navigation and music. Voice commands work reasonably well, understanding basic Indian English pronunciation nuances.
Maruti Suzuki Hustler Safety: Ticking All the Right Boxes
Here’s where Maruti shows they’re serious about changing perceptions. The Hustler comes with six airbags as standard across all variants – a first for any Maruti model in this price range. ESP, hill-hold assist, and anti-lock brakes are part of the package.
During discussions with Maruti’s safety engineers, they emphasized real-world protection over just meeting crash test standards.
The body shell uses high-strength steel in critical areas, something you can’t see but appreciate during peace of mind.
Maruti Suzuki Hustler Pricing Strategy: The Maruti Advantage
Here’s where Maruti’s market understanding shines. The Hustler starts at ₹6.89 lakh for the base model, extending to ₹11.99 lakh for the fully-loaded automatic variant (ex-showroom).
This positions it smartly between the Brezza and the premium Baleno, creating a new price-feature sweet spot.
What’s interesting is Maruti isn’t marketing it directly against the Brezza. Internal sources suggest they see it complementing their SUV lineup rather than cannibalizing sales. The Hustler targets urban millennials who want SUV versatility without the bulk.
Real-World Impressions
After a week of driving various prototypes across different cities, here’s what stands out:
The quirky design grows on you, especially in traffic where it stands out without being flashy
Cabin practicality exceeds expectations – it’s genuinely useful
The driving experience surprises with refinement
Features list justifies the pricing
However, no car is perfect. The rear could use more power outlets, and the engine, while adequate, lacks the punch some enthusiasts might crave.
Maruti Suzuki Hustler Market Impact
The Hustler’s arrival signals Maruti’s willingness to experiment. For decades, the brand played it safe with proven formulas.
The Hustler shows they’re ready to take calculated risks to attract younger buyers who’ve been flirting with Korean alternatives.
Early dealer feedback suggests strong interest, particularly from first-time SUV buyers and those upgrading from hatchbacks.
Pre-bookings haven’t officially started, but dealers report receiving daily inquiries from interested customers.
Maruti Suzuki Hustler Looking Forward
As India’s SUV market continues expanding, the Hustler might just be Maruti’s ace card. It’s not trying to be the fastest or the most luxurious.
Instead, it’s focusing on being the most sensible choice for Indian families transitioning from sedans to SUVs.
The Hustler represents Maruti’s evolution – maintaining their core values of reliability and value while embracing modern design and features.
If early responses are any indication, this quirky SUV might just hustle its way to the top of sales charts.
After experiencing the Hustler firsthand, I’m convinced it’ll find a sweet spot in our market. It’s not for everyone, but for those seeking something different yet sensible, the wait ends soon.
FAQ
Q: When will the Maruti Suzuki Hustler launch in India?
A: The official launch is expected in March 2025, with deliveries beginning in April 2025. Pre-bookings are likely to open in February.
Q: What is the expected price range?
A: The Hustler is expected to be priced between ₹6.89 lakh and ₹11.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it competitively positioned in the compact SUV segment.
Q: What engine options will be available?
A: The Hustler will offer two engine options: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid variant, both paired with manual and automatic transmission options.
Q: How many variants will there be?
A: The Hustler will be available in five variants: LXi, VXi, ZXi, ZXi+, and Alpha (top variant). Both manual and automatic options will be available.
Q: What’s the ground clearance?
A: The Hustler offers 195mm of ground clearance, suitable for most Indian road conditions.
Q: Will it have ADAS features?
A: The top variant will include basic ADAS features like lane departure warning and forward collision alert, a first for Maruti in this segment.
Q: What’s the boot space?
A: The Hustler offers 328 liters of boot space, expanding to 710 liters with rear seats folded.
Q: Will it come with a sunroof?
A: The top two variants will feature a single-pane electric sunroof.