Maruti Suzuki Hustler : An uniquely amusing addition to the Indian automotive haunt might be coming the way of Maruti Suzuki — The brand is now reportedly planning to launch its horning Japanese sensation, the Hustler, in India.
Befitting its quirky boxy exterior and practical sensibilities, this micro SUV has been a significant hit in Japan since it was introduced in 2014.
As for the potential Indian version, it should retain the features of the original taste while integrating into the local preference and norms.
Maruti Suzuki Hustler: Design That Stands Apart
The Hustler is utterly boxy in a way automotive design could only dream of before now. The small overall size – a hallmark of Japanese kei cars – is beautifully hidden by the standard proportion which helps it sit wide and cocky despite its small footprint.
Discovering a compact mesh grille flanked by rectangular headlamps and vertically positioned fog lamps, the front fascia imbues the rugged SUV with a unique character.
The side view highlights the Hustler’s high body structure with short overhangs and a tall roofline, translating into a roomy interior.
View ListingsAudi’s exterior gets some character thanks to chunky wheel arches and a contrast roof option that adds to its distinctive look.
The rear follows the geometric theme with square taillights and a practical tailgate design that opens wide for easy loading.
In the Indian market, the design language will continue to be retained but with perhaps a slight increase in its size to suit local consumer preferences and country road conditions.
The ride height of the car will be enhanced to cope with the pothole-laden tarmacs of several regions in India.
Generously Proportioned Cabin
Climb aboard the Hustler, and the innovative space design is immediately clear. Seeming small from the outside, the cabin has astonishing headroom and an airy feel, despite the tall roof and expansive glass area.
The dashboard is pretty minimalistic, with no floating screens, the centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment screen and climate controls are in perfect reach.
The slightly raised seating position makes for good visibility, and getting in and out is especially convenient for elderly passengers or those with limited mobility.
Rear legroom’s acceptable given overall size, and rear seats fold to create a really large cargo area.
Maruti Suzuki India should offer auto climate control, push button start and improved connectivity, as its consumers are tech-savvy compared to buyers in global markets.
It is likely too that the interior color schemes will be customized for different regions and we might see a more subdued option as well as the more eye-popping combinations found in the Japanese market model.
Performance and Efficiency
Well, in Japan, the Hustler comes in line with kei car regulations, which means it has a small displacement engine.
The Indian version, however, would likely get Maruti’s BS6 K-series engines such as the 1.0-litre turbocharged BoosterJet as well as the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine which does the duty on a number of models in the carmaker’s range.
It would be positioned as a fuel efficient SUV – something Indian consumers value – and used Maruti’s mild hybrid tech which has already worked wonders with several new models.
It can be paired with a 5-speed manual and a transmission that may even be an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) that has been the best value-for-money in the entry-level segments.
Legions of drivers, riders and income-producing pilots in urban squid shops and popular urban rentals use the Lightning just as J.P. intended, as it excels as a nimble and lightweight construction in tight quarters as urban congestion becomes inevitable.
The suspension on the new model would be expected to be set up for Indian roads, offering a middle ground between comfort and stability.
Feature-Rich Package
To take on the feature-rich Indian market, the Hustler would be loaded to the gunnels with equipment including a touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity, rear parking sensors with camera, keyless entry and several airbags.
As the levels climb, expect to see extras like LED headlamps, alloy wheels and better interior upholstery.
Safety-wise, the A-Star would come equipped in line with Indian norms, with ABS, EBD and the higher variants would have ESP.
Crumpled but won’t break, actual important stuff minimum 150 mp/h crash test qualification etc using high strength in said areas.
Market Positioning
Hustler, if introduced, will sit in a peculiar position in Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio. It would be framed as a lifestyle-focused variant of the no-nonsense WagonR, which may have much of the same space efficiency but more eye-catching designs and crossover-inspired touches.
It would also allow Maruti to tap into the growing SUV-inspired vehicle demand, without affecting sales of existing models.
The Hustler’s performance in India would hinge on its pricing. It would have to cost competitively against proven players in the compact crossover ruby field but be distinct enough to deserve its existence alongside Maruti’s other models.
Maruti Suzuki Hustler
Also, the possible launch of the Maruti Suzuki Hustler would be interesting from the perspective of the biggest carmaker in India.
With its unusual design, usable interior and efficient powertrain choices, the Hustler could find a niche in a road increasingly populated by quirky automotive choices.
As urban mobility transforms, there are compact cars like the Hustler that offer small footprints, ample interiors and unique designs and they could be the future of personal mobility within congested Indian cities.