Maruti Suzuki Hustler: The name Maruti Suzuki is synonymous with making sensible, fuel-efficient and affordable cars fit for the Indian buyer. But every so often, it tackles something special.
The Maruti Suzuki Hustler, introduced in Japan as a part of Suzuki’s kei car line-up, reimagines what a small car can be.
And with its SUV inspired looks, funky and smart design, and clever use of space, the Hustler is now making headlines in conversations worldwide – rumored to be coming to India too!
Nothing is official yet, but the Hustler is a bright idea for buyers of an urban car for those with no budget or not wanting to carry a burden of efficiency for motorists who want an SUV’s feeling.
Design: Boxy, Bold, and Fun
The Maruti Hustler is definitely not what would come to your mind when you think of a hatchback.
It’s all boxy lines and upright stance and you’re immediately thinking mini SUVs such as the Jimny. Thanks to young design, accents in the roof you can choose and cladding on the sides and bumpers, the Asti has a lifestyle look.
The Hustler is distinctive with short overhangs, vertical taillamps and owner-specific color schemes.
It’s a little vehicle with a big presence — especially among younger urban buyers – that want something that stands out when driving.
Spacious Compact Size: Small Compact Interior is remarkably spacious!
The Hustler is relatively small, but his design takes advantage of this fact. The high roofline provides good headroom, and the flat floor contributes to plenty of legroom, even for back-seat passengers.
The dashboard is a funky affair with bright color inserts and circular AC vents and a display screen mounted dead in the center.
In places like Japan, the Hustler comes with various modular seating arrangements, fold-flat rear seats and an array of storage cubbies — perfect for those who desire flexibility.
For India, Maruti could water down some of the features, but we expect the smart use of space to be retained though.
The boot is not huge but destined to be fine for city stuff and weekends away especially if you drop the rear seats.
Engine and Performance
Overseas, the Hustler is offered with a 660cc petrol motor, which is available in some cases with a mild-hybrid setup for better fuel economy.
If indeed in India, Maruti is expected to power it with 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine which does duty in cars such as Swift and Baleno.
It makes 89 PS and 113 Nm, the ideal balance for an everyday drive.
It could get a 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox for traffic’s sake. And with Maruti recently pushing the envelope for efficiency, look forward to something between 20–23 km/l in the real world.
The Hustler’s lightweight nature, small dimensions and tight turning radius would make it an extremely nimble vehicle in city conditions and its SUV like height would mean better visibility.
Features and Safety
If these localized for India Hustlers are anything to go by, they might include:
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on a touchscreen infotainment
Passive entry and push-button start
Rear parking camera
Dual airbags, ABS with EBD
Electrically adjustable ORVMs
Maybe a sunroof on top spec models (to rival Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch)
Its list of features would be designed to be a mix of affordable and connected, because It’s aimed at young urbanites.
Pros of Maruti Suzuki Hustler
Distinctive styling with an SUV-like look
Small but mighty, perfect for commuting in the city
Potentially excellent mileage
Intelligent space-saving design with practical features
Maruti’s exceptional reliability and service313 network
Small, and great to just throw and drive any age
Cons of Maruti Suzuki Hustler
May seem a bit underpowered for highway driving
Tight boot with all seats up
Not the same premium material quality as larger hatchbacks
Not everyone will like the boxy styling
Safety features may be rudimentary in lower trims
Maruti Suzuki Hustler: Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Hustler might be something really refreshing, if it makes its way to India in the future.
With its idiosyncratic looks, strong engineering and general all-round usability, it’s designed for people who need more from a hatchback than a hatchback.
It may not work for long interstate runs, but it’s the perfect city lifehack vehicle for urban residents, first-time car buyers or even college kids.
If all goes well with Maruti, the Hustler has a potential to be quite a hit in the sub-Rs 9 lakh pseudo-SUV space.