The Indian automotive world is buzzing with excitement as Maruti Suzuki may bring back the Hustler — a compact SUV-style vehicle with bold design and attractive features. Although Suzuki has not officially confirmed the launch yet, the Hustler has been spotted testing on Indian roads, hinting that a launch may be in the near future. This could be a big move for Maruti Suzuki since India’s compact SUV and city-car segments are growing fast, and buyers are looking for something stylish, practical, and packed with features.
The Hustler first gained popularity in Japan as a quirky, box-shaped Kei car that blends city-car convenience and SUV-inspired looks. In its possible Indian avatar, Maruti Suzuki could tailor it to suit the local market with a roomier interior and rich feature list — something that makes the Hustler stand out against rivals like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and others in its class.
Here’s a quick overview table of potential highlights before we dive deeper:
Overview Table
| Category | Expected Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Maruti Suzuki Hustler |
| Segment | Compact SUV / Micro SUV |
| Engine | Likely 660 cc petrol (India-tuned) |
| Transmission | Manual / AMT |
| Exterior Style | Boxy, SUV-inspired design |
| Interior Highlights | Big touchscreen, dual-tone theme, roomy cabin |
| Infotainment | 9-inch system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Comfort | Automatic AC, rear vents, multifunction steering |
| Safety | Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD |
| Launch Status | Spotted testing; not officially confirmed |
| Rivals | Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter |
Design & Style
From what has been seen in spy pictures, the Hustler comes with a bold, boxy design that easily catches the eye. It has a flat roofline, tall pillars, and squared wheel arches, making it stand apart from regular hatchbacks.
The front end features round LED headlamps and a sleek grille, giving it a fresh and friendly look. Roof rails, chunky bumpers, and dual-tone paint options add personality and rugged flair. This compact stance is ideal for Indian cities where tight parking spaces and crowded streets are common.
Despite its boxy shape, the Hustler appears well-balanced and youthful, designed to appeal to both young buyers and families looking for a fun yet practical daily driver.
Interior: Dhakad Features That Matter
While official photos of the Indian Hustler’s cabin haven’t been released yet, expected interior features have started surfacing from concept and international models, along with local spy reports.
1. Spacious Cabin
One of the Hustler’s biggest strengths is its roomy interior. Since the car is likely to be longer and wider than the original Japanese version, passengers in both front and rear seats should enjoy generous legroom and headroom — something many compact SUVs struggle with.
2. Dash with Premium Touches
The dashboard is expected to feature soft-touch materials and a dual-tone layout, which gives it a premium feel compared to typical budget cars. The seating fabrics might also come in stylish finishes that elevate the overall cabin vibe.
3. Infotainment System
At the heart of the Hustler’s cabin is likely a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. This modern setup is something buyers in this segment increasingly expect.
4. Comfort & Convenience
Features such as automatic climate control, multi-functional steering wheel controls, and adjustable driver seatsmake everyday driving more comfortable. There could also be rear AC vents and ample storage spaces including cup holders and door bins, making it easy to live with on city commutes.
5. Safety Features
Although specific safety features are yet to be officially disclosed, it is likely that Maruti Suzuki will equip the Hustler with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and other basic safety systems to match competitors. More advanced systems like lane assist or blind spot monitoring may come to higher trims if Maruti Suzuki chooses to offer them.
Engine & Performance
The Hustler in Japan is typically powered by a 660 cc petrol engine, but for India, Maruti Suzuki may adapt it with a more powerful tune or even introduce a larger petrol engine similar to those in the Swift or Wagon R.
While full details aren’t confirmed, expect smooth city performance with good fuel efficiency — a hallmark of Maruti Suzuki vehicles. The transmission choices could include both manual and AMT to appeal to different types of buyers.
Ride & Handling
A compact SUV like the Hustler is usually tuned for urban comfort, with suspension that absorbs city potholes and sharp turns with ease. Its boxy form should also result in stable handling and a pleasant driving experience, especially for newcomers and daily commuters.
Price & Expected Variants
Since Maruti Suzuki hasn’t officially announced prices, estimates suggest the Hustler could fall into the budget to mid-range compact SUV category. It may start competitively to attract first-time car buyers, especially those moving up from two-wheelers or small hatchbacks. No exact price figures are available yet.
FAQs
Q: Is the Maruti Suzuki Hustler confirmed for India?
A: Not officially yet, but it has been spotted testing several times, which strongly suggests a future launch.
Q: What kind of interior can we expect?
A: The cabin is expected to be spacious with a modern infotainment system, dual-tone theme, automatic AC, and other comfort features.
Q: What rivals will it compete with?
A: It may rival compact SUVs like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and others in its price segment.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Hustler comeback could be a game-changer in the compact SUV segment in India. Its boxy modern design and potentially rich interior features, including a large touchscreen, spacious cabin, and comfort-focused layout, could make it a strong option for buyers seeking style and practicality in an affordable package. Although the launch isn’t confirmed yet, the buzz is real, and expectations are high that Maruti Suzuki wants to bring something fresh and exciting to Indian roads soon.
