Buy the Maruti Hustler at the Price of an Auto Rickshaw – Comes with 658cc Powerful Engine and Delivers Impressive 32 Km per Litre Mileage
Maruti Suzuki is known for making cars that are affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical for Indian roads. Now, there’s exciting news for budget car buyers — the Maruti Hustler, a small and stylish car with a bold design and incredible mileage, could soon hit Indian roads.
What’s even more exciting? It’s expected to be priced as low as an auto rickshaw, making it an ideal option for those looking for a cheap, reliable, and modern alternative to three-wheelers. Powered by a 658cc engine and delivering up to 32 km per litre, the Hustler is already popular in Japan under the Suzuki badge, and it could soon become a favorite in India too.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this mini SUV-style hatchback so unique.
Design & Style
The Maruti Hustler is designed to stand out. Despite being compact, it has a bold and boxy appearance, giving it a mini-SUV vibe. The tall boy design ensures a spacious cabin even with a small footprint. It gets round headlights, a black front grille, and body-colored bumpers that give it a funky and youthful appearance.
The dual-tone paint options, squared wheel arches, and upright stance make the Hustler look rugged for its size. It sits higher off the ground compared to regular hatchbacks, which is a great advantage on Indian roads.
Inside, the Hustler has a minimal yet practical design. The dashboard is clean, with round AC vents and smartly placed controls. The cabin has good headroom and legroom for a car of this size, and it can easily seat four adults. Maruti may also localize the interiors slightly if the car is launched in India.
Engine & Performance
The Hustler comes with a 658cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which is small in size but big on performance for city driving. The engine is tuned for smooth operation and excellent fuel efficiency. In Japan, the Hustler is also offered with a mild hybrid system, which could be a big plus if Maruti introduces it here.
This engine produces around 51–64 bhp depending on the variant and comes mated to either a CVT automatic or a manual gearbox. Even with the small engine, the car is responsive enough for daily city commutes and short highway trips.
What’s surprising is that some variants in Japan even offer all-wheel drive (AWD), though the Indian version is likely to be front-wheel-drive only.
Overview Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 658cc Petrol, 3-cylinder |
| Transmission | Manual / CVT Automatic |
| Power Output | 51–64 bhp |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 4-5 persons |
| Mileage (Claimed) | Up to 32 km/l |
| Expected Ground Clearance | 180 mm (approx.) |
| Expected Price Range | ₹4.5 lakh – ₹6 lakh (Ex-showroom) |
| Main Competitors | Tata Nano EV (if relaunched), Bajaj Qute, Entry-level hatchbacks |
Ride & Handling
Due to its small size and light weight, the Maruti Hustler is very easy to drive in tight city streets. The steering is light, which makes turning and parking a breeze. Suspension is tuned for comfort over bumps and potholes, which is especially important on rough urban roads.
Even though it’s not a performance car, it feels peppy at lower speeds and can easily cruise at 60–80 km/h on highways. Its compact size also makes it a great choice for new drivers, small families, and even senior citizens looking for an easy-to-drive car.
Because of its upright seating and large windows, visibility is excellent — another big plus for city use.
Features & Tech
Don’t be fooled by the Hustler’s small size. It comes with plenty of modern features for its price. While the exact features list for India isn’t confirmed yet, the Japanese model includes:
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Touchscreen infotainment system
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Reverse parking camera
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Keyless entry
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Push-button start
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Digital instrument cluster
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Dual airbags
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ABS with EBD
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Power windows and ORVMs
Maruti will likely offer a smart blend of features and keep the base variant affordable while providing more tech in higher trims.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest highlights of the Hustler is its outstanding mileage. In Japanese tests, the Hustler delivers between 25–32 km per litre, depending on driving conditions and transmission.
Even if the Indian version returns around 28–30 km/l in real-world conditions, it will still be among the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in the country.
This kind of mileage makes it an ideal replacement for auto rickshaws, especially for daily use, small delivery businesses, and low-budget families.
Price & Variants
The most exciting part is the expected price. The Maruti Hustler could launch in India starting from ₹4.5 lakh, with top variants going up to ₹6 lakh. This puts it in the same range as auto rickshaws and small entry-level cars.
If Maruti offers it through the Nexa or Arena network, the Hustler will likely have multiple variants, possibly with manual and automatic options, and one mild-hybrid trim if localization allows.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Maruti Hustler confirmed for India?
It’s not officially confirmed, but Maruti is considering it due to the growing demand for small, efficient urban cars.
Q2: Will it be cheaper than Alto?
Base variants may be priced close to Alto, but Hustler offers more space and SUV-like looks.
Q3: Is the engine powerful enough for highways?
Yes, for short highway trips at moderate speeds, it performs well.
Q4: Does it come with CNG?
As of now, the Japanese version does not have CNG, but Maruti may introduce it in India.
Q5: Is it good for city driving?
Absolutely. Its compact size, high mileage, and easy handling make it perfect for cities.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Hustler is a perfect example of how a small car can be stylish, smart, and sensible. With a 658cc engine, up to 32 km/l mileage, and a price similar to an auto rickshaw, this car could change the game for urban mobility in India.
If launched at the expected price, the Hustler could be a hit with young buyers, first-time car owners, and budget-conscious families. It’s fun, fuel-efficient, and full of character — just what Indian roads need.