Maruti Suzuki Leads With Affordable HUD Tech In Cars Under ₹15 Lakh
aruti Suzuki has been a household name in India, renowned for producing vehicles that are not only reliable but also fuel-efficient. In recent years, the company has shifted its focus towards catering to tech-savvy buyers without compromising on affordability.
A significant step in this direction is the introduction of the head-up display (HUD) in their vehicles, a feature traditionally seen in luxury models. Today, we delve into the Maruti Suzuki cars that offer HUD under Rs 15 lakh, making advanced technology more accessible to a wider audience.
Understanding HUD Technology
Head-up display, or HUD, is a transparent display technology that projects vital driving information such as speed, navigation, and warnings directly onto the windshield, within the driver’s line of sight. This feature significantly boosts driver safety by reducing the need to look away from the road to access crucial information.
The Nissan Silvia S13 was the pioneer, introducing HUD in 1988. Since then, luxury brands like BMW, KIA, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz have incorporated this technology, with recent models from Mercedes and Kia introducing augmented reality (AR) features to enhance the driving experience further.
Maruti Suzuki’s Foray into HUD Technology
The Baleno was the first Maruti Suzuki vehicle to offer HUD in India, back in 2022. Available exclusively on the top-spec Alpha trim, this feature showcases essential data such as speed, gear position indicator, and rev counter.
With prices ranging between Rs 7.86 lakh and Rs 11.41 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), the Baleno became an affordable option for buyers seeking modern features. It houses a 1.2-litre petrol engine, capable of delivering 88 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque, and offers a class-leading mileage of 22.35 kmpl.
The Toyota Glanza, a rebadged version of the Baleno, also provides HUD on its V variant, priced at Rs 11.48 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).
Following the Baleno, the updated Maruti Brezza, launched in 2022, also embraced HUD along with a 360-degree camera. Offering more information and customizable modes than the Baleno, the Brezza’s HUD includes turn-by-turn navigation, accessible through OTA updates.
Priced at Rs 14.82 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) for the top-spec ZXI+ trim, the Brezza features a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two transmission options: a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifter.
The most recent addition to Maruti Suzuki’s HUD-equipped lineup is the Maruti Fronx. Based on the Baleno hatchback, the Fronx shares many features with its predecessor but sets itself apart with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 100 bhp and 148 Nm of peak torque.
Available in the top-spec Alpha trim for Rs 13.59 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), the Fronx offers both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifter.
Beyond these models, Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara (Rs 21.83 lakh), Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (Rs 22.14 lakh), and Kia Seltos X-Line (Rs 23.11 lakh) also feature HUD, albeit at a higher price point.
DriveSpark Thinks
Maruti Suzuki’s strategic incorporation of HUD in its vehicles under Rs 15 lakh illustrates the brand’s commitment to blending technology with affordability.
This move not only enhances driver safety but also makes advanced features accessible to a larger segment of the Indian market, changing the automotive landscape for the better.