It was in July 2018 when Maruti Suzuki first introduced its telematics solution – Suzuki Connect. Back then and until now, it was available exclusively for cars retailed via the Nexa range of premium dealerships. Now, it is available on several models sold through Maruti Suzuki’s Arena chain of showrooms. The list includes the Swift, Dzire, Vitara Brezza, Ertiga and the S-Presso. As for the price, it is Rs 11,990 (inclusive of taxes) for a three-year period. Those planning to renew the services can do so at Rs 2,299 for three years or at Rs 999 for one.

So, what happens when you pay for it for the first time? Maruti Suzuki will fit your vehicle with a Telematics Control Unit (TCU), which connects through a cellular network with a cloud-based server. That server relays information to the customer via a mobile application. What kind of information? Well, as the name suggests, it offers a range of connected-car features. The list comprises Vehicle Security Alerts, Preventive Assistance, Vehicle Tracking, Driving Behaviour Analysis, Live Vehicle Status and Vehicle Information.

Bucketed within those categories are several useful features. For instance, the owner can remotely check aspects such as ignition, engine, and AC on, not wearing seatbelt alert and fuel level. The telematics system also records driving behaviour based on acceleration, braking, speed and sharp turns. Another handy feature is that the customer can check the live vehicle location and geofence status.

Suzuki Connect is part of the vast Maruti Suzuki Genuine Accessories portfolio. The package is hard to tamper with since it is concealed and embedded deeply inside the vehicle. Up until now, more than 50,000 Nexa customers have purchased it. The carmaker says that the tech has been well-appreciated. With the inclusion of Arena models, the reach will widen substantially. If you were in the market for one of the models mentioned above, would you spend the extra amount for Suzuki Connect?