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Maruti Suzuki Victoris: Feature-packed mid-size SUV with hybrid, petrol, and CNG options
Maruti Suzuki Victoris: Feature-packed mid-size SUV with hybrid, petrol, and CNG options
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris has arrived as the new flagship in Arena's portfolio, created to broaden Maruti's presence in the mid-size SUV space.
Although it shares its underpinnings with the Grand Vitara, the Victoris takes a slightly different approach. The body has been stretched to give it more road presence, while the wheelbase remains unchanged. As a result, it feels familiar in its proportions but manages to look a little more substantial from the outside. Powertrains are carried over as well — petrol, hybrid, and CNG — which means refinement and efficiency are present in plenty, but performance is not its strongest suit. Set against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, and even Mahindra's new Thar Roxx, the Victoris positions itself more as a smart-value alternative than an emotional purchase.
The Styling aligns with Maruti's current design language, and while it is neat and contemporary, it does not push boundaries. The front has a clean face with slim DRLs running along the bonnet line, while the rear is tied together with connected tail lamps and a sleek light bar. In profile, the long body lends it a wagon-like stance, which sets it apart from the typical crossover template. Still, this is not a head-turner. Maruti has erred on the side of caution, producing something that looks premium and sophisticated, but not particularly striking.
Equipped with six airbags, Level 2 ADAS, and a five-star crash rating, the Victoris prioritizes safety while offering efficient and reliable performance for everyday driving. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The interior, is where the Victoris makes its strongest impression. The cabin feels thoughtfully designed with soft-touch panels, layered design elements, and a general sense of quality that is a step above what Arena buyers might expect. The feature list is extensive — powered driver's seat, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, heads-up display, ADAS, and a large panoramic sunroof. There's a clear attempt to match rivals spec-for-spec. White upholstery is standard and does elevate the ambience, though it is not the most practical choice for Indian conditions. Thankfully, buyers can opt for darker tones if they'd rather not worry about upkeep. Rear-seat comfort is decent for knee and legroom, but taller passengers may find headroom lacking ( will be let down by the tight headroom —a shortcoming that stands out in a car of this size.
Entertainment and connectivity are managed by a new 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X system, which feels crisp and responsive. It runs Maruti's latest software, offers OTT app support, and even gets Alexa integration. Coupled with the Infinity by Harman speaker system, tuned for Dolby Atmos, the experience is immersive and easily one of the best in its segment. For buyers who spend long hours on the road, this combination of tech and audio quality is a genuine highlight.
A 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X system with Alexa integration, Infinity by Harman speakers, and Dolby Atmos audio ensures an immersive in-car entertainment experience. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
On the move, the Victoris is pleasant but never exciting. The 1.5-litre petrol and hybrid systems are smooth and well suited to city traffic, with the hybrid in particular capable of silent, EV-only running at low speeds. Efficiency remains one of its biggest strengths, especially compared to turbo-petrol rivals. But the downside is obvious — it feels sluggish when asked to accelerate hard. Even the automatic gearbox, though refined, cannot disguise the lack of urgency. The Victoris is more about calm progress than spirited driving. For those keen on mild adventure, the AllGrip all-wheel-drive system offers enough competence to tackle gravel or uneven tracks, though it is clear this SUV is happiest on tarmac.
Safety is a strong story for the Victoris. It comes equipped with six airbags, TPMS, disc brakes all around, and, most notably, ADAS Level 2 features. Maruti has tuned these systems specifically for Indian conditions, which makes them less intrusive and more usable in day-to-day driving. Add to that the fact that the Victoris has secured a five-star crash rating in both BNCAP and GNCAP tests, and it instantly becomes one of the safest models to wear the Suzuki badge in India. For a brand that has faced criticism in this area before, this marks a significant turnaround.
There is, however, one decision that might not sit well with traditional Arena customers. Instead of a spare wheel, Maruti provides only a tyre repair kit. While it saves space and reduces weight, it could easily be seen as cost cutting by buyers who value the security of a full-size spare. In a market that often prizes peace of mind over modern minimalism, this could end up being a sore point.
The cabin impresses with soft-touch surfaces, layered styling, white upholstery, and a host of premium features for a family-friendly experience. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
On the road, the Victoris does what it needs to. Ride quality is supple and forgiving, steering is light in the city but gains weight on highways, and outward visibility is excellent thanks to the generous glasshouse. It is composed at high speeds and unfazed by broken tarmac, which makes it a very usable family car. What it does not deliver is excitement. There's no rush of performance, no spark of dynamism — it simply gets the job done, quietly and effectively.
And that's really the essence of the Victoris. It ticks nearly every box that matters: space, features, safety, efficiency, and value. But it does so without exceeding expectations. It's the dependable colleague who always delivers on time, but never goes beyond the brief. Maruti may be marketing it towards Gen Z, but in truth, it is better suited to families who want a reliable, premium-feeling SUV without unnecessary fuss. With prices starting at ₹10.50 lakh for the petrol, ₹11.50 lakh for the CNG, and ₹16.37 lakh for the hybrid, the Victoris has been positioned cleverly to undercut rivals while offering comparable equipment.
The Victoris will not thrill you, and it won't make you fall in love at first drive. What it will do is reassure you every single day with its practicality, its economy, and the backing of Maruti's vast dealer and service network. And for a huge slice of Indian buyers, that combination is reason enough to sign on the dotted line.
Prices start at INR 10.50 lakh
Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes
Published - September 22, 2025 03:07 pm IST
The Hindu MetroPlus
Source: The Hindu
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