When Maruti Suzuki makes a move, the entire industry pays attention. The company is renowned for its meticulous market study, deep understanding of consumer sentiment, and an ability to gauge the national pulse. That’s exactly what you look forward to with its latest product, the Victoris.

Surprisingly, this SUV is targeted for its mainstream Arena showrooms, not the premium Nexa channel. This is an interesting strategic choice because, at first glance, the Victoris is undeniably a premium offering. The name itself, ‘Victoris,’ comes across as strong and confident. But does substance back up the ambitious name?

As a brand, Maruti Suzuki does not have a distinct design language, but with the Victoris that narrative takes a decisive turn. The first impression it leaves is distinctly European — sophisticated, understated and solid. Up front, it features sleek LED DRLs, while at the rear a full-width LED light bar gives it a modern and upscale presence. The profile is enhanced with 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and silver roof rails, completing the elegant yet purposeful stance.

sleek & spacious

The interior does not disappoint, either. The centrepiece is the new dashboard layout dominated by a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital 10.25-inch driver’s display. Maruti has introduced a brand-new operating system which is remarkably responsive. The interface is smooth, intuitive, and free of the lag that plagues some systems in this segment.

The high-definition rearview camera provided a clear and crisp image — so good, in fact, that it rivals systems found in some German luxury cars. Another standout feature Maruti Suzuki is touting is the Dolby Atmos music system, and it lives up to the hype. The soundstage is immersive, the clarity is stunning, and the output is powerful, setting a new audio benchmark in this segment.

The cabin is packed with premium details, starting with effective ventilated seats. You also get powered front seats and a hands-free powered tailgate that can be opened with a simple gesture. A large panoramic sunroof makes the cabin airy, while connectivity needs are met with 60W and 45W USB Type-C charging ports. The premium experience is rounded out by a useful head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield and ambient lighting.

The seats are supportive, leaning towards the firmer side to provide good bolstering on longer drives. Both legroom and headroom are generous for front and rear passengers. Finally, boot space is practical and should easily accommodate luggage for weekend getaways. It’s worth noting that in the strong-hybrid model, the boot floor is slightly raised to accommodate the battery, but this doesn’t significantly compromise the overall utility of the space.

The Victoris offers three powertrain options: a 1.5-litre NA petrol engine paired with either a mild-hybrid or a strong-hybrid system, or a CNG setup. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, and an e-CVT. For those seeking adventure, an AllGrip all-wheel-drive derivative is also available.

strong points

Our drive began in the strong-hybrid variant, and the first thing to appreciate was how incredibly easy it was to drive. The steering was light and precise, making it perfectly suited for its target audience that prioritises comfort, ease and a stress-free experience in daily traffic. And it delivered exactly that. The low-end electric assist provided a responsive pull away from traffic, while the petrol engine effortlessly took over at higher speeds.

While the e-CVT tuning could be slightly more engaging for spirited driving, and the engine note did become more pronounced when working hard at three-digit speeds, overall refinement is impressive for the segment. Also, the strong hybrid consistently indicated an impressive 23.5 kpl on its trip computer during our drive in mixed conditions.

Ride quality emerged as one of this car’s strongest virtues. The suspension is tuned explicitly for comfort, effortlessly absorbing bumps, potholes, and road imperfections with a soft, muted thump. It feels incredibly settled and composed, offering a plush, isolating experience that families will appreciate on long journeys.

While the handling is predictable and secure, the focus is clearly on stability rather than sportiness. There is some body roll when changing direction quickly, but it’s well-controlled and clearly communicates the car’s limits. This is not a sharp and engaging driver’s car, but rather a calm and comfortable cruiser.

Although our primary drive was in the hybrid, Maruti Suzuki ensured we experienced the AllGrip all-wheel-drive variant on a dedicated off-road track. The course featured deep ruts, axle twisters, and a 24-degree side incline, all of which the Victoris tackled with ease. The AllGrip system maintained traction and momentum without any drama, and we navigated the entire course in comfort.

A key demonstration involved opening the doors while on a steep incline. This highlighted the rigidity of the new chassis which remained completely torsion-free, allowing the doors to open and shut without strain. This leads to a most significant takeaway — the Victoris has dominated crash tests, achieving 5-star adult safety ratings from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP. It scored 33.72 out of 34 points for adult occupant protection and 41 out of 49 for child occupant protection.

Safety is bolstered by technology, too; the Victoris is equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS, a first for any Maruti Suzuki. Available on the top ZXi+ variants, the suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

In the end, Maruti Suzuki now has a product that ticks most of the boxes found on a car-shopping list, from features and performance to safety and practicality. With prices starting at ₹10.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the value proposition becomes even more apparent, especially when you line it up against the competition. The segment is a crowded one, to be sure, but the Victoris is a statement from Maruti Suzuki that it’s ready to take on all comers. Bet against it at your own peril.

© Motoring World

Published on September 26, 2025