In a significant move to bolster its dominance in the booming SUV market, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has officially unveiled the Victoris, its much-anticipated mid-size SUV. Positioned as the flagship offering for the Arena dealership network, the Victoris marks MSIL’s second foray into strong hybrid technology following the popular Grand Vitara. This five-seater SUV, internally codenamed Y17, is set to challenge established rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate, promising a blend of affordability, advanced features, and eco-friendly powertrains. With bookings already open at a token of Rs 11,000, the Victoris is expected to hit showrooms in October 2025, with prices starting around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Victoris arrives at a time when India’s SUV segment is experiencing unprecedented growth, with MSIL’s SUV portfolio expanding from just 8.9% of sales in FY21 to 28% in FY25. Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO of MSIL, emphasized during the unveil event that the Victoris embodies the company’s commitment to “design, technology, safety, features, and environmentally friendly mobility.” Built on Suzuki’s new Global C platform, the SUV measures 4,360mm in length with a 2,600mm wheelbase, making it larger than the Brezza while offering enhanced space and a boot capacity that prioritizes practicality—especially in its innovative CNG variant.
Design: A Bold Evolution Inspired by the e-Vitara
The Victoris draws stylistic cues from the Grand Vitara and the upcoming e-Vitara electric SUV, but with a distinct, premium flair tailored for the Arena lineup. Its front fascia features a wide, chrome-accented horizontal grille flanked by slim LED projector headlamps and crisp pixel-type LED daytime running lights (DRLs) connected by a chrome strip, giving it a futuristic and connected look. The chunky bumpers incorporate black body cladding, silver skid plates, and a layered design for a robust stance. On the sides, squared-off wheel arches, roof rails, and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (shod with 215/60 tyres) enhance its muscular profile, while the rear boasts connected LED tail lights with a boomerang design, a sculpted tailgate, and a powered unit with gesture control.
Available in 10 color options—including seven monotone shades like Arctic White, Sizzling Red, and new introductions such as Mystic Green and Eternal Blue—plus three dual-tone variants (e.g., Eternal Blue with Black Roof), the Victoris exudes a premium yet approachable vibe. Its floating roof effect and shark-fin antenna add to the modern appeal, ensuring it stands out on urban roads and highways alike.
Interior and Features: Premium Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge TechStep inside the Victoris, and you’re greeted by a sophisticated cabin that elevates Maruti’s Arena offerings to new heights. The three-layer dashboard features black and ivory dual-tone interiors with soft-touch materials, piano black accents, and textured leatherette upholstery. Ambient lighting customizable across 64 colors sets a luxurious mood, complemented by a panoramic sunroof for an airy feel.
At the heart of the dashboard is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated with Alexa Auto voice AI for over 35 apps and voice commands. Paired with it is a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a heads-up display (HUD) for intuitive driving information. The audio setup is a segment-first for Maruti: an 8-speaker Infinity by Harman system with Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound, delivering immersive audio experiences.
Comfort features abound, including 8-way electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, automatic climate control with rear vents, a 60W fast-charging dock with wireless charger and USB Type-C ports, and a cabin air filter. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom thanks to the extended wheelbase, while the powered tailgate and 360-degree camera with guidelines make parking effortless. Connected car tech via Gen 3 Suzuki Connect offers over 60 features, including real-time navigation with traffic alerts.
Powertrains: Strong Hybrid Leadership and Versatile Options
True to the user’s mention, the Victoris is MSIL’s second strong hybrid SUV after the Grand Vitara, underscoring the company’s push toward sustainable mobility. It borrows the Grand Vitara’s proven powertrains, offering three options to cater to diverse needs:
| Powertrain | Engine Details | Power/Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | Fuel Efficiency (Claimed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild-Hybrid Petrol | 1.5L 4-cylinder NA (K15C) | 103 hp / 139 Nm | 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT | FWD or AWD (AllGrip Select with Auto, Snow, Sport, Lock modes) | 21.18 km/l (MT), 21.06 km/l (AT) |
| Strong Hybrid Petrol | 1.5L 3-cylinder Atkinson cycle + electric motor | 116 hp / 141 Nm (system output) | e-CVT | FWD | Up to 27.97 km/l (best-in-class) |
| S-CNG | 1.5L NA (factory-fitted, underbody twin-tank) | 89 hp / 121 Nm | 5-speed MT | FWD | ~26-28 km/kg (estimated) |
The strong hybrid setup, with its localized battery and e-CVT transmission, promises exceptional efficiency for city commuters and long-distance drivers. A standout innovation is the underbody CNG tank—a first for Maruti—which frees up boot space (up to 373 liters or more with seats folded) compared to traditional setups, making it ideal for families seeking green alternatives without compromising practicality. The AllGrip AWD system on select petrol variants adds versatility for off-road adventures, complete with hill descent control and multi-terrain modes.
Safety: 5-Star Bharat NCAP and Level-2 ADAS Debut
Safety has been a cornerstone of the Victoris’ development, earning it a prestigious 5-star Bharat NCAP rating across all variants—the second Maruti model after the Dzire to achieve this under the new norms. Tested in August 2025, it scored 31.66/32 in adult occupant protection (AOP) and 43/49 in child occupant protection (COP), excelling in frontal and side impact tests.
Standard across the lineup are six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), traction control, hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The Victoris is Maruti’s first vehicle in India with Level-2 ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, high beam assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change alert. Additional aids include a 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors, ensuring comprehensive protection for all occupants.
Market Positioning and Expectations
Priced competitively between Rs 12-20 lakh (ex-showroom), the Victoris in six variants (LXi, VXi, ZXi, ZXi(O), ZXi+, ZXi+(O), with AWD options) slots between the Brezza (Rs 8.69 lakh onwards) and Grand Vitara (Rs 11.42 lakh onwards), offering more features at a potentially lower entry point. It will be exported to over 100 countries, highlighting its global appeal. Under the Toyota-Suzuki partnership, a rebadged version could appear as a Toyota model, similar to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
The Victoris is poised to capture a significant share of the mid-size SUV market, appealing to buyers prioritizing efficiency, safety, and value. As MSIL plans two more SUVs this FY—including the e-Vitara EV—the Victoris reinforces its strategy to lead India’s transition to greener, smarter mobility.
