Maruti Suzuki has launched its new car, the Victoris, under the Maruti Suzuki Arena lineup. The primary goal of this vehicle is to compete with rivals like the Hyundai Creta. But the real question is — will it actually prove to be a hit? In this review, we take a detailed look at every aspect of the car.
Key Highlights of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris
- Available with Petrol, Hybrid, and CNG engine options.
- Despite having a CNG tank, the boot space has been managed quite intelligently.
- No spare tyre (extra wheel) is provided.
- Paint quality feels slightly below par.
- Suspension is on the softer side, delivering a comfortable ride.
Exterior Design and First Impression
The Victoris is a car that appears fairly simple and understated in its design for a sub-compact segment vehicle. It does come with front LED lights, which don’t look particularly modern but do their job well. Viewed from the front, its ground clearance appears quite generous — a significant plus point for Indian roads. The tyres feature a diamond-cut design that looks attractive.
Looking at the side profile, the cladding above the fender feels a little thin, though the overall look is decent. At the rear, the Victoris is easily identifiable by its tail lights, although their design functions more like parking lights. From the back, the car sits slightly elevated, with the Maruti logo placed centrally.
Interior, Comfort and Features
The moment you step inside, the quality of the door handles and buttons feels premium. The infotainment system and its user interface are quite smooth and easy to operate. The driver’s seat and cabin offer generous space, with no shortage of legroom or headroom. Rear seat passengers are also well accommodated. The seats come with a mix of leather and fabric upholstery, which feels comfortable.
Engine and Performance
| Variant | Engine type | Fuel | Best for | Performance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | Naturally Aspirated Petrol | Petrol | City & highway driving | Moderate | Smooth, reliable, entry-level option |
| CNG | Petrol + CNG Bi-fuel | Petrol & CNG | Budget-friendly daily use | Moderate (minimal drop on CNG) | Smart boot space management despite CNG tank; highway capable |
| Hybrid | Petrol + Electric (Mild Hybrid) | Petrol & Electric | Performance & efficiency | High (best of three) | Strong overtaking punch; most enjoyable to drive; best fuel efficiency |
Maruti Suzuki offers the Victoris with three engine options:
1. Petrol: Excellent for city driving and manages well on highways too, though it isn’t particularly powerful.
2. CNG (Petrol + CNG): Performance doesn’t drop noticeably when running on CNG. The engine is smooth and picks up speed comfortably on the highway.
3. Hybrid (Petrol + EV): This is the most powerful variant. It delivers a strong punch while overtaking and makes for a genuinely enjoyable drive.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable sub-compact SUV. While certain shortcomings — such as the paint quality and the absence of a spare tyre — may be a concern for some buyers, its spacious cabin, multiple engine options, and smooth driving experience make it a strong contender in its segment.
