“Same same, but different.” That was the first thought that came to mind when I saw the Maruti Victoris parked outside our office. It’s based on the Grand Vitara, shares the same engine options, and competes in the same crowded mid-size SUV space.
Yet, there’s something about it that feels refreshingly different. Different enough for people to stop, stare, and more importantly, buy. It’s already outselling the Grand Vitara and is closing in on the Hyundai Creta on monthly sales charts.
And now, for the next few months, I get to live with it and find out what it’s really like.
Design
The first thing that hits you is the design. I received the key, and the blue back panel was a subtle giveaway that this is an Arena product, not a Nexa one. It’s finished in Maruti’s signature red with a contrasting black roof, and the design language is clearly aimed at standing out. It doesn’t follow the trending full-width LED DRLs across the bonnet. Instead, you get segmented DRLs neatly tucked into the headlamp clusters.
The side profile caught me off guard. There’s a hint of estate styling here. The blacked-out pillars visually elongate the roofline and glass area, giving it a silhouette that’s more wagon-like than SUV. It’s a bold departure from the usual upright and boxy approach we often see in this segment. The clear-lens tail lamps also lend a wider, more planted look to the rear.
Interior
Step inside, and the surprises continue. Maruti isn’t known for experimenting with cabin colours, but the Victoris offers two themes. Hybrid variants get an all-black interior, while other powertrains, including our AWD trim, get a smart black and ivory combo. It feels airy, premium, and thoughtfully laid out.
The 10.1-inch infotainment screen looks modern and is easily one of the nicest displays in any Maruti yet. The new steering wheel has a cleaner design and skips the dated flat-bottom styling. Ambient lighting, a powered tailgate, and the usual convenience features help elevate the cabin experience.
One big highlight is safety. The Victoris is the first Maruti to offer Level 2 ADAS. Features like six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and front parking sensors are all standard. More reassuringly, it has achieved a five-star crash test rating from both G-NCAP and B-NCAP, showing that safety is no longer an afterthought.
Performance
While hybrids and CNGs seem to dominate Maruti’s lineup these days, our long-term test car is a bit of a niche pick — the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol with AWD. The engine makes 102bhp and 139Nm, paired with a six-speed torque converter automatic. Under normal conditions, it’s a front-wheel-drive SUV, but twist the AllGrip dial and it can send power to the rear wheels when required.
This makes the Victoris the only AWD SUV in its segment aside from the Grand Vitara. And while you give up hybrid fuel economy for this configuration, you gain the ability to venture slightly off the tarmac when needed. Priced at Rs. 19.37 lakh (ex-showroom), this AWD variant is around Rs. 61,000 cheaper than the top-spec hybrid version.
Usability
With 180km on the clock in the first month and a fuel efficiency of 10.9kmpl as indicated by the MID, the Victoris seems reasonably efficient for a petrol automatic with AWD. This figure includes bumper-to-bumper commutes in Mumbai, so there’s definitely potential for better numbers on open roads.
Its size and features also make it a great weekend companion. Whether it’s airport runs, road trips, or small off-road trails, the Victoris feels like it can handle a bit of everything. But it’s still early days.
What’s Next
Over the coming months, this car will be tested in all sorts of situations — daily traffic, long highway hauls, cargo runs, and maybe even some rough terrain. I’ll see how well its features hold up, how comfortable it is for passengers, how reliable the tech is, and whether AWD makes a real-world difference.
It’s also a chance to discover the small wins — the things that make life easier, like boot space or cabin storage, and also call out the quirks or flaws that might annoy you on a daily basis. This is, after all, what a long-term test is for.
Here’s what we’ve logged so far:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Make | Maruti Suzuki |
| Model | Victoris |
| Variant | ZXi Plus (O) AWD |
| Engine | 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Distance covered | 180km |
| Fuel efficiency (MID) | 10.9 kmpl |
| On-road Price (Mumbai) | ₹22.92 lakh |
FAQs
Is the Victoris AWD worth it over the hybrid?
If you want off-road ability, the AWD is a solid choice.
How much does the Victoris AWD cost?
Around ₹22.92 lakh on-road in Mumbai.
What is the real-world mileage of Victoris AWD?
Currently averaging 10.9kmpl in city driving.
Does Victoris have ADAS features?
Yes, Level 2 ADAS comes standard on this trim.
Is the Victoris a Nexa or Arena model?
It is sold through Maruti’s Arena dealerships.
