The company's latest SUV promises 5-star safety, smart features, and a CNG option that doesn't eat your luggage space – but are consumers convinced?
04 Sep 2025 | 15842 Views | By Anurag Chaturvedi and Glenn Noronha
When Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Victoris, it sparked conversations from boardrooms to Twitter threads. For years, the company had watched rivals like Hyundai's Creta and Kia's Seltos capture hearts and wallets in India's SUV market while its own Grand Vitara struggled to gain traction. Now, with the Victoris, both industry ...
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When Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Victoris, it sparked conversations from boardrooms to Twitter threads. For years, the company had watched rivals like Hyundai's Creta and Kia's Seltos capture hearts and wallets in India's SUV market while its own Grand Vitara struggled to gain traction. Now, with the Victoris, both industry experts and car enthusiasts are asking the same question: has Maruti finally built something that can challenge the segment leaders?
The reactions reveal a clear divide. While analysts focus on market positioning, consumers are scrutinizing every design detail and feature. "Maruti is coming full on against very popular models like the Creta and the Nexon," observes a senior analyst.
Meanwhile, on social media, users are focused on the features, looks and pricing. "Honestly it looks better than creta from outside, but Interiors are same mass market," notes one Twitter user (@varun0884), capturing a sentiment that industry experts share but express differently.
Early reactions from potential buyers and experts reveal a fascinating divide. Some are genuinely excited about what they're seeing.
Hitesh Thakurani of HDFC Securities pointed out that newer models are likely to get better traction in the market, simply because leading models such as Creta and Nexon have been around for some time.
While not a radical departure from the aesthetics that dominate the segment, the Victoris does try to break some new ground, particularly for Maruti Suzuki. It has a futuristic and connected look, thanks to a slim, pixel-type LED DRLs that sit above a sleek, horizontal grille with chrome accents. The side profile features squared-off wheel arches with black cladding and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, with connected LED taillamps that further enhance its contemporary appeal.
As far as social media reactions are concerned, some really seemed to like the new look, while others found it boring. "With this car Maruti has solved all its flaws. Crazy car, will be worth checking this. [For the first time] Maruti [is trying] to truly attract customers with style and not just mileage," noted Reddit user Radiant-Pollution392, adding that if priced right, "sales of Nexon as well as Creta will be challenged by" the new model.
The design, which reminded a popular X user of VolksWagen models, seems to be generating largely positive responses. "Maruti taking design inspiration from VW is a step in the right direction,” said X user Sunderdeep (@volklub). “No other brand enjoys a cult following like VW…With 40 times more reach than VW and bulletproof support, Maruti has the edge," he added.
There were also others who were more effusive in their praise, with words such as: "Maruti has improved leaps and bounds in their design statement.”
However, not everyone is impressed. "Looks boring tbh. All the new cars nowadays look similar with uninspired dressing," dismissed vegan_realist on Reddit. X user @varun0884, was more charitable: "Honestly it looks better than Creta from outside.” However, he was disappointed by the glossy black interiors, noting that they had the “same mass market” feel. “They need to redo for the premium feel."
But this was not a view uniformly shared. "The interiors are insanely good unlike any Maruti," said Reddit user @BananaAvailable, in somewhat of a backhanded compliment.
While official pricing hasn't been announced (bookings are open at ₹11,000), the car will be sold through Maruti's Arena dealerships rather than premium NEXA outlets – a hint that pricing will be competitive.
This pricing strategy reflects what consumers have been demanding. Kranthi Bathini from WealthMills Securities suggests optimal pricing would be "around 15-20 lakh," hitting the sweet spot for mainstream SUV buyers. The challenge, as analysts note, is that "waiting for GST rates to be announced only then can opinions can be done on pricing."
A senior analyst mentions that as the Victoris is above four-metre length and given the new GST rates, pricing it very important to make model successful
The company is expected to announce the pricing any time now, given that the government has clarified the new GST rates.
The Victoris attempts to solve problems that have frustrated Indian car buyers for years. The underbody CNG fuel tank is perhaps the most practical innovation, freeing up boot space that conventional CNG installations typically compromise. "The underbody CNG fuel tank could benefit Victoris as customers always appreciate extra boot space," notes Hitesh Thakurani from HDFC Securities. This resonates with real-world users who have long complained about sacrificing luggage capacity for fuel economy.
A Mumbai-based analyst noted that Tata was successful in freeing up boot space, but Maruti was not. “This may work in its favour," he added.
Secondly, the strong hybrid system of the Victoris positions the vehicle between conventional engines and full electric vehicles, addressing the reality that most Indian buyers aren't ready for full electric vehicles yet want better fuel efficiency.
Thakurani of HDFC Sec points that it was smart of Maruti Suzuki to target the gap between EVs and ICE. “If localization helps in narrowing that gap a bit, you can see good traction there," he added. Online consumer sentiment too increasingly focuses on hybrid technology as a practical middle ground.
The Victoris achieves a five-star Bharat NCAP rating, addressing what has become a major talking point among car buyers. "First time Bharat NCAP five stars is a good thing since Maruti was lacking in this," a senior analyst acknowledges . This isn't just industry jargon; safety ratings have become conversation starters at dinner tables and WhatsApp groups where families discuss car purchases.
The safety achievement matters because consumers have become more aware. Online users too noted the shift, with consumers now routinely checking safety ratings before making decisions. The five-star rating puts Maruti on equal footing with competitors that have used safety as a selling point against the brand.
The Victoris represents more than a new model; it's a test of whether Maruti can evolve its brand perception. Whether that initial traction translates into sustained success will depend on whether Maruti has truly understood what consumers want, or merely what analysts think they should want. One X user, MadhusudanSahuu, put it plainly: "Honestly, Victoris feels like what the Grand Vitara should've been in the first place. Maruti finally seems to be listening with the features and safety bit."