Maruti Victoris gathers 25,000 bookings

Maruti Suzuki’s latest mid-size SUV, the Victoris, is off to a flying start in the Indian market. Since bookings commenced, the Creta-rival has already gathered 25,000 orders. Current waiting periods stand at around 10 weeks, and even with production running at full capacity, according to Maruti Suzuki. Dealers expect lead times to hover between two and three months in the near future for the Victoris that also has a five-star crash test rating. 

The Victoris’ early success can be attributed to a combination of factors. Aggressive pricing has placed it squarely in the sweet spot of the midsize SUV segment, while the recent GST 2.0 slab cuts have further sweetened the deal. Add to this, Maruti’s reach through its vast Arena dealer network has also given the model a wider audience compared to some rivals including Maruti’s own Grand Vitara which is restricted to a lesser number of “premium” outlets.

Maruti has equipped the Victoris with a comprehensive list of features to ensure it stays competitive. The SUV gets a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a fully digital driver’s display, connected car tech, ventilated seats, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio setup. On the safety front, it comes with six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist and a 360-degree camera on higher trims. The SUV has many segment leading features which are missing even on the more premium Grand Vitara SUV.

Powertrain choices

Under the hood, the Victoris is offered with multiple engine options. The range begins with Maruti’s tried-and-tested 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, paired with manual and automatic gearbox choices. Higher trims get a 1.5-litre strong-hybrid option, developed with Toyota, which promises segment-leading efficiency figures. There’s also a CNG variant on the cards for cost-conscious buyers, further expanding the Victoris’ appeal in smaller cities and fleet markets.

The midsize SUV segment is one of the hottest battlegrounds in the Indian car market today. The Victoris takes direct aim at heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, as well as newer players like the Honda Elevate and Toyota Hyryder. Despite such competition, the Victoris’ strong early booking numbers indicate that buyers are responding well to Maruti’s mix of value, features and brand trust.

The mid-size SUV segment in India has so far been dominated by Hyundai and Kia with the Creta and Seltos respectively, with Maruti largely having a small share until now. By adding mass-market pricing with a feature laden package, Maruti, with the Victoris, is hoping to attract both loyalists upgrading from hatchbacks and sedans, as well as new customers looking for a family SUV.