Maruti Suzuki Victoris review, first drive – the new best-seller?

Although Maruti Suzuki is accustomed to controlling almost every market segment, this hasn’t quite happened in the mid-sized C SUV market. Although the Grand Vitara sells well, Suzuki hopes to fully utilize its network with the Victoris Maruti. Better equipped and more reasonably priced than its Nexa sibling, the Grand Vitara, it will be sold through the Arena network. Does this pan out in the metal, though?

Maruti Suzuki Victoris Styling

The dimensions of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris are ideal for the market it competes in. Here, Maruti Suzuki’s blocky design, which made its debut with the Brezza, has been expanded to create a sort of Arena motif. With its segmented lighting, large air dams, and flat, simplified lines, the Victoris has a sophisticated yet understated appearance.

The Victoris appears longer than it actually is due to a long, estate-like glass section with a gently sloping roof in profile. Although there is a decent 210 mm of ground clearance, we wish the 17-inch wheels had more wheel well filling. The full-width lighting at the back is perhaps the most noticeable feature of the design. This will make this SUV appear broader than it actually is, which is probably what many of you desire in this segment, but it will also remind you of some more costly cars.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris Boot space

With the hybrid Victoris, Maruti Suzuki has made an effort to increase boot room. Although the volume is similar at about 300 liters, the flat floor and wide opening allow you to fit cabin-sized luggage that is sufficient for a family of four. Because of the elevated floor, you do have a high lip, so you’ll need to work harder.

This is not an issue with the normally aspirated engine. The roughly 400-liter compartment is easy to pull bags into thanks to the flat low lip, and the lower floor provides sufficient volume to accommodate larger strollers. However, the fact that none of the models include a spare wheel as standard raises serious concerns. Except for the CNG, all models include this feature, albeit the spare is available for an extra fee.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris Interiors

Although the exterior of the Victoris may be very different, the interior has undergone the most significant modifications. Although it is a little strange that the more popular Arena channel model has a more upscale cabin, it is still a significant improvement over what we have seen from Maruti Suzuki in the past. Maruti Suzuki is now much closer to rivals thanks to its layered horizontal design and good material mix, even though it lacks the quality and durability of its Korean and German competitors.

Although the exterior of the Victoris may be very different, the interior has undergone the most significant modifications. The textured gloss black is only used on ornamental panels that are difficult to scuff, and overall, everything feels rather neatly put together, similar to Maruti Suzuki vehicles. Although the dash’s ambient lighting is a pleasant addition, it is once more limited in the typical Maruti manner.

Many of the switches and parts, such as the air vents, are taken from previous models, but this one has been enhanced with chrome and bronze highlights to give it a more elegant appearance. In any case, these are tried-and-true parts with a tactile, utilitarian feel that you can be sure will last for many years. Nevertheless, the new steering wheel, which seems like the most costly component of the cockpit, is a fantastic upgrade. The leather is nice to the touch, the buttons are easy to grasp, and the design is perfect. In relation to buttons, there aren’t any obnoxious capacitive panels here. The toggle climate switches are functional, however it’s strange that the Auto AC setting can only be activated via the screen. Fortunately, a PM2.5 filter has been installed at last.

Additionally, practicality has improved. At last, you have a nicely stacked wireless charger and two type-C chargers at the front. The glove box, door bins, and storage areas in the center console are all spacious.

For the first time, a Maruti Suzuki has an entirely digital instrument cluster. Despite not being the brightest, this 10.25-inch screen is particularly easy to use while on the go. You have a ton of information, it’s easily customizable, and your phone projection provides turn-by-turn navigation updates, which is really useful. The HUD becomes somewhat unnecessary as a result, but it’s a convenience that you rapidly grow accustomed to.

You have a new touchscreen interface as well. Although the bezels are lower and the interface is more fluid and intuitive, the 10.1-inch size remains the same. The majority of features are now more accessible thanks to a widget-based layout. In-built navigation and a greater variety of linked functions are good additions.

The rear-seat feel in the Victoris is familiar because the 2,600 mm wheelbase is unchanged from previous models. It is not the roomiest vehicle in this class. The second row appears to have advanced with the packaging of the hybrid system. This does indicate that you have to deal with a small central hump and that there are alternative cars of same size that have better knee room. Additionally, the high seat reduces headroom, which can be an issue if you are taller than normal.

Although there is still room for improvement in terms of thigh support, the seat itself has been enhanced with somewhat thicker padding and better contouring. Additionally, the base is level enough for the occasional fifth person to travel along, and the seatback is at a good angle.

The panoramic sunroof offers a roomy sense especially with the all-black cabin option and the shade is a better quality today. Nevertheless, there was need for improvement in the roof lining. Even though the back door pockets should be bigger, you do receive additional equipment like the two type-C chargers and a little storage cubby.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris Hybrid Driving impressions

You will immediately become accustomed to the Victoris’s simple, conventional SUV driving stance. As with most other Maruti Suzuki vehicles, you get an unhindered vision, the controls are easy to use, and the vehicle never feels overly big. In order to provide more support, the front seats have been redesigned, and they appear to be more comfortable than they were previously. More thigh support would still be beneficial, and the large fabric inserts limit the effectiveness of the ventilation system.

The hybrid system, which is based on the Grand Vitara, produces 92 PS 122 Nm from the petrol motor and 80 PS 141 Nm from the electric motor paired with an eCVT. To begin with, NVH has benefited from the improvements made to the Victoris structure; the engine sounds a little less rattly and there aren’t many vibrations in the cabin, though it’s still not as sophisticated as some other ICE powertrains in this class, but you have that almost unbelievable 28.65 kmpl efficiency.

As a result, this hybrid system seems natural and appears to make every effort to maximize efficiency, particularly when the battery is at a greater charge level. It will therefore run only on electric power for brief periods of time when rolling off or even when cruising on a high-speed highway. Additionally, it has a significant amount of shove up to average city speeds. Thus, it makes commuting easier.

Nevertheless, you lose out on the powerful torque that a turbocharged petrol or diesel engine can provide at greater speeds. You can’t quite get that performance at higher rpm when the CVT character shines with this hybrid. At certain times, it also becomes very boisterous. Otherwise, the CVT works well when driving more calmly. You have that continuous driving sensation that most other transmissions do not offer, and the electric power somewhat mitigates the gearbox’s sluggish characteristics. We wish more engine braking had been adjusted, although it appears that some work has been done to address this. On slopes, the Victoris can freewheel a bit too much, even in brake mode. Drive modes are another option, but they don’t impact things as much as you might imagine.

The Victoris performs best when driven quietly, as its engine may indicate. At city speeds, the steering is light and simple, but at greater speeds, some guesswork is required. It doesn’t seem to add input and isn’t the most straightforward. Maruti Suzuki has had to strike a careful balance between luxury and control because the top hybrid model weighs 70 kg more than the corresponding natively aspirated version. Here, you can feel the weight, and the hybrid appears to roll more smoothly around tight turns. It works best when you reduce your level of excitement when driving, just like the powertrain.

You do occasionally have a little harsh edge while traveling at slower speeds over particularly hazardous areas, and you are not totally isolated from the outer world. Nevertheless, from behind the wheel, there’s that solid, comforting feeling. Overall, this is a comfy vehicle. The Victoris keeps you comfortable over smaller potholes and uneven ground, and it appears to get better the faster you drive. On a high-speed cruise, it might be more stable, but you frequently need to make tiny adjustments to the steering wheel to keep it straight.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris N/A mild hybrid driving impressions

The mild hybrid naturally aspirated 1.5-liter petrol engine with 103 PS and 139 Nm and a six-speed torque converter may be all you need because many of you won’t be able to afford the additional expense of the hybrid. Although the outputs may not look impressive, the Victoris’s performance is sufficient because it weighs only 1,225 kg in this form.

Similar to the majority of Maruti Suzuki engines, it starts smoothly and has a clean, wide powerband that you can experiment with. You get the impression that the powertrain is concentrated on providing you with a smooth experience, even though it is not the most rev-happy motor of its kind, especially with this gearbox. Although it takes some time to reach high speeds and may be improved, it does so in a predictable and fluid way that will benefit regular drivers.

As usual, the Aisin gearbox is inoffensive; the shifts are smooth, well-timed, and don’t feel overly efficiency-focused. You seem to be in the powerband all the time, and the manual mode does allow you to accelerate to some level, however it also typically stays far from the red line. Additionally, the mild hybrid system appears to provide you with just the right amount of help to make things go more smoothly.

However, this version of the Victoris feels much more coherent and lighter on its feet, which appears to give it a boost of vitality. Although it seems to dampen out damaged roads more effectively, it feels just as sturdy as the hybrid. The hybrid lacks a softer edge.

The body movements appear tighter and more secure, but the steering is not all that different. This version of the Victoris has a more assured lean and better mass containment. This gives you more self-assurance when driving, and the vehicle feels more maneuverable in all circumstances. However, compared to the hybrid version, the braking feel is far less secure.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD track experience

We drove the AWD version of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris on a prepared off-road track. Although this circuit wasn’t very difficult, we did witness a demonstration of the All Grip system’s many modes. If you find yourself in a tight spot, the Lock mode will help you get out of it. The Victoris’s sturdy yet lightweight chassis and rather capable traction control system aid it in harsh conditions. However, the Jimny is the best for very heavy off-roading.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris Price, Verdict

With a peak price of Rs 19.99 lakh for the hybrid, the Victoris is one of the most sensible everyday SUVs available in this market because of its exceptional efficiency, contemporary interior, and sufficient power. However, at Rs 17.77 lakh, the top naturally aspirated AT variant would be the sweet spot. If you are not going to get a lot of mileage, this engine might be the one for you, even if the back seat is a little small in both and it is slower and far less efficient. The expanded feature list, improved dynamics, and lighter cabin make the purchase more appealing. If you want that extra layer of capabilities, the top AWD model, which costs Rs 19.22 lakh, also appears to be worth the spend.