Maruti Suzuki Victoris First Drive Review
Maruti Suzuki has launched the Victoris as its new flagship SUV for Arena showrooms, positioning it above the Brezza. The new model, a result of the company’s recent efforts, has a competitive starting price of Rs 10.5 lakh. After a media drive in Jaipur, initial impressions suggest the Victoris is a significant step forward for the brand, bringing a more modern and premium feel to its lineup.
Design, Dimensions, and Features
The Victoris stands out with a distinct design that sets it apart from the Grand Vitara, featuring a sleek, dominating road presence. It measures 4,360 mm long, making it one of the largest in its segment. It is equipped with modern features like connected LED taillights, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and all-wheel disc brakes. The interior is also upgraded, with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Space and Comfort
Inside, the Victoris feels spacious and comfortable for those in the front seats, with features like ventilated seats and a sliding armrest. However, the rear seats have a noticeable lack of headroom for taller passengers, mainly due to the panoramic sunroof. Despite this, the back row does offer three adjustable headrests and a center armrest for comfort, and the electrically adjustable driver’s seat and adjustable steering wheel help find a fine-tuned seating position.
Drive and Dynamics
The Petrol MT variant offers a refined and quiet ride, though its 102 bhp engine is tuned for mileage rather than performance. Its best quality is its plush ride, as the suspension handles Indian roads with maturity and confidence. The car feels stable with minimal body roll. While the brakes could have better “bite,” they are adequate for a car in this segment.
What the Victoris is Missing
Despite its many strengths, the Victoris has some notable omissions. The ADAS suite is not available on the manual, hybrid, or CNG variants, a significant drawback. Other missing features include a cooled glovebox and cornering function for the fog lights. The camera feed from the 360-degree camera also lacks the ability to freely move the view.
The Verdict
The Maruti Victoris is a strong contender in the C SUV segment. It offers a lot for its price, including a 5-star crash safety rating from both BNCAP and GNCAP, an upgraded infotainment system, efficient powertrains, and a plush ride. While it has a few shortcomings, such as the limited ADAS availability and lack of a powerful engine option, it is arguably the best-equipped product Maruti Suzuki has to offer.
Also Read – Maruti, Mahindra, and Hyundai to Launch New Hybrid Cars in India
