In a milestone moment for Maruti Suzuki, the recently launched Victoris compact SUV has earned a highly coveted 5-star safety rating from the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP). This milestone marks the Victoris as the second Maruti Suzuki vehicle to achieve this accolade, following the Dzire, and positions it as a formidable contender in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. With a near-perfect score in crash tests and a suite of advanced safety features, including Level-2 ADAS, the Victoris is redefining safety standards for Maruti’s Arena lineup. Here’s a close-up of what sets the Victoris apart as an automotive safety game-changer.
Superb Crash Test Rating
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris has been put through its paces by BNCAP under exacting testing protocols and raked in a whopping 31.66 out of 32 points for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 43 out of 49 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP). In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, which mimics a head-on crash, the Victoris achieved a near-perfect score of 15.66 out of 16, providing outstanding protection to the driver’s head, neck, pelvis, thighs, and feet.
The side movable deformable barrier test earned a perfect 16 out of 16, and the side pole impact test received a rating of “OK,” highlighting the SUV’s solid structural strength. For child safety, the Victoris scored a flawless 24 out of 24 in dynamic tests and 12 out of 12 for child restraint system (CRS) compatibility, offering the highest level of protection for younger passengers.
Comprehensive Safety Suite
The Victoris differentiates itself with a wide range of safety features, with the vehicle being one of the safest SUVs in the Maruti stable. Standard across all variants, from the base LXI to the top-spec ZXI+(O), are six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminders for all seats, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Additionally, the Victoris introduces Maruti Suzuki’s first implementation of Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and high beam assist. Other significant safety upgrades are the 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, all-wheel disc brakes, and pedestrian protection systems, providing occupants and pedestrians with all-around safety.
A Strategic Leap for Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki has long been accused of focusing too much on fuel efficiency over structural safety, but the Victoris marks a notable change in the brand’s philosophy. As the flagship SUV in Maruti’s Arena dealership network, positioned between the Brezza and Grand Vitara, the Victoris combines safety, style, and efficiency. Its 5-star BNCAP rating not only elevates Maruti’s reputation but also places it in direct competition with rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, and Honda Elevate, many of which are yet to undergo BNCAP testing. This feat is especially commendable as the Victoris is the first Maruti SUV to offer Level-2 ADAS, a feature that improves driver confidence and safety across various driving scenarios.
Powertrain and Design Highlights
Based on the same Grand Vitara architecture, the Victoris provides the following powertrain options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (103 bhp, 139 Nm) with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, a 1.5-litre strong-hybrid petrol motor (116 bhp, 141 Nm) with an e-CVT transmission, and an 87 bhp, 121 Nm CNG variant with a 5-speed manual.
The pioneering underbody twin-tank CNG configuration optimizes boot space, a first for Maruti Suzuki. The design of the SUV is also captivating, with a chrome-lined one-piece grille, LED headlamps with pixel-type DRLs, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and LED connected taillamps, providing it a contemporary and tough look. On the inside, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, high-resolution touchscreen infotainment, panoramic sunroof, and 64-colour ambient lighting build a luxury cabin experience.
Global Ambitions and Market Impact
Maruti Suzuki has announced that the Victoris will be shipped to more than 100 countries, highlighting its international appeal. Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, reiterated that the Victoris makes the company’s SUV line-up even stronger, which now accounts for 8.9% in FY21 and is up to 28% in FY25. The 5-star BNCAP rating not only addresses safety-oriented Indian customers but also supports the SUV’s competitiveness globally. By providing advanced safety features and a choice of powertrains, the Victoris has appeal across a wide range of buyers, from technologically inclined younger consumers to families focused on safety.
A New Chapter for Maruti Suzuki
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is not merely a subcompact SUV; it’s proof of the brand’s dedication to advancing with customers’ demands for safer, smarter cars. With its 5-star BNCAP rating, state-of-the-art ADAS, and flexible powertrain options, the Victoris is set to redefine how Maruti Suzuki is perceived as a safety brand. Entering the ring with established competition in the compact SUV market, the Victoris offers a strong combination of safety, tech, and usability that sets a new standard for what an Indian SUV can deliver.
