Maruti Suzuki Launches Victoris SUV as New Arena Flagship

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. on Wednesday strengthened its presence in the mid-sized sport utility vehicle segment with the launch of its all-new model, Victoris, positioned as the flagship product under its Arena retail channel.

“Victoris is being introduced as the flagship model in our Arena channel,” Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Hisashi Takeuchi said at the launch event in Gurugram. The new SUV joins Maruti Suzuki’s expanding line-up alongside the e Vitara, which was unveiled earlier this year and is expected to debut on Indian roads in the ongoing financial year.

The Victoris comes with six airbags across variants and a five-star safety rating from the Bharat New Car Safety Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). Other key features include internet connectivity and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It will also carry a patented 55-litre underbody compressed natural gas tank, concealed to maximise cabin and boot space.

The SUV will be offered in three powertrain options—a Strong Hybrid with charging capability, an all-grip 4x4, and a 1.5-litre petrol engine with Smart Hybrid technology. The company said the model will be exported to over 100 countries.

Takeuchi said the development cost stood at ₹12.4 billion, excluding investments into Maruti’s new Kharkhoda plant, where the Victoris will be manufactured. Around 97–98% of parts for the model are localised. Pricing details will be revealed later, though the company indicated it would be positioned within the Arena channel range, below the Grand Vitara, which is sold via Nexa outlets.

The Victoris will be available in 10 colour options, including three dual-tone and seven monotone shades.

Maruti Suzuki said the model has been designed with younger buyers in mind, reflecting the company’s intent to add a strong mid-SUV to its Arena channel, where its most expensive offering currently is the Brezza, priced up to ₹1.4 million. “I don’t think it will cannibalise our Grand Vitara. The channel is different, and this is here to compete with other SUVs in the market,” Takeuchi said.

The launch comes as Maruti’s utility vehicle sales, which account for over 40% of its passenger vehicle volumes, have seen three straight months of year-on-year declines. In August, utility vehicle sales fell 14% on year to 54,043 units, even as sequential sales rose 2%.
The company has attributed lower wholesale numbers to its conscious strategy of limiting despatches of larger models while dealers prepare to stock up on smaller cars for the festive season.