VALIANT EFFORT

Premium, tech-forward, and safety-first — but will the Victoris redefine its segment?

- By Kurt Morris Photographs Amit Naik

When Maruti Suzuki makes a move, the entire industry pays attention. The company is renowned for its meticulous market study, deep understanding of consumer sentiment, and an ability to gauge the national pulse. So, when it decides to not just enter but create a new segment, you know it's a development to be taken very seriously.

That's exactly my mindset regarding its latest product, the Victoris. The first surprising decision? It's a showroom destination. Surprisingly, this SUV is targeted for their mainstream Arena showrooms, not the premium Nexa channel. This is a fascinating strategic choice because, at first glance, the Victoris is undeniably a premium offering. Its design language, which we'll delve into shortly, and its specifications suggest Maruti Suzuki has come prepared to make a significant impact.

The name itself, 'Victoris,' has been the subject of much rumour and speculation. It's a strong, confident name that seems to imply a strategy we've seen before: enter the segment later, understand it completely, and then dominate. But does the substance back up the ambitious name? We've come to the vibrant city of Jaipur to put this highly anticipated SUV through its paces. On paper, the specs and data add up to some genuinely impressive stats. Now, it's time to see what the Victoris truly delivers on the ground.

The morning of the drive began with the familiar early call time; we were out the door and behind the wheel by 7 AM. But before even stepping into the car, it was the design that truly commanded attention. Maruti Suzuki as a brand, does not have a distinct design language, but with the Victoris, that narrative takes a decisive turn. The brand has delivered a surprisingly mature and refined design — one that feels coherent, premium, and deliberately uncluttered. There are no excessive lines or fussy details; instead, the Victoris presents a clean, confident silhouette.