Maruti Suzuki Victoris Crowned ICOTY 2026: The “Got It All” SUV Claims India’s Top Auto Honor

Maruti Suzuki Victoris won ICOTY 2026. The competition for 2026 was fierce, with contenders from every major manufacturer vying for the top spot. So, what made the Maruti Suzuki Victoris the clear winner? The judges lauded its holistic approach: a striking design, a feature-rich cabin, advanced powertrain options, and an unwavering focus on safety.

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris represents a significant shift for Maruti Suzuki. It moves beyond simply offering “value for money” to delivering a premium experience without the premium price tag. This vehicle is a strategic play by the company to capture a larger share of the discerning Indian market, and the ICOTY 2026 award confirms their success.

Exterior Highlights:

• Dominant Front Fascia: A large, multi-slat chrome grille flanked by sleek, split LED headlamps that give it an assertive look.

• Floating Roof Design: The blacked-out B and C pillars create a “floating roof” effect, adding a touch of modern sophistication.

• Muscular Wheel Arches: Prominently flared wheel arches house stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, giving the Victoris a strong, planted stance.

• Signature LED Tail Lamps: Connected by a chrome strip, the wraparound LED tail lamps create a distinctive visual signature at the rear, making it recognizable even from a distance.

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Key Benefits of the Enhanced HEARTECT Platform:

1. Superior Safety: The platform uses high-tensile steel, designed to absorb and disperse crash energy effectively, aiming for top-tier crash test ratings.

2. Lightweight & Agile: Despite its robust build, the platform keeps the vehicle’s weight in check, contributing to better fuel efficiency and nimble handling.

3. Enhanced NVH Levels: Engineers have focused on reducing Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, providing a quieter and more refined cabin experience.

Powertrain

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris addresses the diverse needs of Indian buyers with a range of sophisticated powertrain options, prioritizing both fuel efficiency and spirited performance.

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Engine and Transmission Combinations:

1. 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid (Mild Hybrid)

This is the workhorse of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris lineup, designed for those who want a smooth, refined petrol experience with the added efficiency of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

• Engine: 1.5L Petrol

• Power/Torque: 103 hp / 137-139 Nm

• Transmission Options: 5-Speed Manual: For the traditionalists who want total control.

• 6-Speed Torque Converter (TC) Automatic: Features paddle shifters for a more engaging drive.

• Drivetrain: Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and an exclusive ALLGRIP Select (AWD) version (paired with the 6-speed AT).

2. 1.5L Intelligent Electric Hybrid (Strong Hybrid)

The “crown jewel” that likely won over the ICOTY judges. Developed with Toyota’s hybrid expertise, it allows the car to run on pure electric mode for short distances, making it a silence-lover’s dream in city traffic.

• Engine: 1.5L 3-Cylinder Petrol + Electric Motor

• Combined Power: 116 hp

• Transmission: e-CVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission)

• Highlight: Delivers a class-leading mileage of 28.65 kmpl, effectively ending “range anxiety” for petrol buyers.

3. 1.5L S-CNG (Bi-Fuel)

Maruti Suzuki has revolutionized CNG with the Victoris by introducing a segment-first underbody tank layout. This clears up the boot space a massive win for families who previously had to choose between cheap fuel and luggage room.

• Engine: 1.5L 4-Cylinder Petrol + CNG

• Power/Torque (CNG Mode): 88 hp / 121.5 Nm

• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual (Exclusively)

The highlight is undoubtedly the 1.5L K15C Strong Hybrid petrol engine. This advanced powertrain, shared with some of Maruti Suzuki’s premium offerings, allows for significant electric-only driving in city conditions, delivering phenomenal fuel efficiency figures (expected to be 26-28 kmpl). This makes the Victoris an incredibly logical choice for buyers looking to save on running costs.

Interior Highlights:

Step inside the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, and you are greeted by an interior that redefines “premium” for the brand. The cabin layout is ergonomic, the materials are high-quality, and the technology is seamlessly integrated.

Key Interior Features:

• Large Floating Infotainment System: A 10.25-inch touchscreen takes center stage, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is intuitive and responsive.

• Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital driver’s display offers customizable layouts, showing vital information like navigation, fuel efficiency, and ADAS alerts.

• Ventilated Front Seats: A much-appreciated feature for Indian climatic conditions, ensuring comfort on long drives.

• Panoramic Sunroof: A segment-first for Maruti Suzuki, the expansive panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel to the cabin and is a huge crowd-puller.

• Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects essential driving information onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

• Wireless Charging Pad: For convenient, clutter-free phone charging.

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris also features a sophisticated ambient lighting system, adding to the premium feel and allowing owners to personalize their driving environment.

Safety:

Maruti Suzuki has made significant strides in safety, and the Victoris leads this charge. It is expected to achieve a 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP, building immense trust with buyers.

Advanced Safety Features:

• 6 Airbags as Standard: Ensuring comprehensive protection for all occupants.

• ABS with EBD and Brake Assist: Essential active safety features for emergency braking.

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist: Prevents skidding and aids in starting on inclines.

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts the driver to low tire pressure, preventing potential hazards.

Crucially, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris is the first Maruti Suzuki vehicle to feature Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). This suite includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

• Lane Keep Assist: Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if it drifts.

• Blind Spot Monitoring: Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots.

• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Detects approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking spot.

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Can prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes.

This comprehensive safety package not only protects occupants but also enhances the overall driving experience, making the Victoris a truly modern vehicle.

Pricing:

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is strategically priced to disrupt the mid-size SUV and premium hatchback segments. Maruti Suzuki Victoris  launched with an ex-showroom price starting around ₹10.50 Lakh for the base variant, going up to ₹19.99 Lakh for the fully loaded strong hybrid.