Maruti Suzuki’s newly launched midsize SUV, the Victoris, has stirred strong interest across India — not just because of its competitive pricing (₹10.49–₹19.99 lakh, ex-showroom, introductory), but because it packs several premium technologies usually found in pricier rivals. That combination — cutting-edge safety, advanced powertrains and comfort/infotainment features — is the main reason some Victoris variants command a premium over Maruti’s more basic models. Here’s a clear, factual look at the top features that push up Victoris’ price, what they do, and why they matter to Indian buyers.
1. Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems)
What it is: Level-2 ADAS bundles features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centering or lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. In Victoris, Maruti advertises Level-2 ADAS as part of the safety suite.
Why it adds cost: ADAS needs multiple sensors — radar, cameras, ultrasonic sensors — plus sophisticated software and calibration. These hardware+software systems are expensive to develop, integrate and validate for local road conditions, which raises the vehicle’s manufacturing cost. For buyers, ADAS adds tangible safety benefits (less driver fatigue, a lower risk of certain collisions), but also increases the sticker price.
Impact for Indian buyers: In the Indian market ADAS is still a relatively new mainstream offering; its presence in Victoris brings class-leading safety tech to a wider buyer base but explains a significant chunk of the price premium compared with non-ADAS rivals.
2. Strong Hybrid Powertrain (and Multiple Engine Options)
What it is: Victoris is offered with multiple powertrains, including a Smart/Strong hybrid system alongside petrol manual/automatic options and an under-body CNG solution. The strong hybrid variant provides electric-assist drive modes and improved fuel economy compared with pure petrol unitssoftware. These components add upfront cost — both in sourcing and integrating them safely — which reflects in higher variant prices (the strong hybrid variants occupy the top end of Victoris’ price band). Hybrids also require different testing, certification and sometimes higher warranty/residual planning.
Long-term value: While hybrids cost more initially, they can lower fuel bills and emissions. For many Indian buyers who do significant city driving, the operating savings and smoother low-speed drive may offset some of the higher purchase price over the vehicle’s ownership life.
3. ALLGRIP (All-Wheel Drive) and Drivetrain Technology
What it is: Maruti has equipped Victoris with ALLGRIP Select (4×4) options — a capability more common in larger, more expensive SUVs. This includes the mechanical and electronic elements needed to transfer power to all four wheels when required.
Why it adds cost: AWD systems require additional hardware (transfer cases, differentials, driveshafts) and calibration — increasing parts, engineering and assembly costs. AWD variants also typically come with stronger suspensions and underbody protection, which push manufacturing costs up.
Buyer benefit: AWD broadens the vehicle’s appeal — to buyers in hillier regions, those who tow, or buyers who want an extra layer of safety in poor traction conditions. That versatility is priced in.
4. Premium Infotainment & Audio (Dolby Atmos, Big Touchscreen)
What it is: Victoris features a large touchscreen, advanced connected-car features (Next-Gen Suzuki Connect), and a premium Infinity surround sound system with Dolby Atmos 5.1 support and up to eight speakers in higher trims.
Why it adds cost: High-end infotainment units and licensed audio technologies (Dolby certification, premium speaker hardware) are expensive. Connected telematics systems (eCall, over-the-air updates, advanced apps) also require backend infrastructure and licensing, which are amortised into vehicle pricing.
What it means for buyers: These features lift in-car experience to near-luxury levels, which many consumers — especially tech-savvy urban buyers — are willing to pay for. For buyers prioritising value, these are often the optional extras that justify moving to a higher trim.
5. Safety Hardware: 6 Airbags, 360° Camera & High-Spec Sensors
What it is: Victoris is advertised with 6 airbags, a high-definition 360° camera offering multiple views, and a suite of sensors supporting both safety and parking functions.
Why it adds cost: More airbags, better cameras, and additional sensors increase parts and assembly costs and require more complex wiring, control units and crash-engineering validation. Crash-testing and homologation for different markets also add development expense.
Why it matters: Safety hardware is an evergreen selling point. As buyers become more safety-aware and regulators push for better crashworthiness, these items increasingly justify higher trims and higher prices.
What it is: Victoris brings first-in-segment features such as an underbody CNG tank (claiming no compromise on boot space), a smart powered tailgate with gesture control, and 64-colour ambient lighting. These are aimed at combining practicality with premium feel.
Why it adds cost: Unique engineering solutions (underbody CNG integration), motorised tailgates, and detailed interior lighting systems require bespoke design and parts, increasing production costs. “First-in-segment” engineering often has one-time development costs that need to be recovered.
Buyer significance: Such features widen the Victoris’ appeal — fleet or subscription customers value ease of use; family buyers prize boot space and convenience; style-conscious buyers appreciate ambient lighting. These allow Maruti to target premium buyers within a mainstream price envelope.
7. Connected Car Telematics & Feature Ecosystem
What it is: Victoris gets Next-Gen Suzuki Connect with eCall and 60+ features (remote commands, vehicle health, geofencing, etc.). Connected cars require ongoing services beyond the hardware.
Why it adds cost: Telematics requires not only hardware (modems, sensors) but also cloud services, data plans, and continuous platform maintenance. OEMs typically bundle these costs into higher variants or subscription plans.
Longer view: As connectivity becomes standard, buyers are paying for a recurring ecosystem (services, over-the-air updates) — a cost embedded in some of the higher trim pricing.
Pricing Reality: Introductory Band and Value Positioning
Maruti launched Victoris with introductory prices from around ₹10.49–₹10.50 lakh up to about ₹19.99 lakh for top trims, with multiple variants across manual, automatic and hybrid powertrains. Maruti also offers the SUV on its Subscribe program (all-inclusive monthly fees starting from ~₹27,700), expanding ownership flexibility but also reflecting the vehicle’s premium kit. These prices place Victoris between Maruti’s Brezza and Grand Vitara, targeting buyers who want near-premium features without stepping into luxury brands.
What This Means for Buyers — Practical Takeaways
- If you prioritise safety & tech: ADAS, 6 airbags and 360° cameras make higher trims compelling — they materially improve active and passive safety. Expect to pay a premium for the increased protection and convenience.
- If you want lower running costs: Hybrid variants cost more upfront but can return fuel savings, especially for city or mixed driving patterns.
- If you need capability: ALLGRIP (AWD) and the stronger powertrains justify higher prices for buyers in hilly or rough-road geographies.
- For value buyers: Base variants deliver the core SUV experience at lower prices; many premium features are optional or restricted to mid/high trims.
Why OEMs (Like Maruti Suzuki) Charge More for These Features
- Hardware & R&D Costs: ADAS, hybrid systems, AWD and premium audio are capital-intensive to design and validate.
- Supplier & Certification Costs: Licensed tech (Dolby), certified safety systems and homologation add cost.
- After-sales & Warranty Considerations: Complex systems may require extended support capabilities, raising the lifetime cost for manufacturers.
- Market Positioning: Offering premium features allows an OEM to target upward-moving buyers and protect margins in a competitive segment.
The Maruti Victoris’ price band reflects a deliberate engineering and marketing choice: package advanced safety, multiple drivetrain choices (including strong hybrid), and premium comfort/infotainment features in a mainstream midsize SUV. Those features — particularly Level-2 ADAS, the strong hybrid system, ALLGRIP/AWD, premium audio and first-in-segment engineering (underbody CNG) — are the largest contributors to the sticker price. For Indian buyers, the decision comes down to which benefits matter most: upfront cost savings or long-term safety, comfort and fuel efficiency gains.
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Last Updated on: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 4:08 pm by BUSINESS SAGA TEAM | Published by: BUSINESS SAGA TEAM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 4:08 pm | News Categories: Business News Today
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