Maruti Suzuki’s newest mid-size SUV, the Victoris, has made a strong entry into the competitive segment, receiving an impressive response within just weeks of launch. Introduced on September 15, 2025, and with bookings starting from September 4, the Victoris has already crossed 30,000 bookings, showcasing early market momentum and strong customer interest.
What stands out in these numbers is the exceptional demand for the CNG variant, which accounts for 38% of total bookings — a milestone for Maruti in the mid-SUV category and a strong validation of the brand’s alternative-fuel strategy.
Breakdown of Victoris Booking Trends
- Total bookings: 30,000+
- Petrol variants: 53% of bookings
- CNG variants: 38% of bookings (~11,000 units)
- Strong-hybrid variants: 9% of bookings
This distribution signals a major shift in consumer behaviour. While petrol variants still form the majority, the strong push toward CNG highlights growing buyer preference for economical and low-running-cost SUVs.
Maruti’s strategy to replace diesel powertrains with CNG options, initiated after phasing out diesel engines in 2020 due to BS6 norms, appears to have paid off — especially in the mid-size SUV space.
Why the Victoris CNG Is Outperforming Rivals
The Victoris CNG is benefiting from two major advantages:
1. First-time underbody CNG tank
Unlike traditional CNG setups — including that of the Grand Vitara — the Victoris places its cylinder under the body, freeing up full boot space. This practical packaging has been a key selling point for urban and family buyers.
2. Wider retail network
While the Grand Vitara is retailed via the premium Nexa channel, the Victoris is sold through the Arena dealership network, giving it broader market reach and accessibility across Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Result? Victoris CNG demand (38%) is double the Grand Vitara CNG share (19%).
Aiming at Hyundai Creta’s Market Stronghold
The Hyundai Creta, the longstanding segment leader, lacks a CNG option. Interestingly, the Victoris’ petrol-to-CNG split mirrors Creta’s petrol-to-diesel ratio, reinforcing that Maruti’s CNG strategy is successfully capturing ex-diesel buyers who seek fuel efficiency without high running costs.
Premium Tech & Safety Options Also in Demand
The Victoris marks several firsts for Maruti, including:
- Level-2 ADAS — available on ZXi+ and ZXi+(O)
- Strong-hybrid powertrain with e-CVT
- Advanced driver aids and upscale cabin equipment
ADAS-equipped trims account for 16% of bookings, and despite strong-hybrid variants being a niche at 9%, Maruti reports a steadily growing interest in electrified premium variants.
Waiting Period & Delivery Status
Deliveries began recently, and rising demand has led to:
- Waiting period: Up to 2 months in major markets
Early showroom stock has started arriving, and the company expects supply to stabilise gradually as production ramps up.
With a diverse powertrain lineup, practical CNG innovation, and modern safety features, the Maruti Victoris has kicked off with strong customer interest. The SUV’s robust booking split — particularly the record CNG demand — positions it as a compelling challenger in India’s hotly contested mid-size SUV category.
As deliveries rise and market penetration continues, the Victoris could become one of Maruti’s strongest contenders in premium SUV territory.