Remember when safety ratings were hardly a topic in car launches. People cared more about mileage than airbags. Things have shifted fast. Now, the Victoris scoring full marks under Global NCAP’s new protocols is a big moment, not just for the brand but for Indian buyers who are increasingly putting safety higher up the checklist.
What Global NCAP found
The Victoris was voluntarily tested under the updated Global NCAP protocols. According to the results, the SUV’s structure and footwell were rated stable and capable of taking further loadings. It comes standard with six airbags, electronic stability control, and pedestrian protection. Three-point seatbelts in all positions and i-Size anchorages are also standard.
Crash test dummies representing adults showed adequate to good protection in all impact tests. The side impact and pole tests showed that head protection was complete. For children, the 18-month-old and 3-year-old dummies received full protection in rearward-facing seats using ISOFIX anchorages with support legs.
Global NCAP’s chief executive Richard Woods said the Victoris demonstrated Maruti’s clear commitment to raising safety standards, adding that the SUV continued the positive trend set by the Dzire.
Positioning in Maruti’s line-up
The Victoris was unveiled earlier this month as part of the company’s Arena dealership network, which already sells the Brezza. It sits between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara, and unlike the Nexa-only models such as the Fronx, Jimny, and Grand Vitara, it will be accessible through over 4,000 Arena outlets across the country.
Enthusiasts will note that the Victoris brings a number of firsts for Maruti. It’s the company’s first Arena SUV to be offered with advanced driver assistance features. It also gets Dolby Atmos audio and even an underbody CNG tank, a design Maruti hasn’t attempted since 2010.
How it stacks up against rivals
In India’s crowded compact SUV segment, the Victoris will go head-to-head with established models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, and Skoda Kushaq. Safety credentials could give it an edge, especially at a time when crash test ratings are closely watched by buyers.
Under the hood, the Victoris shares powertrains with the Grand Vitara. Options include a 1.5-litre petrol engine making 103 PS and 139 Nm with manual and automatic choices, a CNG variant producing 88 PS and 121 Nm, and a strong-hybrid setup delivering 116 PS and 141 Nm paired with an e-CVT. The SUV also offers the ALLGRIP Select all-wheel drive system, a rare feature in this class.
Global ambitions
Maruti has confirmed that the Victoris is not just for domestic roads. The SUV will be exported to more than 100 countries, reflecting the carmaker’s focus on safety compliance for global markets. This is where a five-star badge matters most, since international buyers, regulators, and insurers often look at these scores before making decisions.