Maruti Victoris brings ADAS to the masses, but only in certain petrol automatics
Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris has arrived as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, delivering a mix of efficiency, modern design and a full range of powertrains. The car’s headline feature is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS, a first for Maruti. That said, ADAS is not universally available across the Victoris line-up. Buyers should know exactly which versions get the technology, why it is restricted, and how the pricing stacks up against rivals.
Which Victoris models receive ADAS
- ADAS can be had only with the 1.5-litre smart hybrid petrol engine.
- Within that powertrain, ADAS is only available on the top ZXi+ and ZXi+ (O) variants with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.
- Manual transmission models don’t get ADAS.
- Strong hybrid models and CNG models with factory fitment don’t get ADAS.
This selective availability means customers who want Level 2 driver assistance must opt for the top automatic trims. Maruti’s approach looks like a careful trade-off between offering state-of-the-art safety tech and keeping competitive entry-level pricing.
Why ADAS is limited to select petrol automatics
There are some practical explanations for the restricted launch. Firstly, combining ADAS hardware and software costs money and can drive the top-end price heavily upwards. Maruti seems to have aimed at offering Victoris as a competitively priced compact SUV with still offering a flagship safety variant for those who are ready to pay extra.
Second, the high hybrid models are already priced higher due to the hybrid powertrain equipment. Including ADAS on those models would push the price into a range that could tempt comparisons unfavorably with competitive SUVs. For the moment, Maruti appears to want to keep hybrid prices in line and provide ADAS as a premium on petrol automatics. The company may roll out ADAS coverage subsequently, after Victoris has gained its footing in the market.
What the Victoris ADAS package comprises
The Victoris Level 2 ADAS suite is comprehensive and encompasses most of the driver-assist features customers are expecting today. The package encompasses:
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention
- Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Curve Speed Reduction
- Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Alert
- High Beam Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Vehicle Sway Warning
These features minimize driver fatigue for extended highway drives, deliver automated corrective action when drifting out of the lane, and introduce an extra level of collision avoidance that can forestall or mitigate the severity of crashes.
Fundamental safety and convenience features outside of ADAS
Victoris also fares well in passive and active safety even without ADAS. The SUV already boasts Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP 5 star ratings, a huge confidence builder. Optional safety and convenience features are:
- Six airbags
- Electronic Stability Program
- Traction Control System
- Engine Drag Control
- Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- 360-degree HD surround view camera with multiple views
- Automatic 360 camera activation with front parking sensors
- Reverse camera and rear parking sensors
- Pedestrian safety-focused Acoustic Vehicle Alert System
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
All these features combined make Victoris one of the well-equipped compact SUVs for practical safety and parking ease.
Price of the ADAS-enabled Victoris variants
* ZXi+ AT 2WD: Rs 17.19 lakh (ex-showroom)
* ZXi+ (O) AT 2WD: Rs 17.77 lakh (ex-showroom)
* ZXi+ (O) AT 4WD AllGrip: Rs 19.22 lakh (ex-showroom)
The ADAS trims fall in the higher rungs of the Victoris price spectrum and compete head-on with ADAS-enabled competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate. Maruti has kept ADAS as an upmarket safety and tech package instead of a feature on all variants.
How Victoris compares to competitors
Victoris possesses some definite positives in the segment: a range of powertrains such as CNG and an efficiency-strong hybrid version, competitive entry price, and up-to-date cabin technology. The trims with ADAS bring it on par with competitors who have already been providing driver aid. Where it still differs is the limited availability of ADAS on hybrid and CNG variants; competitors sometimes include similar features across a wider range of trims. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, especially the hybrid or CNG shopper, the lack of ADAS on those versions could be a deciding factor.
Final verdict
Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris is a strategically built product. It provides cost-conscious entry points and a compelling top-end offering for tech-savvy buyers. The ADAS addition is a first for Maruti, introducing Level 2 assistance to a mass-market family SUV. The controlled rollout makes prices competitive upfront with the freedom to let customers choose an upgrade path if they desire the newest driver-assist technology. In due course, anticipate Maruti to increase ADAS penetration subject to manufacturing scale and market positioning.
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