Suzuki’s Maruti division in India has taken the wraps off the all-new Victoris as its latest SUV.

The Citizen reports it is a model shrouded in mystery until now. The Victoris slots in between the Brezza and Grand Vitara in Maruti’s SUV range, albeit with completely different styling and largely Suzuki-developed technology.

Billed as a more premium step-up from the Brezza, now restricted to India, the Victoris rides on the same Suzuki-developed Global C platform as the Grand Vitara, with dimensions of 4 360mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 600mm, height of 1 655mm, and width of 1 795mm.

Providing seating for five, the Victoris gains 15mm in length and 10mm in height over the Grand Vitara, though no details about boot capacity or ground clearance were revealed.

Hybrid all around

Sharper in appearance than the Grand Vitara when viewed from the rear, with a side profile recalling the Grand Vitara XL7 and a rear resembling the Alfa Romeo Junior, the Victoris has four trim levels and two powertrain options.

The trims are LXI, VXI, ZXI and ZXI+, while motivation comes from the newer 1.5 K15C engine rather than the K15B used in the South African Grand Vitara, with mild-hybrid assistance.

Producing 76kW/139Nm, the unit is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic.

Drive is routed to the front wheels as standard, but Suzuki’s AllGrip all-wheel drive system can be specified with the automatic gearbox, offering four modes: Auto, Snow, Sport and Lock.

The second option is a conventional self-charging hybrid combining a 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor and battery pack developing 68kW/122Nm. Drive is routed to the front wheels via an electronic CVT, offering Eco, Normal and Power modes, plus a short-range EV setting.

Spec sheet

Inside, the Victoris’ biggest change from other Suzuki models is a restyled dashboard, new centre console, and upgraded materials.

Depending on the trim, features include an eight-speaker Infinity sound system with 5.1 Dolby Atmos surround sound, a seven or 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, and a ventilated wireless smartphone charger.

Additional features are alloy wheels up to 18-inch, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and electric front seats, 10.25-inch instrument cluster, push-button start, and LED headlights.

Safety and driver-assistance systems include an improved 360-degree camera, Head-Up Display, six airbags standard on all trims, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, front and rear parking sensors, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Also included are Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Auto High Beam Assist, and Lane Departure Warning.

Global model but…

Still to be priced, but expected from Rs 1 000 000 (roughly R201 826), the Victoris has been approved for export markets, potentially including South Africa.

“Exports are becoming a very important portfolio for us,” Maruti Suzuki’s executive officer for product planning Sandeep Raina told Autocar India at the Victoris’ launch.

“And when we are developing products, we are taking inputs from our counterparts in export markets and integrating and balancing things which can be a sweet spot for both markets.”

No confirmation has been made for the local market. Should it receive approval, expect it to slot between the Fronx, priced from R298 900 to R362 900, and Grand Vitara, priced from R358 900 to R542 900.