CNG trims made up half of all Victoris bookings last month
The SUV is Maruti's first car with an underbody CNG tank
Maruti Suzuki has revealed that CNG variants of the Victoris accounted for exactly half the model's total bookings in June 2026, a figure that underlines just how much Indian buyers are gravitating towards the greener fuel option in this segment.
How The Victoris Has Performed Since Launch
The Victoris was launched in India in September last year, with prices starting from Rs. 10.50 lakh (ex-showroom). It marked Maruti Suzuki's second attempt at cracking the mid-size SUV space after the Grand Vitara, giving the brand two distinct products competing for the same broad set of buyers.
This dual-model strategy mirrors what Tata Motors has done with the Sierra and Curvv, and what Hyundai and Kia have achieved with the Creta and Seltos, only Maruti appears to be casting a wider net with its pricing and powertrain spread.
Why CNG Has Struck A Chord With Buyers
The latest booking figures show that the Victoris, which competes directly with the Renault Duster, drew half its demand from CNG-powered trims in June. That is a telling number, and it likely comes down to two factors working together.
First, running costs on CNG are noticeably lower than petrol, which matters a great deal to family buyers keeping a close eye on monthly fuel bills. Second, Maruti Suzuki simply does not offer a diesel engine in India any more, so buyers who might otherwise have leaned towards a diesel SUV for its efficiency are instead turning to CNG as the practical middle ground.
What Makes This CNG System Different
What sets the Victoris apart is that it is the first Maruti car in India to use an underbody CNG tank rather than the conventional boot-mounted cylinder. This layout frees up genuine luggage space, addressing one of the biggest long-standing complaints about factory-fitted CNG SUVs.
It is a small engineering shift, but one that could reshape expectations for the segment. The same underbody tank technology is expected to make its way into other Maruti models soon, with the facelifted Brezza tipped to be next when it arrives later this month.
Engine And Transmission Options On Offer
Beyond the CNG version, the Victoris comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine offered in both mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid states of tune. Transmission choices span a five-speed manual, a six-speed torque converter automatic, and an e-CVT unit, giving buyers a genuinely wide spread of options depending on how they intend to use the car. An AllGrip all-wheel-drive variant is also available for those wanting extra traction.
With three distinct powertrain families and now proven demand for its CNG variants, the Victoris looks set to keep pulling buyers away from both diesel loyalists and rivals still relying on boot-mounted cylinders.
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