Maruti Suzuki Victoris: Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026
The all-new Maruti Suzuki Victoris impressed the ICOTY 2026 jury with its ingenious blend of striking design, top-class and versatile range of powertrain and technology options, and indulgent comfort that appeals to a diverse range of customers.
Established in 2005 and popularly referred to as the “Oscar” of the Indian car industry, the ICOTY award is a badge of ultimate recognition for newly-launched passenger cars in the country. In the 21st edition of this prestigious award, a jury consisting of the country’s leading automotive journalists adjudged eight finalists across various parameters to declare Maruti Suzuki Victoris as the crowning winner!
It was indeed a close battle this year, with a stellar lineup of finalists that included Hyundai Creta Electric, Skoda Kylaq, Kia Syros, Kia Carens Clavis EV, Hyundai Venue (facelift), Mahindra XEV 9e, and the Tata Harrier EV. Initially, the presence of 4 electric cars in the shortlist gave me an impression that the award is likely to be bagged by any of those ‘green’ cars.
However, the Victoris’ ability to offer a balanced proposition, through its highly-efficient petrol engine, strong hybrid and practical S-CNG techs, must have tipped the scales in its favor. The jury was impressed with its ingenious blend of striking design, top-class and versatile range of powertrain and technology options, and indulgent comfort that appeals to a diverse range of customers.
Moreover, the “versatility of choice” that the Maruti Suzuki Victoris offers is hard to match. May it be the 1.5L engine with a choice ofeCVT promising a class-leading fuel efficiency of 28.65 kmpl, or the ALLGRIP Select 4×4 variant with a 6-speed auto and paddle shifters. Not to mention the space-saving tank design for S-CNG variants delivering 87 bhp and Level 2 ADAS suite of active safety techs.
Related: Mahindra Thar Roxx: Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2025
Pricing for the Victoris remains highly competitive and accessible as well, starting at ₹10.50 lakh for the base Lxi trim and going up to ₹19.99 lakh for the top-end “Strong Hybrid” variant (ex-showroom). Beyond any doubt, this car is clearly transitioning the Maruti Suzuki brand from being primarily known primarily for value-for-money and practicality to one that defines “premium innovation”!
