Why Has Maruti Not Revealed Victoris Prices? GST Effect!

Maruti Suzuki has chosen to delay announcing prices for its upcoming Victoris SUV, citing uncertainty around the government’s proposed changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). With the GST Council set to meet in September 3-4, the company is waiting for clarity before committing to numbers that could define the SUV’s market positioning.

Why GST Matters for Pricing

The government is considering moving from the current four-tier GST structure of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% to a simpler system with two slabs of 5% and 18%. Luxury and sin goods may also attract a higher 40% rate.

For cars like the Victoris, this could have a direct impact. Small cars currently taxed at 28% plus cess might benefit if rates drop to 18%. On the other hand, strong hybrids face a steep 43% effective tax today, and it is still unclear whether these will get relief under the new rules. For Maruti, finalising Victoris prices without knowing where each variant will fall in this structure risks creating sudden price gaps between petrol, CNG, and hybrid versions.

What the Victoris Brings

The Victoris is Maruti’s largest model under its Arena dealership network. At 4,360 mm long, 1,655 mm wide, and 1,795 mm tall with a 2,600 mm wheelbase, it is bigger than the Brezza and even slightly larger than the Grand Vitara. That makes it a potential flagship for Arena showrooms, which number over 3,000 across India.

The SUV will come with three powertrains. The 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 103 PS and 139 Nm, paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The strong hybrid version combines a 92.5 PS petrol engine with electric motors, offering a claimed 28.65 km/l efficiency through an e-CVT. A factory-fitted CNG option is also on the cards, with a twin-cylinder underfloor tank design to preserve boot space.

Features and Positioning

The Victoris is expected to come well equipped, with six airbags, Level 2 ADAS (a first for Maruti), and a five-star Bharat NCAP rating. Inside, buyers can expect a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, and a powered tailgate. These features push the Victoris into premium territory, which is why getting the pricing right is critical.

Rivals already set strong benchmarks: Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun all compete in this space. If the GST outcome narrows the pricing gap between petrol and hybrid variants, Maruti could position the Victoris more aggressively against these established names.

What Buyers Can Expect

Bookings for the Victoris opened at Rs 11,000, showing healthy early interest despite the lack of price tags. Industry estimates suggest an entry price of Rs 12-13 lakh ex-showroom, with fully loaded variants possibly touching Rs 20 lakh. These projections, however, could shift depending on the GST outcome.

Exports will also play a role. Maruti plans to send the Victoris to up to 100 countries, and clear tax rules at home help shape competitive export pricing as well.

For now, the final numbers will be revealed only after the September GST Council meeting. If hybrids receive tax relief, the Victoris strong hybrid could emerge as an attractive option. If not, Maruti may have to rely on its petrol and CNG variants to drive volumes. Either way, the SUV’s pricing will be closely watched across the industry, as GST restructuring is likely to influence strategies well beyond this single model.