Maruti Victoris ADAS Available Only in One Variant - 1.5L Petrol Automatic
Maruti has launched the Victoris with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), but there’s a catch. Buyers only get the feature if they choose the 1.5-litre petrol automatic. The six-speed torque converter automatic is the sole trim that comes with ADAS. The hybrid versions and the five-speed manual do not get the system, even in higher trims.
The ADAS package includes lane-keeping assistance, front collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. For buyers who often drive long distances or prioritise safety, these features matter. Yet restricting them to a single variant means many customers who may want both fuel efficiency and safety have no option.
Why limit ADAS to onevariant?
Pricing might be a factor. ADAS hardware and its calibration add to production expense. Adding ADAS to Hybrid variants would have taken Victoris ex-showroom price beyond Rs. 20 lakh. It seems Maruti wanted to avoid it.
By limiting it only in the mild hybrid, top-end automatic, Maruti can keep starting and mid-range prices competitive. This makes the Victoris appear more affordable in showrooms, while still giving the brand an option to showcase advanced safety.
Car companies often use this strategy to balance affordability with desirability. But rivals like Hyundai, Kia and Honda are already rolling out partial ADAS features in more trims. That makes Maruti’s approach look conservative at a time when the feature is gaining traction in the mid-size SUV segment.
Positioning against the Grand Vitara
Another reason could be Maruti’s own line-up. The Grand Vitara is positioned as the premium SUV, with hybrid versions pitched at buyers seeking both technology and efficiency. Keeping ADAS away from Victoris hybrids helps protect the Grand Vitara’s standing as the better-equipped model. This prevents overlap and reduces the risk of one model eating into the sales of the other.
This kind of segmentation is common, but it comes with trade-offs. Customers who want hybrid efficiency and ADAS safety are left with no option, forcing them to compromise on either side.
Risk of falling behind rivals
Safety expectations are changing quickly. Six airbags, electronic stability control, and rear cameras are now seen as basic in most cars. ADAS could soon join that list. For a brand that leads the market in sales, limiting ADAS to a single variant risks sending the wrong message.
People may view the move as half-hearted. In an ideal scenario, ADAS should at least be available as an optional package across more trims. For a feature that directly impacts safety, restricting access makes less sense than doing so for luxuries like a sunroof or larger touchscreen.
What it means for buyers
For now, customers who want the Victoris with ADAS must accept the package that comes with the petrol automatic. That means no hybrid, no manual, and no flexibility in trim. The approach helps Maruti control costs and protect its model hierarchy, but also narrows choice for buyers.
As competitors expand their ADAS coverage, pressure will mount on Maruti to revise this strategy. The technology is available and the platform can support it, so wider adoption may be only a matter of time. Until then, those set on ADAS will find their options limited to one engine, one gearbox and one variant of the Victoris.
If you are sure you want ADAS, just wait till its available on more variants.