The newly launched Maruti Suzuki Victoris has achieved a notable milestone: its CNG variants account for approximately 38 % of total bookings.
Below is a breakdown of what this means, why it’s significant, and how it reflects shifting consumer preferences in India.
Booking Breakdown
- The Victoris has received over 30,000 bookings in a short span since its launch.
- Of these, roughly 11,000 bookings are for the CNG version — equating to around 38 %.
- Petrol‐variants account for about 53 %, while the hybrid/strong‐hybrid versions make up around 9 %.
Hence, for every 100 bookings, nearly 38 are to the CNG version — a strong showing for what is still a relatively higher-priced vehicle with alternative fuel technology.
Why the CNG Variant is Resonating
Several factors help explain why the CNG variant of the Victoris is outperforming expectations:
Under-Body CNG Tank Design
The Victoris features a CNG system where the tank is positioned under the boot floor, maintaining luggage space effectively — unlike some earlier CNG SUVs where the boot is compromised.
This mitigates one of the typical trade-offs of CNG vehicles (reduced boot space) and makes the CNG option more acceptable even for SUV buyers.
Fuel‐Cost Consciousness
With petrol prices high and increasing urban running costs, many buyers are prioritising lower running costs. The CNG variant offers substantially lower cost per km.
In a segment where traditionally buyers may prioritise prestige, comfort, or performance, we’re seeing fuel economy and total cost of ownership gain weight.
Brand Trust + Broadened CNG Appeal
Maruti Suzuki has long been associated with reliable CNG offerings in India. Applying CNG to a mid-SUV with strong features gives buyers confidence. Also, the fact that nearly 40 % of bookings are for CNG shows buyers are willing to adopt more efficient fuel choices even at higher price levels, not just entry‐segment cars.
Segment First / Fresh Offering
The Victoris brings a fresh offering in the mid-SUV space with CNG technology in a form that’s free of many conventional compromises. That novelty and differentiated proposition likely contributes to the strong uptake.
Implications & Significance
- The CNG share suggests a shift in buyer behaviour: where CNG was previously largely seen in budget/entry cars or used mainly for cost‐sensitive buyers, we’re now seeing acceptance in more premium segments.
- For Maruti and other OEMs, the strong response to CNG here could encourage expansion of CNG options in more models and further investment in CNG infrastructure and tech.
- From a competitive standpoint, the Victoris’ performance puts pressure on rivals who may lack CNG alternatives or whose design compromises (e.g., boot space) make them less appealing. Live Hindustan points out that the Victoris’ CNG share (38 %) is roughly three times that of its sibling SUV, Maruti Grand Vitara, in its CNG share (~19 %).
- It also suggests regional/state policy environment matters: many states provide incentives for CNG vehicles, which further support adoption.
Things To Watch
- Waiting period & deliveries: With such high booking numbers, waiting periods may stretch. Some major cities reportedly show ~2-month waits.
- Fuel infrastructure: While CNG infrastructure is improving, persistent availability and geography remain constraints for some buyers.
- Resale value & long-term reliability: Though Maruti has a good track record, CNG tanks, dual‐fuel systems, and service access can affect long-term value; buyers should ask about service networks, warranty on CNG systems, etc.
- Performance compromise: Some CNG versions may have slightly lower power/torque compared to petrol versions. For example, the Victoris CNG spec shows 86.6 bhp. Buyers sensitive to performance should test drive both variants.
- Segment-specific suitability: While the Victoris’ design mitigates boot space loss due to the under-body tank, not all CNG SUVs may offer such packaging benefits; future buyers should still verify boot/luggage space.
Summary
In summary, the strong 38 % booking share of the Victoris’ CNG variants signals that Indian SUV buyers are increasingly prioritising fuel economy and running cost alongside other attributes.
The Victoris appears to have hit the right balance of features, packaging, and fuel efficiency to appeal broadly. For someone in the market for a mid-SUV and wanting the lowest running cost without huge compromises, the CNG variant of Victoris is now a very compelling option.