For years, safety was the one box Maruti Suzuki struggled to tick against its rivals. That narrative changes completely with the Maruti Suzuki Victoris. Not only does it carry the flagship features and efficient powertrains, but it has shattered expectations by securing a 5-star safety rating in both the Global NCAP (GNCAP) and Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) crash tests. This review dives deep into the Victoris’s crashworthiness, its TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) architecture, and how its build quality finally delivers the peace of mind modern Indian car buyers demand.
The 5-Star Foundation: GNCAP and BNCAP Scores
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris’s performance in both crash tests is exceptionally strong, marking a new era for Maruti’s commitment to safety.
| Safety Test Parameter | Global NCAP (GNCAP) | Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) | Assessment |
| Overall Rating | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | Top Rating Achieved |
| Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) | 33.72 / 34 points | 31.66 / 32 points | Near-Perfect Score |
| Child Occupant Protection (COP) | 41 / 49 points | 43 / 49 points | Excellent Protection |
| Bodyshell Integrity | Stable | Stable | Capable of Withstanding Further Loadings |
Key Crash Test Highlights:
- AOP: Protection for the driver’s head, neck, and co-driver’s body regions was rated ‘good’ in most scenarios. The stable bodyshell ensures high structural integrity during severe impact.
- COP: Both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies, restrained in ISOFIX anchorages, received full protection scores in the dynamic frontal and side crash tests.
Build Quality and Architecture: Beyond the Scorecard
The Victoris is built on a derivative of the Suzuki TECT (Total Effective Control Technology) platform. This structure is designed to absorb and disperse crash energy efficiently away from the occupants.
- Door and Panel Hefty Feel: Unlike older Maruti models, the Victoris features a noticeably improved build quality. Reviewers and owners have commented on the reassuring “heft” of the doors, which close with a solid, premium sound.
- Material Quality: The fit and finish, while still featuring hard plastics in places, are significantly improved, with soft-touch leatherette inserts on the dash and door panels of higher variants. The overall construction feels solid and devoid of flimsy components.
Safety Feature Suite: Comprehensive Protection
The Victoris is one of the most feature-rich and safest cars in its segment, offering advanced active and passive safety technologies.
| Safety Feature | Standard / Variant Availability | Significance |
| Airbags | 6 Airbags (Standard) | Provides protection for front and side occupants across all variants. |
| ADAS (Level 2) | Top Variants Only | Includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Braking, etc. (First Maruti with L2 ADAS). |
| ESC, ABS with EBD, TPMS | Standard | Essential electronic aids for stability, braking, and tire monitoring. |
| 360-Degree Camera | Top Variants | High-resolution system that aids in parking and tight maneuvering. |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | Top Variants | EPB with Auto Hold function adds convenience and safety on inclines. |
| 3-Point Seatbelts | Standard for All Seats | Ensures all five occupants are properly restrained. |
Author’s Take on ADAS: The inclusion of Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) is a game-changer for Maruti, bringing the Victoris on par with international standards and significantly enhancing preventative safety.
Victoris Safety vs. Segment Rivals
The 5-star dual-NCAP rating gives the Victoris a massive advantage over several long-standing segment leaders.
| Model | Latest NCAP Rating | Key Safety Differentiator |
| Maruti Suzuki Victoris | 5-Star (GNCAP & BNCAP) | L2 ADAS, 6 Airbags Standard |
| Hyundai Creta | No Official Rating | Up to 6 Airbags, lacks ADAS in most trims. |
| Kia Seltos | No Official Rating | Up to 6 Airbags, lacks ADAS in most trims. |
| Tata Harrier/Safari | 5-Star (BNCAP) | Strong build, high BNCAP score. |
The Victoris is now positioned as a class leader in certified safety, giving it an edge, especially among family buyers who prioritize crash test ratings.
AUTHOR INSIGHT
The 5-star rating for the Maruti Suzuki Victoris is perhaps the most significant milestone for the brand in years. It officially validates the structural integrity and advanced safety features of their new-generation architecture. While some critics may still point to interior plastic quality compared to premium European rivals, the combination of a high crash test score, 6 standard airbags, and Level 2 ADAS makes the Victoris an irrefutably safe choice. This is the Maruti SUV built for the safety-conscious Indian family.
FAQs
Q1. Has the Maruti Victoris received a 5-star rating in both GNCAP and BNCAP?
Yes, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris has achieved a 5-star rating in both Global NCAP (GNCAP) and Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) for Adult and Child Occupant Protection.
Q2. Does the Victoris get 6 airbags as standard?
Yes, all variants of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris are equipped with 6 airbags as standard fitment.
Q3. Which safety features are included in the Victoris Level 2 ADAS suite?
The Level 2 ADAS suite includes features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
Q4. Is the Victoris built on the same platform as the Grand Vitara?
The Victoris shares underpinnings with the Grand Vitara, but features an updated and localized structure developed under the TECT architecture, which contributed to its high safety ratings.
Q5. Is the build quality of the Victoris better than older Maruti models?
Yes, reviewers widely note that the Victoris has a more solid, confidence-inspiring build quality, with more panel heft and superior structural rigidity compared to previous-generation Maruti vehicles.
The Victoris has successfully dispelled myths about Maruti’s safety standards. With its competitive pricing, high efficiency, and now confirmed 5-star safety, the Victoris is a compelling proposition.
