An SUV, at least by definition, implies high ground clearance, some form of off-road ability and an all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) system. Sadly, though, the demand for 4WD SUVs has gone down over the years, with customers not willing to pay extra for them.
The new Maruti Suzuki Victoris then, along with its Grand Vitara and Hyryder siblings, stand out in the midsize SUV segment by offering an AWD variant. Dubbed AllGrip Select by Maruti Suzuki, this is offered with the 103hp, 139Nm, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. So, is this a gimmick just to make it stand out from the competition, or does it have a genuine use case?
- Victoris AWD comes with four terrain modes – Auto, Snow, Sport and Lock
- Gets more features than the Victoris petrol MT, CNG and strong hybrid variants
- Costs Rs 1.45 lakh more than petrol-AT but undercuts top-spec Creta turbo-petrol DCT
- Victoris AWD is a good option for those living in hilly areas
How does the Victoris AWD system work?
The Victoris’ AWD system packs in four modes – Auto, Snow, Sport and Lock – which can be selected via the rotary knob in the centre console. Here’s how each terrain mode functions.
Victoris AWD Auto mode
Auto mode is the default setting, and in this mode, the Victoris functions like a FWD SUV until the system detects a slippery surface and directs power to the rear wheels too via an electronic control coupling device. Once the system detects that there’s an optimal grip, it switches back to 2WD, all of which aids fuel efficiency, too.
Victoris AWD Snow mode
In Snow mode, the SUV is in permanent 4WD to ensure optimal traction, and it’ll use the ESP to cut power to any specific wheel if it detects a slip.
Victoris AWD Sport mode
The Sport mode, of course, improves throttle response, and around bends, depending on the steering angle and throttle position, the system will send power to the rear wheels to improve cornering.
Victoris AWD Lock mode
Then there’s the Lock mode that’ll split output 50:50 front/rear for maximum traction on muddy or slippery surfaces to help you get out of tricky situations. Furthermore, the Victoris AWD also comes with hill-hold and hill-descent control for greater control on inclines and declines.
On the media drive, a special off-road course was laid out, which successfully demonstrated the Victoris AWD’s and the AllGrip Select system’s off-tarmac prowess. The Victoris AWD tackled the articulation, side slope, rough roads and steep decline obstacles with ease.
How does the Maruti Victoris AWD compare against other variants?
AWD costs up to Rs 1.45 lakh more than the top-spec Victoris petrol-AT
The Victoris AWD also gets more features than its petrol MT, CNG and strong hybrid variants, such as ADAS tech, an electronic parking brake and hill-descent control. The AWD also comes with the convenience of an automatic gearbox only, unlike the Grand Vitara and Hyryder AWDs, which earlier only came with a manual.
The Victoris AWD is offered in ZXi+ and ZXi+ (O) trims, which are priced at Rs 18.64 lakh and Rs 19.22 lakh, respectively (introductory, ex-showroom, India). This makes the range-topping AWD variant Rs 1.45 lakh more expensive than the corresponding Victoris petrol-AT variant. While that may come across as sizeable, keep in mind the AWD does give you more capability without compromising convenience. And to cap it all off, it still manages to undercut the range-topping, FWD Hyundai Creta turbo-petrol-DCT variant, which costs Rs 20.05 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
| Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD price comparison (ex-showroom, India) | |
|---|---|
| Model | Price (Rs, lakh) |
| Maruti Victoris petrol-AT ZXI+(O) | 17.77 |
| Maruti Victoris petrol-AT AWD ZXI+(O) | 19.22 |
| Hyundai Creta Turbo-DCT King dual tone | 20.05 |
Should you buy or avoid the Maruti Victoris AWD?
As such, the Victoris AWD represents a very good option for those living in hilly areas or where there are bad/broken roads, as it gives you that added capability to tackle those conditions. Furthermore, it could even be an option for off-road enthusiasts who don’t want to spend on a separate SUV just for off-road adventures. Sure, it may not be able to tackle some of the more hardcore off-road bits like a proper 4x4 SUV with locking differentials, but it’ll sure go much further into the wilderness than its FWD rivals.
However, if your primary usage is going to be just for your daily commutes and occasional highway trips, then it’s best to save the extra Rs 1.45 lakh and just opt for the Victoris petrol-AT, as it’ll be ideal for your use case. And if you want lower running costs, you can even opt for either the CNG or strong hybrid variants of the Victoris.
