Maruti Suzuki recently introduced the Victoris SUV in India — the brand’s most technologically advanced vehicle yet. While it currently lacks diesel or fully electric options, the Victoris already offers a wide range of powertrains. Now, Maruti Suzuki is preparing to unveil a new Bio-Gas (CBG) variant, further expanding the lineup.
Fourth Powertrain for the Victoris
The Victoris was initially launched with three distinct powertrains:
- A standard 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine
- A CNG bi-fuel version of the same engine
- A strong hybrid powertrain, sourced from Toyota
Joining this trio soon will be a Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) variant, which is set to be showcased at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. This marks the fourth powertrain for the SUV and highlights Maruti’s push toward cleaner, alternative fuels.
Based on the CNG Variant
The Bio-Gas version of the Victoris will be based on the existing CNG model. It will retain features like the underbody CNG tank, which competes directly with Tata and Hyundai’s dual-cylinder setups.
Under the hood, the SUV will continue to use the familiar 1.5L K15 four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, albeit with mechanical tweaks to optimize it for CBG combustion. While CNG and CBG are chemically similar and often interchangeable, manufacturers like Maruti are expected to fine-tune the engine for more efficient and cleaner performance when using Bio-Gas.
CBG vs. CNG: What’s the Difference?
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is a non-renewable fossil fuel found underground. While it’s cleaner than petrol or diesel, it’s still finite and contributes to long-term environmental concerns.
- CBG (Compressed Bio-Gas), on the other hand, is a renewable energy source produced by the decomposition of organic matter, including agricultural waste and municipal solid waste.
Because CBG is renewable and can be produced locally, it offers multiple environmental and economic benefits:
- Reduces pollution caused by stubble burning and waste disposal
- Promotes cleaner cities
- Generates employment in rural and semi-urban areas
A Glimpse Into the Future
Although the Bio-Gas version of the Victoris won’t be launched in India immediately, it will serve as a working prototype and proof of concept at the Japan Mobility Show. Maruti Suzuki is unlikely to release it as a standalone offering in the near term, but its development shows a clear direction toward sustainable mobility solutions.
A Technological Leap for Maruti
The Victoris also holds the distinction of being Maruti’s first SUV equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), further underlining its status as a next-gen product for the brand.