Are Hybrids Better Then Petrols? » MotorOctane

Most Indian buyers buy their cars based on brand image and sales numbers. However, the popular isn’t always the best option in the segment. There might be better options to consider in the segment. With strict emission norms, Diesel engines are becoming more uncertain. Many buyers are attracted to hybrid and petrol vehicles. That’s where the Maruti Suzuki Victorious makes an impact, with about 12,300 sales last month. But is Victorious, with its hybrid powertrain, the best in the segment?

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Maruti Suzuki Victorious (Strong Hybrid):

The Maruti Suzuki Victorious is a hybrid mid-size SUV. Victorious design is different from other Marutis, featuring a continuously running LED DRL on the upright nose that gives the front end a sharp look. The tail lamp is also a continuous LED setup, making the rear end look wider. Victorious rides on the 17-inch alloy wheels. The overall design of the Victorious is new to Indian consumers, and there might be mixed opinions about its looks.

Maruti Suzuki Victorious comes with a 5-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP and offers six airbags as standard. Powering the Victorious is the strong hybrid, also known as the Intelligent Electric Hybrid system. This system features a 1.5L 3-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, which together produce 114 HP and 141 Nm of torque. The major success of this powertrain is its fuel efficiency, which is claimed to be 28.65 kmpl. Also, the Victorious has gained popularity among consumers because of its wide range of powertrain options, including CNG variants and transmission variations such as a five-speed manual, a six-speed torque-converter automatic, and an e-CVT (available only with the strong hybrid variant).

Honda Elevate:

Honda Elevate is the latest offering from Honda. Elevate is a mid-size SUV based on the Honda City platform, which has been a great success for the brand for years. Elevate stands true to the boxy SUV design, offering a square-shaped front grille, chunky cladding, and sharp LED lighting. The rear end features the L-shaped taillight, adding to the boxy character.

Elevate’s interior complements the minimalist exterior, offering features such as a large 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. The Honda Elevate features ADAS, which is not available on the Victorious. This includes driver-assistance features, such as Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Collision Mitigation Braking. Overall, the materials used in the Elevate feel much more upmarket than the competition’s, and it also feels more spacious in its segment, with a large boot.

Honda has offered the Elevate with the same 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, as seen in the Honda City for years, producing 117 HP and 145 Nm of torque. This powertrain is offered with a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. In the upcoming year, the Hybrid technology from the Honda City is expected to be introduced in the Elevate as well.

Reasons to buy the Maruti Suzuki Victorious?

Both mid-size SUVs have their pros and cons. The Victorious’s strong hybrid variant offers better fuel economy than the Elevate, and its feature list is more extensive, including a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and a 360-degree camera. The offering of only e-CVT with strong hybrid and a slightly smaller boot is due to the battery placement, along with a comparatively less responsive engine, which might be the downsides of the Victorious.

Reasons to buy the Honda Elevate?

Despite missing some features, Honda Elevate offers a better driving feel thanks to its naturally aspirated petrol engine. Alongside this, the Hybrids are always priced higher than the traditional Petrol cars. For reference, the top trim of the Honda Elevate costs 19.76 lakh (on-road Mumbai), while the strong hybrid trim of the Victorious costs 23.03 lakh (on-road Mumbai). This is the significant price difference, and whatever you save on the fuel must be higher than the price difference between petrol, Elevate, and Hybrid Victorious.

Which SUV should you buy?

Maruti Suzuki Victorious Hybrid isn’t an overrated car; its hybrid powertrain is better suited for consumers looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle with specific features. But the Victorious is not necessarily liked by someone looking for a driving thrill. Honda Elevates is best suited for someone looking for a practical, spacious and engaging car to drive. What do you think, which one will you pick for yourself??

Read More: 8 New Hybrid Cars Launching In India!