Maruti Suzuki Victoris Crowned Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026
The Indian automotive industry has witnessed a new champion as the Maruti Suzuki Victoris has been officially named the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026. Often referred to as the “Oscar” of the Indian automotive industry, this prestigious award recognizes excellence in engineering, design, and suitability for Indian roads.
The Path to Victory: Dominating a Stellar Field
The 2026 ICOTY title was decided after a rigorous evaluation process that scrutinized every aspect of the contending vehicles. In one of the most closely contested battles in recent years, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris emerged at the top of the podium, narrowly edging past its closest competitors.
The final rankings for the 2026 ICOTY awards were:
- Winner: Maruti Suzuki Victoris
- First Runner-up: Skoda Kylaq
- Second Runner-up: Mahindra XEV 9e
Other formidable finalists included the Hyundai Creta Electric, Hyundai Venue, Kia Syros, Kia Carens Clavis EV, and the Tata Harrier EV. The Victoris impressed judges with its balance of advanced technology, multiple powertrain options, and segment-first innovations.
The Expert Jury Behind the Selection
The ICOTY award is unique because it is judged by an independent panel of senior automotive journalists from the country’s leading publications. The 2026 jury round was chaired by Pablo Chaterji from Motoring World, with members representing the following esteemed media houses:
- Auto Today: Yogendra Pratap and Dipayan Dutta
- autoX: Dhruv Behl and Ishan Raghava
- Car India: Aspi Bhathena and Gaurav Davare
- CarWale: Vikrant Singh and Sagar Bhanushali
- Evo India: Sirish Chandran and Aatish Mishra
- Overdrive: Kranti Sambhav and Rohit Paradkar
- Times Auto: Arpit Mahendra
- The Print: Kushan Mitra
Each jury member was allocated 25 points to distribute among at least five different models, ensuring a fair and transparent result.
Why Maruti Suzuki Victoris Won: Product Highlights
The Victoris was designed to meet the aspirations of modern Indian customers who demand a “Got It All” experience. Its diverse powertrain lineup and tech-forward interior were key factors in its win.
- Powertrain Diversity: The SUV offers a 1.5L Strong Hybrid engine delivering a refined drive with a class-leading fuel efficiency of 28.65 km/l. It is also available with an ALLGRIP Select 4×4 system and a segment-first underbody S-CNG tank design that preserves boot space.
- Theatre on Wheels: The interior features a 25.65cm (10.1″) SmartPlay Pro X touchscreen paired with an 8-speaker Premium Sound System featuring Dolby Atmos.
- Advanced Safety: The Victoris is equipped with an Advanced Level 2 ADAS suite, a high-definition 360-view camera, and six airbags as standard in higher variants.
- Modern Amenities: Additional features include customisable 64-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.
Also check: Maruti Victoris Color Options
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award? ICOTY is India’s most prestigious and credible automotive award, often called the “Oscar” of the car industry. It is decided by an independent panel of leading auto journalists.
Which car won the ICOTY 2026 award? The Maruti Suzuki Victoris won the Indian Car of the Year 2026 award.
Which cars were the runners-up for ICOTY 2026? The Skoda Kylaq was the first runner-up, and the Mahindra XEV 9e was the second runner-up.
What is the mileage of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris Strong Hybrid? The Victoris Strong Hybrid offers a certified fuel efficiency of 28.65 km/l.
Does the Maruti Victoris have ADAS features? Yes, the Victoris comes equipped with an Advanced Level 2 ADAS suite for enhanced driver assistance and safety.
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