Maruti Victoris Bio Gas Variant (CBG) Set for Showcase at Japan Mobility Show: A Green Leap for Suzuki’s Tech-Forward SUV
In a bold push toward sustainable mobility, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to unveil a Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) variant of its groundbreaking Victoris SUV at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, signaling a renewable revolution for India’s favorite automaker. This eco-tuned powerhouse, built on the Victoris CNG foundation, promises cleaner combustion and reduced emissions, potentially transforming how urban drivers fuel their adventures without sacrificing performance or space.
The announcement, teased in mid-October 2025, builds on Maruti’s long-standing green initiatives, from the 2024 Brezza CBG debut at Bharat Mobility Expo to Wagon R prototypes flexing biomethane prowess. Unlike traditional CNG—fossil-derived and millennia in the making—CBG harnesses renewable methane from agricultural waste, municipal sludge, and crop residues, slashing production time to weeks while curbing stubble-burning pollution that chokes Indian skies annually. For the Victoris, this means a bi-fuel setup that swaps CNG’s underbody tank for seamless CBG compatibility, auto-switching between petrol and gas for hassle-free drives. Launch as a standalone? Unlikely in India, per insiders, but expect demos and partnerships to spotlight scalability.
Under the hood, the Victoris CBG retains the familiar 1.5-liter K15C four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, churning 102 bhp and 137 Nm on petrol—detuned to around 87 bhp and 121 Nm on gas, mirroring the CNG’s output. A five-speed manual pairs exclusively, with tweaks for optimized combustion: Enhanced injectors, reinforced seals, and ECU remaps ensure CBG’s 90%+ methane purity burns cleaner, potentially hitting 25-28 km/kg mileage akin to the Brezza’s 25.51 km/kg ARAI figure. No design overhauls here—the Victoris’ sleek coupe-SUV silhouette, LED matrix lights, and 360-degree ADAS suite stay intact, but expect subtle badging and a dedicated fuel gauge for the 55-liter CBG tank alongside the 45-liter petrol reserve.
Maruti’s CBG journey isn’t new; the 2024 Brezza showcase at Bharat Mobility highlighted identical tech, with no exterior tweaks beyond stickers and a retuned suspension to handle tank weight. That prototype wowed with seamless petrol-gas transitions and NGV receptacles for quick refills, features set to carry over. For the Victoris—Maruti’s most advanced ride yet, boasting Level-2 autonomy, ventilated seats, and a 10.25-inch HUD—this variant underscores Suzuki’s global vision. Chairman RC Bhargava has championed CBG as a carbon-footprint slayer, blending it with hybrids and EVs to hit India’s 2030 net-zero goals without full electrification overnight.
Industry voices are optimistic. “CBG’s the bridge fuel India needs—renewable, infrastructure-ready, and wallet-friendly,” says analyst at JATO Dynamics, noting Maruti’s 50% market share could mainstream it like CNG did in the 2010s. Suzuki’s R&D in Rohtak fine-tuned the engine for biomethane’s variability, drawing from Wagon R prototypes displayed at the 2023 G7 and Tokyo shows. Detractors? Minor power dips and nascent CBG stations (under 100 nationwide), but with government subsidies and GAADI plant tie-ups, rollout feels imminent.
Social chatter’s buzzing post-tease. On X, #MarutiCBG trends with 5K mentions, users posting: “Victoris on biogas? Stubble to streets—genius for Punjab farms!” A viral thread from @AutoRushIndia (2K likes) mocks: “CNG 2.0, but green—when’s the highway network?” Forums like Team-BHP debate range: “55L tank means 1,300km trips, bye diesel queues.”
For Indian drivers, this CBG Victoris hits home amid soaring fuel bills (₹100/L petrol) and air quality crises. Economically, it could save ₹2/km vs. petrol, juicing rural economies via waste-to-fuel jobs (1 lakh potential by 2030) and cutting import bills by 10%. Lifestyle perks? Same 400L boot as CNG (no boot-munching cylinders), plus Victoris’ sunroof and wireless charging for family hauls. Politically, it aligns with PM Modi’s SATAT scheme, pressuring rivals like Tata ( Tiago CNG) to green up. Tech-forward, the ECU’s AI-monitored injection optimizes for CBG blends, previewing Suzuki’s multi-fuel future.
| Feature | Victoris CBG | Victoris CNG (Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L K15C NA, bi-fuel | Same, bi-fuel |
| Power (Gas) | ~87 bhp / 121 Nm | 87 bhp / 121 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT | 5-speed MT |
| Mileage (Gas) | ~25-28 km/kg (est.) | 25.51 km/kg (ARAI) |
| Tanks | 55L CBG + 45L Petrol | 55L CNG + 45L Petrol |
| Price Est. | ₹12-14 Lakh (ex-showroom) | ₹11.5-13.5 Lakh |
As the Japan Mobility Show (October 24-26) nears, eyes lock on Maruti’s booth—could this spark Indian pilots? With CBG plants scaling (50+ by 2026), the Victoris Bio Gas feels like more than a showcase: A blueprint for breathable cities.
Looking ahead, if demos wow Tokyo crowds, expect 2026 Indian teases, blending CBG with Victoris’ electric/diesel kin for a zero-emission trifecta. For now, it’s proof: Maruti’s not just building cars—they’re fueling futures.
By Sam Michael
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