Maruti Suzuki Brezza: The morning traffic in Gurugram crawled at a snail’s pace as I navigated through the chaos in Maruti’s bestselling compact SUV.

The elevated seating position of the Brezza afforded a clear view over most hatchbacks, while its relatively compact dimensions made squeezing through tight gaps less nerve-wracking than it would be in larger vehicles.

After spending a week with the latest iteration of this segment-defining model, I’ve gained fresh perspective on why it continues to dominate monthly sales charts despite increasingly sophisticated competition.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza The Evolution of an Icon

When Maruti Suzuki launched the Vitara Brezza in 2016, it was a late entrant to India’s then-nascent compact SUV segment. Yet, within months, it rocketed to the top of the sales charts and stubbornly remained there, forcing competitors to benchmark their offerings against it.

The 2022 relaunch (now simply called “Brezza” without the Vitara prefix) represented the model’s most comprehensive update, addressing key criticisms while maintaining the core attributes that made it successful.

“The Brezza customer has evolved over the years,” explained Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki, during a product walkthrough.

“They still prioritize practicality and value, but now expect more sophisticated design and technology. Our challenge was meeting these expectations without compromising the Brezza’s fundamental appeal.”

This delicate balancing act is immediately evident in the vehicle’s design. The boxy silhouette remains, providing the upright stance and road presence that compact SUV buyers seek.

However, the details have been significantly refined, with sleeker LED headlamps connected by a chrome strip, a more sculpted hood, and a redesigned grille that creates a more premium appearance.

Design: Familiar Yet Fresh

The side profile reveals the Brezza’s compact dimensions – at 3,995mm in length, it remains firmly in the sub-4-meter category that brings significant tax advantages in India.

The wheel arches house either 16-inch alloys on higher trims or 15-inch steel wheels with covers on base variants, while the floating roof design (available with dual-tone color options) adds visual interest to what could otherwise be a rather slab-sided appearance.

Around back, the squared-off tailgate maintains the SUV-like proportions while incorporating redesigned LED taillights connected by a black strip.

The rear bumper features a silver skid plate element that enhances the vehicle’s rugged credentials, though it’s clearly more for aesthetics than actual off-road protection.

Available in nine color options including single and dual-tone combinations, the Brezza offers significant personalization. The Brave Khaki (essentially a military green) particularly complements the vehicle’s squared-off design, while the Sizzling Red with black roof remains popular among younger buyers.

Step inside, and the interior represents a significant upgrade over the rather utilitarian cabin of the first-generation model. The layered dashboard features a 9-inch free-standing touchscreen in higher variants, with physical controls for climate functions – a practical choice that acknowledges the challenges of using touch interfaces on India’s often bumpy roads.

Material quality shows improvement, with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels of higher trims, though hard plastics remain present in lower cabin areas – a reminder of the Brezza’s focus on value.

The front seats offer good support with improved bolstering compared to the previous model, while the rear bench accommodates three adults in reasonable comfort thanks to a nearly flat floor.

“Interior design prioritized practicality alongside perceived quality,” noted C.V. Raman, Chief Technical Officer at Maruti Suzuki. “We’ve increased storage spaces throughout the cabin, improved ergonomics, and enhanced material selection while maintaining the space efficiency that Brezza customers value.”

This approach is evident in thoughtful touches like the cooled glovebox, multiple storage compartments in the center console, and bottle holders in all doors.

The 328-liter boot capacity isn’t class-leading but proves adequate for typical urban use, with 60:40 split rear seats adding flexibility when needed.

Powertrain: Efficiency Meets Adequacy

Under the hood, the Brezza features Maruti’s familiar 1.5-liter K15C naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 103 PS at 6,000 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. While these figures won’t set pulses racing, they prove perfectly adequate for the Brezza’s 1,125-1,175 kg curb weight (depending on variant).

The engine’s character suits the vehicle’s urban-focused mission, with smooth, linear power delivery and sufficient low-end torque for city driving.

Highway performance is acceptable rather than exceptional – the Brezza cruises comfortably at 100-110 km/h but requires planning for overtaking maneuvers, particularly when fully loaded.

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual that offers precise if somewhat long throws, and a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters that replaces the antiquated 4-speed unit of the previous generation.

The automatic, while not particularly sporty, provides smooth shifts and reasonable responsiveness, significantly enhancing the Brezza’s appeal for urban commuters.

“We benchmarked the powertrain for real-world efficiency rather than paper specifications,” explained a Maruti engineer involved with the Brezza’s development.

“The K15C engine with its dual VVT setup and integrated starter generator optimizes fuel consumption in typical Indian driving conditions, which often involve frequent stops and slow-moving traffic.”

During my week-long test, the Brezza automatic returned approximately 13.5 km/l in mixed driving conditions – respectable if not exceptional for the segment.

Highway efficiency proved better, approaching 17-18 km/l at steady cruising speeds. The mild-hybrid system contributes to this efficiency, particularly in stop-and-go traffic where the start-stop functionality operates seamlessly.

Notably absent is a diesel option – once the mainstay of the original Vitara Brezza’s sales. Maruti’s decision to exit the diesel market has pushed the brand to optimize its petrol powertrains, though some long-distance users may still miss the superior torque and efficiency of diesel engines.

Feature Set: Catching Up to the Competition

If there was one area where the original Brezza lagged behind newer rivals, it was technology and features. The 2022 update addresses this comprehensively, bringing the model in line with segment expectations.

The 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system represents a significant upgrade, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, voice recognition, and over-the-air update capability. The system’s response time is improved over previous Maruti interfaces, though occasional lag remains when switching between functions.

Higher variants feature a semi-digital instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch color information display, automatic climate control, wireless phone charger, and an electric sunroof – the latter a first for the model and a response to increasing consumer demand for this feature despite its questionable utility in India’s climate.

Safety equipment has been enhanced with six airbags available on top trims (though only two are standard), electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and a 360-degree camera system that proves particularly useful when maneuvering in tight urban parking spots. ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard across the range.

“Feature packaging reflected changing customer priorities,” noted Srivastava. “Our research showed that connectivity features and driving aids have become key differentiators in purchase decisions, particularly among younger buyers who prioritize technology integration.”

This approach extends to the Suzuki Connect connected car platform, which offers features like geofencing, vehicle tracking, driving behavior analysis, and remote functions through a smartphone app. While not as comprehensive as some rival systems, it provides the essential functionality that most users actually utilize.

Driving Dynamics: Comfort Prioritized

On the road, the Brezza clearly prioritizes comfort and ease of use over dynamic excitement – an approach that aligns with the preferences of its target audience.

The suspension – MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear – is tuned to absorb India’s notorious road imperfections, providing a compliant ride that remains composed over most surfaces.

This comfort-oriented tuning comes with expected compromises in handling. There’s noticeable body roll when pushed through corners, and the steering, while light and perfect for urban maneuvering, lacks the feedback that enthusiast drivers might desire.

That said, the Brezza feels secure and predictable at highway speeds, with good straight-line stability and reasonable resistance to crosswinds despite its relatively tall profile.

Ground clearance of 198mm proves sufficient for navigating flooded urban roads and modest dirt tracks, though the Brezza makes no pretense of being a serious off-roader. The front-wheel-drive-only configuration further emphasizes its urban and light adventure positioning.

NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) control shows improvement over the previous generation but remains a step behind some Korean and European rivals.

Wind noise becomes noticeable around the A-pillars at highway speeds, while the engine makes its presence felt under hard acceleration, though it settles into a distant hum at cruising speeds.

Market Positioning: Defending Home Turf

With prices ranging from ₹7.99 lakh for the base LXi manual to ₹13.96 lakh for the top-spec ZXi+ dual-tone automatic (ex-showroom), the Brezza positions itself in the heart of the compact SUV segment.

This pricing reflects Maruti’s understanding of its competition, with the Brezza undercutting the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet at comparable trim levels while offering more standard equipment than the Tata Nexon.

Monthly sales averaging 12,000-15,000 units confirm that this strategy continues to resonate with buyers, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where Maruti’s unmatched service network provides a significant competitive advantage. The brand’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs further strengthens the Brezza’s value proposition for pragmatic buyers.

“The compact SUV segment has evolved from a niche to a mainstream choice,” observed Srivastava. “What was once viewed as an alternative to premium hatchbacks has become the default family vehicle for many first-time SUV buyers. The Brezza’s challenge is meeting their expectations while maintaining the value equation that originally made it successful.”

This balance extends to the vehicle’s positioning within Maruti’s own lineup. With the introduction of the Grand Vitara, the Brezza no longer needs to stretch upmarket, allowing it to focus on its core strengths while directing buyers seeking more premium features toward its larger sibling.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Conclusion: Calculated Evolution Maintains Relevance

After a week with the Brezza, its continued success makes more sense. Rather than chasing superlatives or radically reinventing itself, Maruti has carefully evolved the model to address specific criticisms while preserving the fundamental attributes that attracted buyers in the first place.

Is it perfect? Far from it. The naturally aspirated engine lacks the punch of turbocharged rivals, interior materials still show evidence of cost-conscious decision-making in places, and some features remain exclusive to the highest trims.

But these compromises feel calculated rather than careless – choices made to deliver what matters most to the Brezza’s target audience while maintaining accessibility.

For urban families seeking their first SUV, or upgrading from a hatchback, the Brezza continues to present a compelling package. It delivers the elevated driving position and robust appearance that draw buyers to the segment, wrapped in a practical, efficient package backed by Maruti’s reassuring sales and service network.

In a market increasingly crowded with competitors trying to outdo each other with feature lists and design flourishes, the Brezza’s focused approach to meeting core customer needs while making carefully targeted improvements might just be the shrewdest strategy of all. Sometimes, evolution trumps revolution – particularly when you’re already sitting on the throne.