The Maruti Vitara Brezza has been the popular choice among many Indians in the compact SUV space, and it was the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine that was preferred the most. Maruti could’ve brought in the 1.5-litre diesel engine, but since it doesn’t comply with the current BS6 norms, the brand was under pressure to pull the plug on it. Last year, Maruti announced that its whole range of cars will be powered by petrol engines only. For 2020, the Maruti Brezza has been given the same K15 1.5-litre petrol engine also found in the Ertiga and Ciaz. We’re certain that, with the new engine, the updated Brezza will continue to rule the roost.
A nip here, and a tuck there
For 2020, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza gets a refreshed look. The overall silhouette hasn’t changed one bit, so the boxy outline remains. However, there are some significant changes. At the front, it gets a new four-slat grille with more chrome as well. The outline of the headlamps remain the same, but they now sport ‘metal eyebrows’; it also gets dual projector LED lights. The LED DRLs are also used as indicators, and you’ll find LED fog lamps as well. The front bumper also gets new fog light enclosures and a bigger scuff plate. The side profile is the same, but the 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels are new. The tail lights get new LED inserts and the scuff plate at the back is bigger too. There are three new colours to choose from: Sizzling Red, Torque Blue, with the option of an Autumn Orange roof colour theme. Maruti Suzuki Cars also give its customers the chance to personalise their Brezza.
Inside: old or new?
To be honest, Maruti Suzuki Cars haven’t done much to the cabin of the Brezza. The dashboard continues to have a simplistic design approach, but what’s new is Maruti’s SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system. Touch response seems to have improved, but you don’t get eSIM-based connected tech. It features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. On the Brezza automatic, there is an infographic shown on the MID of the hybrid system. Getting in and out of the car is easy, and the high-seating and upright pillars make you feel like you’re seated in a proper SUV. Rear seat space is aplenty and the big windows will have the rear passengers looking outside without any hindrance. On the automatic model, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza has a lithium-ion battery under the passenger seat at the front and that tends to come in the way of foot room at the back. The boot is decently spacious. The Brezza gets features like dual airbags, ABS, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, auto climate control, keyless entry and go, a new leather-wrapped steering, auto headlamps and wipers, a new leather-wrapped steering, reverse camera and auto-dimming mirrors.
On the road
The Brezza is powered by a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine, developing 103bhp and 138Nm of torque. These figures aren’t particularly impressive, but for urban driving, it should be fine. The smooth and refined engine has sufficient grunt at low speeds and pace builds gradually. Overtaking is quite seamless too but the mid-range isn’t great. The engine doesn’t rev quickly either; put your foot down though, and you’ll notice how the engine reaches its limit without sounding coarse. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, which needs barely any effort and the light clutch makes it even better. You also get the option of a 4-speed torque converter – the shifts are smooth and seem perfectly in sync with the engine’s nature. Instant power requirement results in the gearbox goofing up a bit. Performance is decent for as long as you are not sprinting from one signal to another. The automatic version is more fuel efficient than the manual, thanks to the hybrid system. The steering feels lighter and the Brezza soaks in bumps nicely too. Not much enters the cabin. But at high speeds, it doesn’t feel confidence-inspiring and vertical movement is evident as well.
Final say
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is a good product, but we’re bored of Maruti’s designs. Perhaps the next generation Brezza will come looking more futuristic. But otherwise, the engine is smooth, ride quality is acceptably good and you get decent features too, making it a very practical buy.
