New Maruti Brezza: When Maruti Suzuki launched the original Vitara Brezza in 2016, few could have predicted its meteoric rise to becoming one of India’s most cherished compact SUVs.
Fast forward to today, and the New Brezza (now minus the “Vitara” prefix) stands as a testament to Maruti’s commitment to evolving with customer preferences while staying true to the foundations that made the original a runaway success.
This refreshed avatar arrives at a critical juncture in the Indian automotive landscape, where consumer expectations have skyrocketed and competition has intensified manifold.
New Maruti Brezza: A Design Transformation
The New Brezza represents the most comprehensive visual overhaul since the model’s inception. Gone is the somewhat boxy utilitarian appearance of its predecessor, replaced by a more sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic that aligns with global SUV design trends.
The front fascia now sports a wider grille with intricate mesh detailing flanked by sleeker LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs that create a distinctive light signature. These elements combine to create a more assertive road presence without appearing unnecessarily aggressive.
Moving along the sides, the profile reveals more pronounced wheel arches housing newly designed 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that add a touch of dynamism.
The floating roof design, accentuated by blacked-out pillars and available dual-tone color options, lends the compact SUV a more premium appearance than its price point might suggest.
Character lines are more pronounced yet restrained enough to avoid looking busy – a tricky balance that Maruti’s designers have managed admirably.
The rear section completes the visual transformation with reshaped LED tail lamps connected by a horizontal chrome strip bearing the Brezza lettering.
The redesigned bumper incorporates faux skid plates that reinforce the vehicle’s SUV credentials without resorting to excessive plastic cladding that plagued many vehicles in this segment.
Available in a palette of nine color options, including five dual-tone combinations, the New Brezza allows for considerable personalization.
The Sizzling Red with black roof remains particularly striking, though the more subtle Pearl Arctic White provides an equally handsome alternative for those preferring understated elegance.
Cabin Revolution
If the exterior represents evolution, the interior constitutes nothing short of a revolution. Step inside, and the transformation from the previous generation becomes immediately apparent.
The dashboard layout eschews the dated design of its predecessor for a layered approach with varying textures and materials that create a more upmarket ambience.
The centerpiece is undoubtedly the new 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system floating atop the dashboard. Its capacitive touchscreen offers crisp graphics and relatively intuitive operation, though occasional lag during certain operations betrays its mass-market positioning.
The integration of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto addresses a significant pain point from the previous model, eliminating the tangle of cables for most users.
The instrument cluster now combines analog dials with a 4.2-inch color multi-information display that presents essential driving data and trip information in an easily digestible format. Higher trims receive a first-in-segment heads-up display – a feature previously reserved for vehicles costing twice as much.
While limited in functionality compared to premium implementations, it effectively displays speed, RPM, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions without requiring the driver to glance away from the road.
Seating comfort has seen substantial improvement through revised cushioning density and better contours. The fabric upholstery in lower variants feels durable if somewhat utilitarian, while the leatherette option in top-spec models adds a touch of luxury.
The driver’s seat now offers height adjustment across all but the base variant, addressing a common complaint from shorter drivers regarding visibility in the previous model.
Rear accommodation remains one of the Brezza’s strengths, with adequate legroom for passengers up to six feet tall and sufficient headroom despite the slightly sloping roofline. The almost flat floor makes the occasional three-abreast seating arrangement more tolerable than in many competitors.
Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, with generous door pockets, a cooled glovebox, and multiple cup holders catering to practical everyday needs.
The 328-liter boot capacity places the Brezza slightly behind some rivals in raw numbers, but the well-shaped space proves surprisingly accommodating in real-world usage.
The 60:40 split-folding rear seats expand carrying capacity when needed, though the resulting floor isn’t entirely flat – a minor inconvenience when loading larger items.
Technological Leap
The technological advancement in the New Brezza extends well beyond the upgraded infotainment system. The SmartPlay Pro+ interface now incorporates Suzuki Connect connected car technology with over 40 features, including geofencing, vehicle status, and remote operations through a dedicated smartphone application.
While not revolutionary in the broader automotive context, these features represent a significant upgrade for the segment.
The 360-degree camera system, another segment-first, displays a composite bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, proving invaluable during tight parking maneuvers.
Image quality isn’t class-leading, particularly in low light, but the functionality significantly enhances confidence in urban environments.
Other noteworthy additions include wireless charging (though placement means larger phones may struggle to fit), automatic climate control with rear AC vents, push-button start, cruise control, and an electric sunroof – the latter seemingly obligatory in contemporary Indian market vehicles regardless of practical utility in most climate conditions.
The six-speaker Arkamys-tuned audio system delivers respectable sound quality for casual listening, though audiophiles might still seek aftermarket upgrades.
USB-A and USB-C ports cater to devices both old and new, while Bluetooth connectivity supports hands-free calling and audio streaming with minimal connection issues during testing.
Powertrain Refinement
Under the hood, the New Brezza receives Maruti’s familiar K15C 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, now enhanced with Smart Hybrid technology.
Producing 103 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque, these figures don’t leap off the specification sheet, but the powertrain’s character suits the vehicle’s urban-focused mission admirably.
The mild hybrid system incorporates an integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery to provide torque assist during acceleration, enable start-stop functionality, and regenerate energy during deceleration.
These interventions contribute to an improved ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 19.89 km/l for the manual and 19.80 km/l for the automatic variants – impressive figures for a vehicle of this type.
Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a new 6-speed automatic replacing the previous 4-speed unit. The manual offers light clutch action and precise if slightly notchy shifts, making it amenable to daily commuting without excessive fatigue.
The automatic represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, with more ratios allowing the engine to stay in its efficiency sweet spot more frequently.
Shift logic generally prioritizes economy over responsiveness, occasionally requiring a deeper throttle input to initiate downshifts during overtaking maneuvers.
Performance is adequate rather than exhilarating, with 0-100 km/h requiring approximately 11.5 seconds – competitive within the segment but unlikely to quicken pulses.
Where the powertrain excels is in its refinement at cruising speeds and linear power delivery that makes modulating progress in traffic intuitively predictable.
The lack of a diesel option – once the mainstay of Brezza sales – might disappoint some long-distance travelers, but Maruti’s decision to focus exclusively on petrol power aligns with broader industry trends and regulatory direction.
A CNG variant is reportedly under development, which should appeal to the extremely efficiency-conscious demographic when it eventually arrives.
Driving Dynamics
The New Brezza retains the essential dynamic character of its predecessor while introducing subtle refinements that elevate the overall experience.
The suspension setup – MacPherson struts up front and torsion beam at the rear – strikes an effective balance between ride comfort and body control.
Urban imperfections are absorbed with commendable composure, preventing minor road defects from intruding into the cabin.
Larger obstacles like speed breakers and potholes are negotiated without excessive harshness, though sharp impacts can occasionally catch the suspension out, particularly at the rear.
The steering system provides appropriate weighting for various speeds, with light effort during parking maneuvers progressively firming up as velocity increases.
While feedback remains somewhat muted, direction changes are executed with reasonable precision for a vehicle in this category.
The 198mm ground clearance navigates typical urban obstacles without drama, while the relatively tight turning radius facilitates maneuverability in congested environments.
Highway stability impresses for a vehicle of these dimensions, maintaining its composure even when subjected to crosswinds or during lane-change maneuvers at higher speeds.
NVH control has seen notable improvement, with enhanced insulation reducing road and wind noise intrusion at cruising velocities.
The engine remains reasonably hushed until pushed beyond 3,500 rpm, where it becomes more vocal though never excessively harsh.
Safety Credentials
Safety features receive welcome attention in the New Brezza, addressing a growing consumer priority in the Indian market.
The standard equipment list now includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors across all variants – a commendable approach given the tendency of some manufacturers to restrict essential safety features to higher trims.
Top variants add side and curtain airbags, bringing the total count to six – a significant upgrade from the previous generation. The braking system combines ventilated discs up front with drums at the rear, providing adequate stopping power with reasonable pedal feel, though sustained hard use can induce some fade.
While Global NCAP ratings aren’t available at the time of writing, the previous generation secured a respectable four-star rating. The enhanced body structure utilizing high-tensile steel at critical points suggests the new model should perform at least as well, if not better, when subjected to formal assessment.
Market Positioning and Value Proposition
The New Brezza positions itself as a more premium offering than its predecessor, with pricing ranging from ₹7.99 lakh to ₹13.96 lakh (ex-showroom).
This represents a notable increase over the outgoing model but brings corresponding enhancements in design, features, and technology that largely justify the additional outlay.
The variant structure has been rationalized into four primary trims – LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+ – with automatic transmission available on all but the base variant.
This approach allows buyers to access their preferred transmission option without necessarily opting for the highest equipment level, a flexibility not all competitors offer.
Within this competitive landscape, the Brezza faces formidable rivals including the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, and Nissan Magnite.
While each alternative presents distinct advantages – the Sonet’s feature richness, the Venue’s powertrain options, the Nexon’s safety credentials, the XUV300’s road presence, or the Magnite’s aggressive pricing – the Brezza counters with Maruti’s unparalleled service network, proven reliability, and strong resale value that collectively create a compelling ownership proposition beyond the immediate purchase consideration.
New Maruti Brezza: Evolution Done Right
The New Maruti Brezza represents a thoughtful evolution that addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor without abandoning the core attributes that made the original such a commercial success.
The significantly enhanced interior, expanded feature set, and refreshed exterior design collectively elevate the vehicle within its segment, while the refined powertrain and improved dynamics maintain its reputation for practical usability.
While not revolutionary in isolation, the comprehensive nature of the updates ensures the Brezza remains a strong contender in India’s fiercely competitive compact SUV segment.
For buyers prioritizing long-term ownership satisfaction over outright flash, Maruti’s enduring bestseller makes a stronger case than ever before.