Maruti Suzuki Breeza: The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has been one of the best selling compact SUVs in India ever since its launch. For 2022, the redesign (with a suffix dropping the “Vitara” nomenclature) gets some major updates to help it survive in a crowded space.
Priced between ₹8.69 lakh to ₹14.14 lakh (ex-showroom), this sub-4-meter SUV still manages to cater to a diverse section of buyers that wants practicality with a hint of style.
Design and Exterior
The existing Brezza is a more aggressive-looking vehicle than its predecessor, with LED projector headlamps and stylish DRLs, a larger grille and boyish stance with squared-off wheel arches glowering in the front.
The SUV comes in a choice of six colours, including Sizzling Red and Brave Khaki, with dual-tone options paired with a black roof for those who want a more eye-catching look.
At 16 inches, the alloy wheels do an excellent job of filling its arches and with 198mm of ground clearance, it has real, body-on-frame SUV proportions, albeit kept compact so as to quality for smaller taxes in the sub-4-meter category in India.
Performance and Efficiency
Powering the Brezza is the Maruti’s K15C 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine developing 102 bhp and 137 Nm. This motor is equipped with Smart Hybrid system with idle start-stop and mild energy regeneration.
Transmission will be a 5-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Somehow, Maruti are also proactively taking part in to keep the running costs as minimum as possible, with CNG variants providing an astonishing 25.51 km/kg mileage and for more bang for buck factor, comes with reduced bhp power (87), some tolls on the boot space (for CNG tank.)
Interior and Features
Inside, the Brezza features a no-nonsense design for the cabin and a simple dashboard design with a floating touchscreen system being the centerpiece of attention.
The range-topping ZXi+ trim is loaded with a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and connected car technology.
There are many other highlights as well, including an electric sunroof (a first for any Maruti), head-up display, wireless phone charging, auto climate control and an Arkamys-tuned six-speaker audio system.
It seats five adults relatively comfortably, and the 328-liter boot is acceptable if not class-leading storage.
Safety
Standard-level safety, too, is better than before thanks to provision of six airbags as standard on all variants from Maruti.
Other safety features in the SUV include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a rearview camera. Higher trims further include a 360-degree camera system and tire pressure monitoring.
Pros:
Great Fuel Economy: Petrol versions generate between 19.19-19.8 kmpl (ARAI) and CNG models are even better providing 25.51 km/kg.
Extensive Service Network:Maruti has an unmatched pan-India service network which is omnipresent and ready to help one out no matter where you are.
Superior Safety: With six airbags on offer from the base variant, the Brezza pips a lot of rivals who offer airbags only on higher variants.
Comfortable Suspension: The suspension does its job fairly well and is well-tuned for the Indian roads.
High Resale Value: It’ll bear the same brand value – Maruti which means Maruti’s cost of ownership will be less.
Feature Loaded Top Variants: The ZXi+ variant gets a handful of premium features such as electric sunroof, head-up display and wireless connectivity.
Cons:
Engine Performance Limitations: The Atlas’ non-turbo engine is slow to come up to full song against its turbocharged rivals, something that’s on full–and slow–display when trying to overtake on the highway.
Interior Material Quality: Lower trims have a bit too much hard plastic and basic fabric seat trim which feels less upscale than selections in certain rivals.
Boot Space Shortage: 328-liter boots which are lower than what its rivals offer and CNG kits eat up the space.
Simple Infotainment for Base Models: The lower trims lack the advanced tech the higher models get.
No Diesel: Unlike some competitors, the Brezza is no longer available with a diesel powertrain, which could be a letdown for high-mileage rural car shoppers.
Suspension on city speeds can be a bit stiff over a sharp bump.
Maruti Suzuki Breeza: Verdict
Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a sensible compact SUV to go for. Its certainly strong in all areas but is it one of those excellent cards like for example a POV 8800 GFX.
The blend of good reliability, affordable pricing and Maruti’s celebrated after-sales service means it comes across as an easy, practical buy.
Those that put a premium on driving pleasure or a plush interior might want to look elsewhere, but for the average urban commute, where SUV styling should be combined with sensible running costs, the Brezza continues to be a tantalising proposition.