New Maruti Brezza: represents one of the most significant success stories in the Indian automotive landscape.
First introduced in 2016 as the Vitara Brezza, this compact SUV helped pioneer what would become India’s most competitive and rapidly growing vehicle segment.
With its recent comprehensive redesign, dropping the “Vitara” prefix and simply becoming the “Brezza,” Maruti Suzuki has reinforced its commitment to maintaining leadership in a category that it helped establish but now faces fierce competition from nearly every manufacturer operating in the Indian market.
New Maruti Brezza: Design Evolution
The new Brezza showcases a significant visual departure from its predecessor while maintaining the boxy, upright SUV proportions that Indian consumers favor.
The front fascia features a more assertive design with a wider grille incorporating distinctive chrome or dark-finished horizontal slats depending on the variant.
The headlamp clusters have evolved into sleeker units with LED projector elements and distinctive daytime running light signatures that provide both enhanced visibility and contemporary styling.
The profile retains the high beltline and substantial ground clearance expected of an SUV, but with more pronounced character lines and surface detailing that add visual interest without compromising the functional, robust appearance.
The squared-off wheel arches house larger alloy wheels with more intricate designs, enhancing the vehicle’s stance and road presence.
At the rear, the tailgate design continues the angular theme with sharply cut taillight clusters connected by a black or chrome garnish depending on the trim level.
The bumper incorporates skid plate-like elements that reinforce the SUV character while providing some protection during light off-road excursions.
The overall design philosophy clearly aims to position the new Brezza as a more premium offering while maintaining the practical, no-nonsense approach that made the original model successful.
Body cladding around the wheel arches and lower sections provides both visual interest and practical protection against minor scrapes and stone chips.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the new Brezza represents a significant step forward in both design and material quality. The dashboard layout adopts a more horizontal orientation with layered elements that create visual interest while improving ergonomics.
The center stack is dominated by a larger touchscreen infotainment system, positioned high for easy visibility without requiring the driver to take their eyes far from the road.
The instrument cluster combines analog and digital elements in most variants, with higher trims featuring a fully digital display that offers customizable information layouts.
The three-spoke steering wheel incorporates controls for audio, phone, and driver information functions, reducing the need to reach for the center console while driving.
Seating comfort has been improved with better-contoured front seats that provide enhanced lateral support without sacrificing ease of ingress and egress.
The rear bench accommodates three passengers with reasonable comfort for shorter journeys, though two adults would find it more spacious for longer trips. The nearly flat floor in the rear improves center-position comfort compared to some competitors.
Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, with generous door pockets, multiple cup holders, a spacious glove compartment, and various smaller bins for personal items.
The boot capacity, typically around 328-345 liters depending on measurement methods, provides sufficient space for family luggage, though it falls short of some competitors in the segment.
Interior materials have seen noticeable improvement, with soft-touch surfaces at key touchpoints and more consistent panel fit.
While hard plastics remain in some areas, they appear more thoughtfully finished than in the previous generation.
Fabric upholstery is standard on lower trims, with higher specifications offering leatherette options that enhance the premium feel.
Powertrains and Performance
The new Brezza transitions from the diesel-focused approach of its predecessor to a petrol-only lineup, reflecting both regulatory changes in India and evolving consumer preferences.
The primary powerplant is the proven K15C 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, featuring Maruti’s Smart Hybrid technology that incorporates a dual-battery setup to assist during acceleration and enable enhanced start-stop functionality.
This engine produces approximately 103 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque—figures that position it competitively within the segment without leading the class.
The power delivery is linear and predictable, prioritizing driveability and efficiency over outright performance.
Transmission options include a 5-speed manual as standard, with a 6-speed torque converter automatic available on higher trims—a significant upgrade from the previous generation’s 4-speed unit.
The automatic transmission provides smoother shifts and better highway cruising capability, though it still prioritizes economy over sporty response.
A factory-fitted CNG option is available in select markets, catering to buyers seeking lower running costs despite the compromise in performance and boot space that the cylinder installation necessitates.
Fuel efficiency remains a strong point, with the petrol variants typically delivering 17-19 kilometers per liter under ideal conditions according to certified testing cycles.
Real-world efficiency naturally varies based on driving conditions but generally remains competitive for the segment.
Ride and Handling
The Brezza’s suspension setup continues to favor a balanced approach, absorbing most road imperfections while maintaining sufficient body control for confident handling.
The relatively high ground clearance, typically around a generous 198-205mm depending on the variant and measurement method, allows it to negotiate rough roads and moderate off-road conditions with confidence—a practical consideration for Indian road conditions.
Steering feel has improved over the previous generation, offering better feedback while maintaining light effort at parking speeds.
The turning radius remains tight, an important consideration for maneuvering in congested urban environments.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels show noticeable improvement, with better insulation reducing road and wind noise at highway speeds.
The engine remains audible under hard acceleration but settles to a distant hum during steady cruising.
Braking performance is adequate, with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear managing deceleration duties effectively. The pedal feel is progressive, allowing for smooth modulation in everyday driving conditions.
Technology and Features
The technology package marks one of the most significant upgrades in the new Brezza. The infotainment system centers around a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen depending on the variant, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The interface is more responsive than its predecessor, with improved graphics and intuitive menu structures.
Higher trims include a premium audio system developed in partnership with ARKAMYS, offering enhanced sound quality through well-placed speakers and digital sound processing.
Connectivity extends to Suzuki Connect telematics, providing features like geofencing, vehicle tracking, driving analysis, and remote functions accessible via a smartphone application.
Convenience features include a electric sunroof—a first for the model—along with automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, automatic headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers on higher specifications.
The inclusion of wireless smartphone charging addresses the practical needs of modern users, as does the provision of multiple USB ports including Type-C connections.
Driver assistance technologies have expanded significantly, with features like a 360-degree camera system, cruise control, and hill-hold assist available on premium variants.
The head-up display, another first for the segment from Maruti Suzuki, provides key information without requiring the driver to look away from the road.
Safety Package
Safety equipment has received particular attention in the new Brezza, addressing a common criticism of the previous generation.
All variants now come equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control as standard equipment.
Higher trims add side and curtain airbags, bringing the total count to six—a significant improvement for the segment.
The body structure incorporates Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, designed with strategically placed high-strength steel elements to enhance crash protection while optimizing weight.
ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard, as are seat belt reminders for front occupants.
Active safety is enhanced by the inclusion of a tire pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera even on mid-level variants.
The aforementioned 360-degree camera system on top specifications provides additional confidence during tight maneuvering.
Market Positioning and Competition
The new Brezza continues to compete in the highly contested compact SUV segment, facing established rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, and newer entrants like the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.
Each competitor offers different strengths, from Hyundai’s feature-rich approach to Tata’s emphasis on safety and design.
Maruti Suzuki positions the Brezza as a balanced proposition, combining the brand’s renowned reliability and service network with improved premium features and enhanced safety.
The pricing strategy typically places it in the mid-to-upper range of the segment, reflecting the additional features and refinement compared to the previous generation.
Ownership Experience
The ownership proposition extends beyond the vehicle itself. Maruti Suzuki’s unparalleled sales and service network ensures convenient maintenance access throughout India, including smaller towns and rural areas.
The company’s reputation for parts availability and affordable service costs contributes significantly to the Brezza’s appeal from a total cost of ownership perspective.
Standard warranty coverage is competitive, with extended protection plans available for buyers seeking additional peace of mind.
The strong resale value traditionally associated with Maruti Suzuki products further enhances the long-term value proposition, partially offsetting the higher initial purchase price compared to some competitors.
New Maruti Brezza
The new Maruti Suzuki Brezza represents a thoughtful evolution of a segment-defining product.
By addressing the key weaknesses of its predecessor while building on its established strengths, Maruti Suzuki has created a more compelling package that should maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive market segment.
The shift to a petrol-only lineup reflects broader industry trends, while the significant enhancements in features, safety, and perceived quality demonstrate Maruti Suzuki’s recognition that Indian consumers now expect more than just affordability and practicality.
As the compact SUV segment continues to evolve, the Brezza’s balanced approach—combining Maruti Suzuki’s traditional strengths of reliability, efficiency, and service support with contemporary design and technology—positions it well to maintain its significant market presence, even as newer competitors continually raise expectations.
The Brezza’s journey from segment pioneer to established contender reflects the rapid maturation of the Indian automotive market itself—increasingly sophisticated but still pragmatic, demanding more features and refinement without sacrificing the fundamentals of value and practicality that remain central to purchasing decisions in this diverse and dynamic market.