In a country like India, which experiences scorching summer temperatures of over 40deg C across cities, an air conditioner is a non-negotiable feature not only in homes but also in cars. Although manufacturers are offering cars with the latest modern-day convenience features, an AC has remained the top provider of passenger comfort. In this article, we test the AC performance of two hotly competing compact SUVs, the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza, to see which model’s climate control unit can better withstand real-world torture.
Explore full specs, features and a price breakdown in our Nexon vs Brezza comparison.
Autocar India’s testing methodology
In preparation for the test, each car is parked under direct sunlight for two hours with its engine switched off and windows rolled up. Sunroof shades are kept closed, but rear window shades are rolled away. Once a car is ‘soaked’, a two-member team enters the vehicle quickly to minimise loss of heat – our job is to simulate a worst-case scenario. Each car is rigged with sophisticated test gear provided by Zen Microsystems. Five thermocouple sensors read ambient temperature, cabin temperature, vent temperature (capturing how cold the air is), front-seat temperature (measured near the driver’s ear) and rear-seat temperature (measured at the rear centre armrest).
Front vents are directed at the driver’s face, while rear vents are aimed at the rear-seat centre occupant. As the car is switched on, climate control is set to recirculation mode, maximum blower speed and the lowest possible temperature. Temperature readings are recorded after one minute of idling, and then after an interval of every five minutes (up to 15 minutes) of driving over a fixed route at 50-60kph. A final reading is taken after another minute of idling.
A key disclaimer: Ambient temperatures and humidity have a big bearing on cooling performance. Hence, our results are from vehicles tested on the same day, and these may vary for you based on your location and ambient conditions.
Tata Nexon vs Maruti Brezza: AC test
Tata Nexon front and rear AC performance
At the start of the test, when the outside temperature was 41.2deg C, the in-cabin temperature of the Nexon was 51.2deg C. After idling the car for a minute, the temperature around the front seats fell by 12 degrees, while the temperature around the rear seat was down by over 9 degrees. While driving, the temperature fell further, and by the end of the 15-minute run, it was around 30deg C. However, when idling again, the temperatures rose to around 32deg C.
During our time with the Nexon, we found that it has a strong blower that effectively chills the entire cabin. Notably, the Nexon is offered with an ‘Xpress Cool’ feature that maximises cooling while lowering the windows to expel heat more effectively. However, to maintain a standard testing protocol, we did not use this feature.
Maruti Brezza front and rear AC performance
The Brezza’s cabin temperature was up to 53deg C at the start of the test, which fell to around 46deg C at the end of a minute-long idle. Like the Nexon, the temperature fell further while driving, to below 35deg C at the end of 15 minutes. However, while idling again, the average temperatures around the front seats were a degree less than those around the rear seats.
We noticed that the Brezza’s blower is strong, too, but the airflow is not even in the cabin; it is dissipated in a narrow channel.
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
