Last updated with a mid-life facelift in February 2020, Maruti’s venerable Vitara Brezza is a bit long in the tooth, particularly in light of its newer rivals. However, like most Maruti models, the Vitara Brezza is also due for a major update this year, where, as part of the update, it is also expected to drop the ‘Vitara’ prefix. It will also bring along several firsts for Maruti, both on the features and powertrain front. So here’s a rundown on what to look forward to on the new Brezza.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza exterior: a sunroof, stronger bodyshell
The upcoming Brezza will continue to be underpinned by the current Global C platform, which means there aren’t many differences in overall silhouette or stance of the SUV.
Maruti is, however, expected to use stronger steel for the body and underpinnings, which will up the safety quotient of the new Brezza, just as they did with the new Baleno.
Notably, the 2022 Brezza will finally be getting the coveted sunroof, making it the first Maruti model in India to have the feature. Earlier spy shots have revealed that the 2022 Brezza will also see a completely new design with major sheet metal changes.
It gets an all new front and rear fascia. The bonnet is flatter, the nose is more upright, and it gets new LED headlamps with LED DRLs. At the rear, there will be an all-new tail gate, slimmer LED tail lights and revised rear bumper. The alloy wheels will be given a new dual-tone design.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza interior: larger touchscreen, HUD, six airbags
On the inside as well, the updated Brezza will sport a fresh new design and a lot more equipment, much of which has already been previewed on the new Baleno. Notable highlights include the larger 9.0-inch touchscreen with the updated SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment software, a head-up display, 360-degree camera, connected car features and much more.
Spy shots have also revealed a more upmarket design for the dashboard and, as per sources, Maruti is likely to use better quality plastics for the interior, something that has been a sore in the current model. It will also get new dials for the instrumentation and a new flat-bottomed steering wheel from the Swift.
Safety, again, will be an area where the new Brezza will see a big step up. The Vitara Brezza currently has a 4-star safety rating from Global NCAP. Like the Baleno, the Brezza will also come fitted with six airbags, with automatic variants also likely to get hill-hold feature. This, of course, is right timing as the government recently confirmed that all new cars will soon require to be equipped with six airbags as standard.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza: new 6AT gearbox, CNG on the cards
Under the hood, the Brezza is expected to carry forward its 1.5-litre, four-cylinder K15B petrol engine. It’s currently offered with mild-hybrid tech only on the automatic variants, although it could be made standard across the range for the new Brezza in order to meet the upcoming CAFÉ norms.
And while the 5-speed manual gearbox will be carried forward as is, the archaic 4-speed torque converter automatic will be replaced by an all-new 6-speed torque converter unit that will even come with paddle shifters. Paddle shifters, then, will also be a first for any Maruti model in India.
What community is saying on the Brezza?
Also first will be CNG as a fuel option with the new Brezza, making it the first compact SUV in the country with this fuel option. Maruti is looking to offer CNG across its entire line-up, including its Nexa range of models. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is already available with a factory-fitted CNG kit on the Ertiga.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza: rivals in India
The upcoming Brezza will continue to be positioned in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue (which too is due a facelift), Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Tata Nexon. Following the Brezza, the Toyota Urban Cruiser will also be updated similarly.
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