Maruti Suzuki Brezza Expert Review

The new Brezza is based on the same Global-C platform as its predecessor, though Maruti now calls it the ‘TECT’ platform—more a marketing move than an actual change. This has led to confusion with the HEARTECT platform, though the Brezza continues with its solid base, previously rated 4 stars by GNCAP.
Major changes include new sheet metal parts like a re-profiled, flatter bonnet and a more radical front-end design. Headlamps are now sleeker with dual-DRLs, and the bumper is new with added cladding. The 16-inch alloys appear small due to the chunky wheel arches.
The rear sees redesigned quarter glass and new doors with a strong shoulder line running into the new tail-lamps. The Brezza badge replaces ‘Vitara Brezza’ on the boot. It retains the same dimensions as before, except for a 45mm height increase due to the shark fin antenna. 
 

Clever packaging liberates more cabin space. The dashboard design is new but quality remains plasticky. A flatter dashboard and extended front seat travel improve roominess. Rear seat space is ample, though the mild-hybrid battery under the front seat limits foot extension for the left-rear passenger. Seats are comfy but soft, so long-distance support remains to be seen. Boot space is 328 litres—adequate and expandable via a 60:40 split-folding seat.
 

The updated 1.5-litre K15C engine makes 103hp and 137Nm—slightly lower than before. In the city, it’s fine, but out on highways, overtaking can be tough due to a weak mid-range. Power delivery is smooth but laid-back.
Refinement is good, and the manual gearbox is smooth with a light clutch. The new 6-speed automatic is better than the old 4-speed but lacks urgency. Paddle shifters exist, but there’s not much performance to extract.
 

The new dual-injector tech boosts efficiency on paper—20.15kpl for the manual and 19.80kpl for the auto. However, real-world figures for the manual (10.47kpl city, 15.89kpl highway) fall short. Aggressive regenerative braking and dulled throttle response hurt efficiency. The 5-speed manual also limits highway economy.
 

City comfort is a strength. The soft suspension soaks up rough roads well, and high-speed stability is good. However, there’s some pitch and the steering doesn’t self-centre well, typical of many Marutis.

The feature list has grown significantly. The Brezza now gets a sunroof, connected car tech, ambient lighting, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Arkamys tuning. It stands out with features like a head-up display (HUD) and a clear 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines. Kits like a branded audio system and cooled seats are still missing however. Safety is improved too with six airbags and ESP now standard across both manual and auto variants. 
 

The Maruti Brezza starts at a base price of Rs 8.69 lakh while the top-spec ZXi+ AT costs Rs 13.98 lakh, the bigger engine disqualifies it from tax benefits and thus potentially a more affordable price. On the whole performance is dull, but the Brezza remains comfortable, well-equipped, and ideal for city use—true to its ‘city-bred SUV’ claim.