Car Expert Review - Maruti Vitara Brezza Petrol

What is new in the new Brezza?

Good question. However look closer and the new Vitara Brezza has a few mild updates to the design plus a new infotainment system while the biggest change is underneath the hood with the new 1.5l petrol engine. That also brings the option of an automatic Brezza with the 4-speed being offered. However you can say goodbye to the diesel Brezza.

 

So no diesel? Ok, tell me about the petrol

 

This is the 1.5l unit which currently is in all of the bigger Maruti cars like the XL6, Ertiga and Ciaz. Finally it is here in Brezza. Unlike the Hyundai Venue, there is no turbo petrol though.

Back to the 1.5l engine and it makes 105 bhp and 138Nm. While the power is more from the earlier 1.3 diesel, the torque is less. However the Brezza is a light car and the engine gives it enough power. No doubt when paired with the 5-speed manual, the car is quick and enjoyable. You need to rev it a bit but that is the real joy!

The 5-speed manual is light and really nice to use plus the clutch is light too. In the city you will also appreciate the easy to use steering while high speed stability is also very good and the handling/ride is improved over the earlier diesel too.

 

What about the Automatic?

The earlier Brezza had a diesel AMT but now there is a 4-speed proper automatic with the petrol. You will like it for the convenience that it offers and the smoothness. However if you want performance or you do a lot of highway journeys then the automatic will seem slow. There are also no paddle shifters but you can hold onto 1st or 2nd gear but again the automatic is too slow and for performance seekers it is the manual that we recommend.

The automatic is more efficient though with the smart hybrid tech which has start/stop along with other features like torque assist. Which means you will get near 19 kmpl while the manual is around 17. 

 

What are the Other changes?

 

As said earlier the new Brezza gets a new look front-end with a bigger chrome grille plus bigger projector headlamps with dual function LED DRLs while there is also a skid plate. You also get two new colours, dual-tone included while also new 16inch alloys.

Inside though, it is disappointing. The design is getting a bit old now and Maruti has not updated it. Plus unlike rivals there is no connected technology, rear ac vents, bigger touch-screen or even a sunroof.

Maruti has added a new smartplay studio infotainment system while there is also a leather wrapped steering wheel. Like all new Maruti cars the new infotainment system does score good marks for its use-ability.  Where it also scores is space as it feels bigger inside over rivals plus three can fit in at the back unlike other compact SUVs.

 

 

 

So should I buy Maruti Vitara Brezza?

With the bigger petrol engine the new Vitara Brezza no longer qualifies for the tax sops and that means prices have gone up. The base version starts at Rs 7.34 lakh while the top-end manual is just under Rs 10 lakh. The automatic is Rs 11.4 lakh for the top-end. 

The new Brezza has its work cut out as it is expensive but lacks an advanced automatic gearbox like the DCT on the Venue plus a turbo petrol. It also lacks features. But if you want a compact SUV that has space but along with is efficient plus the peace of mind of a Maruti, then the new Vitara Brezza should be on your shopping list.