Maruti Suzuki Brezza: The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the winding roads of Kasauli as I guide the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza through a series of sweeping bends. This compact SUV—a market leader since its inception—has seen significant evolution since first appearing on Indian roads.

Having spent three days putting it through its paces across city streets, highway stretches, and the occasional broken path, I’m beginning to understand why this vehicle continues to command both respect and sales figures that competitors can only envy.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Evolutionary Design: Subtle Refinement Over Revolution

Parked against the backdrop of pine-covered hills, the current Brezza presents a more mature aesthetic than its predecessor. Maruti Suzuki has wisely avoided the temptation for radical redesign, instead opting for measured updates that maintain the vehicle’s distinctive identity while incorporating contemporary design elements.

The front fascia features a wider grille with chrome accents that extend into the headlamps, creating a more cohesive and premium appearance.

These headlamps themselves represent perhaps the most significant exterior update—LED projector units with distinctive daytime running lights that give the Brezza an unmistakable signature, especially in low-light conditions.

They’re not merely decorative either; the illumination quality represents a substantial improvement over the halogen units of earlier generations.

“We focused on enhancing the Brezza’s road presence without compromising its approachable character,” explains Rajesh Uppal, Executive Director of Engineering at Maruti Suzuki, during a technical briefing at the launch event I attended earlier this year.

“The goal was evolution, not revolution—building on the strengths that made the original Brezza successful while addressing specific areas for improvement.”

The profile maintains the boxy, upright stance that defines the compact SUV segment, though subtle character lines add visual interest and reduce the perception of bulk.

The squared wheel arches house either 16-inch alloys or 15-inch steel wheels depending on the variant, with the former featuring a diamond-cut finish that catches light dramatically.

Ground clearance remains generous at 198mm—unchanged from the previous generation but still among the best in segment and more than adequate for navigating the occasional flooded street or rough patch.

At the rear, the tailgate design introduces more horizontal elements than the somewhat slab-sided predecessor, with sleeker LED tail lamps connected by a reflective strip that visually widens the stance.

The bumper incorporates silver skid plate elements that hint at off-road capability, though they’re primarily aesthetic rather than functional—a common theme across urban SUVs in this segment.

Available in nine colors, including the striking new Sizzling Red with black roof dual-tone option that adorns my test vehicle, the Brezza offers enough visual variety to satisfy different tastes.

The paint quality deserves mention—deep and lustrous, with excellent resistance to the fine scratches that often plague vehicles in dusty Indian conditions.

Cabin Space: Balancing Practicality with Comfort

Step inside the Brezza, and you’re greeted by a cabin that emphasizes practicality without feeling utilitarian. The dashboard layout prioritizes ergonomics and visibility, with a high-mounted 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that minimizes eye movement away from the road.

Physical buttons and knobs for climate control functions—increasingly rare in an era of touch-sensitive interfaces—provide tactile feedback that allows operation without looking down.

The fabric upholstery on mid-level variants feels durable if unremarkable, while the synthetic leather in higher trims adds a touch of premium feel without significantly affecting comfort in hot weather—an important consideration in a country where summer temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius in many regions. The front seats offer decent support for longer journeys, though more pronounced bolstering would be welcome during spirited driving.

Rear seat accommodation impresses given the Brezza’s sub-4-meter footprint. The bench offers good thigh support—often a weakness in this segment—while the nearly flat floor makes the middle seat more usable than in many competitors.

Headroom is generous even for passengers approaching six feet, though legroom becomes adequate rather than abundant when seated behind taller front occupants.

The rear seats feature a 60:40 split-folding function, expanding the already useful 328-liter luggage compartment to accommodate larger items when needed.

Storage options abound throughout the cabin, from the reasonably sized glovebox to the deep door pockets capable of holding 1-liter bottles.

The center console incorporates thoughtfully designed cupholders and a dedicated smartphone tray with wireless charging capability on premium variants.

Particularly welcome are the USB ports for rear passengers—a small but significant addition that acknowledges the reality of device-dependent modern travel.

Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Adequacy

Under the hood, the Brezza offers a single engine option—Maruti’s familiar 1.5-liter K15C four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol unit, producing 103 PS at 6,000 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. These figures won’t set pulses racing, but raw numbers rarely tell the complete story of a vehicle’s character and capability.

In real-world driving, the engine proves entirely adequate for the Brezza’s intended purpose, offering smooth, linear power delivery and reasonable response at city speeds.

The mild-hybrid system (Smart Hybrid in Maruti parlance) incorporates a larger battery than before, allowing for extended engine stop-start functionality and providing gentle torque assistance during initial acceleration. The system operates seamlessly, with the engine restarting quickly and smoothly when needed.

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, the latter replacing the somewhat outdated 4-speed unit of the previous generation. The manual offers precise if slightly notchy shifts, with a clutch that’s light enough for comfortable operation in dense traffic.

The automatic, derived from units used in larger Suzuki models globally, represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering more closely spaced ratios that keep the engine in its optimal operating range more consistently.

Fuel efficiency remains a Brezza strong suit, with the manual returning approximately 19.5 km/l in mixed driving during my test period. The automatic proves only marginally thirstier at around 18.3 km/l—impressive figures considering the vehicle’s size and weight.

These numbers translate to a theoretical range of over 700 kilometers from the 48-liter tank—a welcome attribute for those who venture beyond city limits regularly.

Technology: Contemporary Convenience

The Brezza’s technological package balances modern features with usability. The aforementioned 9-inch touchscreen runs Maruti’s SmartPlay Pro+ interface, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity alongside built-in navigation and voice command functionality. The system proves responsive and logically organized, though occasional lag becomes noticeable when switching between functions rapidly.

The instrument cluster combines an analog tachometer with a 4.2-inch color multi-information display that shows various vehicle parameters and trip information.

While not as visually impressive as the fully digital displays found in some competitors, it provides clear, legible information without unnecessary visual distractions.

Higher variants incorporate a host of convenience features including automatic climate control, cruise control, automatic headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers.

The wireless charging pad, though somewhat slow compared to dedicated wall chargers, proves handy for maintaining battery levels during longer drives. The premium audio system with six speakers delivers respectable sound quality, though audiophiles might still desire aftermarket upgrades.

The Suzuki Connect connected car technology suite enables remote monitoring and control of various vehicle functions through a dedicated smartphone application.

Functions include remote engine start (for automatic variants), door lock/unlock, vehicle location, and geofencing—particularly useful for owners who occasionally share their vehicle with family members or drivers.

Safety: Raising the Bar

Safety equipment represents a significant improvement over earlier iterations of the Brezza. Six airbags are available on higher variants (though lower trims make do with dual front airbags), alongside electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

The 360-degree camera system, a segment-first feature when introduced, proves invaluable for navigating tight parking situations, though the display resolution could be improved for better clarity.

The braking system—discs up front and drums at the rear—provides confident stopping power with good pedal feel, even in emergency situations.

During a simulated panic stop from 80 km/h, the Brezza maintained directional stability with minimal drama—a reassuring characteristic given India’s often unpredictable traffic conditions.

The underlying structure incorporates high-strength steel in critical areas, helping the vehicle achieve a respectable four-star Global NCAP rating under previous testing protocols.

While not class-leading by global standards, this represents solid performance in a segment where safety has sometimes been compromised in favor of cost considerations.

Driving Dynamics: Comfort Over Sportiness

On the move, the Brezza prioritizes comfort and ease of use over dynamic excitement—an entirely appropriate choice given its primary urban role.

The suspension—MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear—strikes a well-judged balance between compliance and control, absorbing road imperfections without excessive body movement.

The electrically assisted steering feels appropriately weighted for city use, light enough for easy maneuverability in tight spaces yet gaining some heft at highway speeds.

Feedback remains limited, but precision is adequate for confident placement on narrower roads. Turn-in isn’t particularly eager, with noticeable body roll when pushed, but the chassis maintains composure and predictability even when faced with mid-corner bumps or sudden directional changes.

Wind and road noise are well contained at cruising speeds, though the engine makes its presence known when extended toward redline. The brakes offer good modulation for smooth stops in traffic, with adequate reserve capacity for more forceful applications when needed.

Perhaps most importantly for its target audience, the Brezza proves exceptionally easy to live with day-to-day. The commanding seating position provides excellent visibility, while the squared-off corners make judging the vehicle’s extremities straightforward during tight maneuvers. The tight turning radius of 5.2 meters further enhances urban agility, allowing U-turns on all but the narrowest streets.

Market Position: Continued Dominance

The Brezza operates in perhaps the most fiercely contested segment of the Indian automotive market, facing formidable competition from the likes of the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV300.

Yet it continues to dominate monthly sales charts, regularly moving over 12,000 units per month—a testament to both the product’s inherent qualities and Maruti Suzuki’s unmatched sales and service network.

Priced between ₹7.99 lakh and ₹13.96 lakh (ex-showroom), the Brezza spans a wide spectrum that allows it to compete with both value-oriented offerings and more premium-positioned rivals.

The sweet spot in the range arguably lies in the middle variants, which offer most essential features without the steeper price jump of the range-topping models.

Beyond the initial purchase, ownership costs remain a Brezza strong suit. Service intervals are specified at every 10,000 kilometers or one year, with transparent, reasonable maintenance costs.

Maruti’s extensive service network ensures that support is readily available even in smaller towns and cities—a significant consideration for many buyers, particularly those who travel extensively.

Resale values remain exceptionally strong, with three-year-old examples typically retaining over 75% of their original value—significantly better than many competitors and an important factor in the total cost of ownership calculation that many rational Indian buyers perform before purchase.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Conclusion: Mastering the Essentials

As the sun sets on my final day with the Brezza, casting warm light across its sculptured hood, I find myself appreciating the careful balance Maruti Suzuki has struck with this vehicle.

It doesn’t excel in any single area to the degree that enthusiast publications might celebrate, nor does it introduce revolutionary technology that redefines its category.

Instead, it delivers competence across all critical parameters while avoiding significant weaknesses—a more difficult achievement than it might initially appear.

The Brezza succeeds because it understands its audience perfectly—predominantly urban dwellers who occasionally venture beyond city limits, seeking a practical, efficient, and reliable package with just enough style and presence to stand out from conventional hatchbacks. It doesn’t try to be all things to all people, focusing instead on executing its core mission with exceptional competence.

In a market increasingly crowded with competitors trying to outdo each other with flashy features and aggressive styling, the Brezza’s measured approach feels refreshingly honest.

It promises exactly what it delivers—no more, no less—and that straightforward proposition continues to resonate with tens of thousands of Indian buyers monthly. Sometimes, mastering the essentials proves more valuable than chasing superlatives