The wind has changed: Maruti-Suzuki Vitara Brezza quick drive
Maruti has always offered value. With the Vitara Brezza, it’s aiming to offer a little more
If you have more than a passing interest in automobiles, chances are you’ve been asked by friends, relatives or random passers-by about when Maruti’s SUV is coming out. These days, the answer is already on the streets, in increasing numbers. The Brezza has garnered popularity rapidly, to the point that Maruti has had to cut back on production of other models to increase capacity for the Brezza. This isn’t Maruti’s first foray into SUVs, however. There was the previous, extremely niche and expensive Grand Vitara, and there is the still-sold Gypsy. However, times have changed and people want SUVs that come with two ORVMs and a roof as standard equipment.
Maruti has played to its own strengths by keeping value high and price low. This is not a Nexa-exclusive car (Nexa is Maruti’s premium car showroom brand) and is sold by regular Maruti dealers. It is well put together and though out, to the point that it feels slightly out of place amongst the swarm of its hatchback siblings. Prices start at Rs 6.99 lac and go up to Rs 9.54 lac, ex-Delhi. For the money, you get a sub-4 metre SUV with decent ground clearance, modern chassis, suspension and equipment.
It must be noted that the Brezza is possibly one of the best sub-4 metre designs we’ve seen in a while that is not a hatchback. Look at any sedan or crossover that has been constrained within 4000mm and you’ll see compromises. Often, awkward ones. There’s no such awkwardness on display with the Brezza, which comes off looking handsome and well-proportioned. It’s got a European vibe going, with shades of the Skoda Fabia when viewed side-on. The floating roof design is attractive, and you can order it on a two-tone colour scheme with a white roof. Our test model came in a sober silver-grey which, to our eyes, looked more grown-up and elegant.
Interior room is good, with generous width for three passengers sitting abreast in the rear seat. There’s no third row, which is just as well. In it’s place, we have a 328 litre boot and 60:40 split seats that fold completely flat to liberate quite a lot of cargo space. Up front, ergonomics also feel well considered. Things fall to hand easily and despite offering audio, phone and cruise controls on the steering wheels, the driver is never overwhelmed by things to fiddle with.
The infotainment unit is unfortunately touchscreen-only, but makes up for it with Apple CarPlay compatibility. If you’re an iPhone user, the experience is seamless and makes the touchscreen tolerable. Maruti’s microphone is of particularly good quality. Calls made through a Bluetooth or CarPlay connection are clear and voice recognition is also excellent, no matter what phone one uses. Our test car came with navigation, but the experience is clunky. You’re better off using the phone.
Interior storage and cubbies are also well done. There’s a one-litre bottle space for each door, a centre armrest with storage up front and one with two cup holders at the rear. There are two glove boxes, one of which is cooled by an internal AC vent, allowing you to keep beverages cool. Unfortunately, the quality of plastics does hamper the experience one has with the car. They feel cheap and hollow at most places, hard and creaky to the touch.
We’re approaching the monsoon, which means we’re currently experiencing the brutal tail-end of the summer across the country. Pune temperatures are regularly in the forties, and Mumbai humidity make one feel below sea level. The Brezza’s air conditioning is brilliant in these conditions. Climate control works very quickly and brings that cabin to a comfortable temperature with surprising alacrity. One is again reminded of European cars with the minimal functionality of the HVAC controls.
The Vitara Brezza uses Maruti’s time-tested 1.3-litre DDiS engine, in an 89hp/200Nm flavour. Performance is adequate, with a big kick when the boost comes on after 2000rpm. Below this mark, you tend to be waiting around wishing you’d chosen a lower gear. The engine is well-matched for the car’s size. The 1.3 diesel has always been considered a class-leader, but in the Brezza, it’s unusually noisy. Combined with the road noise that seeps into the cabin at highway speeds, one needs to raise one’s voice slightly to have a normal conversation inside the car. This is unusual because the same engine in a lower state of tune in other Maruti models is more refined. Other manufacturers have begun catching up in terms of performance and refinement, so Maruti would do well to take notice.
Highway manners are pleasant, with a firm but comfortable ride. Body roll is minimal and the handling inspires confidence. We tried the car with four passengers and some luggage, and heard no complaints about comfort. This is not an off-roader, so there’s no point testing it in mud. We did take it onto some farm roads, however, and were pleased wit’s ride quality on gravel and stone trails. It is still only front-wheel drive, so we’d advise against getting adventurous.
Maruti has always offered more meat than masala in its cars
Maruti has always offered more meat than masala in its cars, to the point of feeling a bit ordinary in the face of increasingly high value competition. Their attempts at premium cars have not been wildly successful either. The Vitara Brezza feels like they’ve turned a page. It’s not in their “premium” lineup, but it feels much nicer than anything else in their regular range. We hope there are lessons here that they apply to their future models, particularly in terms of the engine, which is getting a bit long in the tooth now. In this price range, your choices span expensive hatchbacks to cheap executive sedans. For the SUV buyer or one that is undecided on format, the Brezza is worth a look.
Rating: 4/5
Pros (+): Package, details, design
Cons (-): Noisy engine, cheap plastics
