Maruti Brezza

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

Maruti Suzuki has launched the second generation of its most popular Compact SUV in India. The 2023 Brezza features an entirely new design, as well as new interiors, features, and even a mechanical setup. The new design philosophy has made the latest-generation Brezza far more daring than the previous-generation model. Maruti has improved the mechanicals of the new Brezza with swift technology, in addition to the newer design.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Design and Style

One word describes the new Brezza's design: balanced. Some may find it polarising, given how neutral the previous version's appearance was, but the appeal is largely universal. The dimensions have not changed, and while it is a new Brezza, it is still based on the same TECT platform as before.

The emphasis on making the car appear wider, especially when viewed from the front or rear, is a key element of the new design. The new nose is flatter, the new grille has more detailing, and while the L and V variants continue to have halogen projector headlights, the Z and Z Plus receive new LED projectors. They are complemented by new LED DRLs (Z/Z Plus) and LED fog lights (Z Plus).

On the side, you'll notice a new set of 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and twice as much body cladding as the previous model. For us, the new Brezza's best angle is its rear. The tail lights make the vehicle appear wider and have a larger, more distinct light signature on the inside.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Engine and Gearbox

The petrol engine will be the only option for the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The engine in question is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated unit (K15C) that is aided by a mild hybrid system. Its on-paper output of 101.6 HP and 136.8 Nm is standard, and this is reflected in its real-world performance as well.

This engine is very smooth to use and gradually increases performance as the revs rise. It can easily reach speeds of 60 to 80 km/h and is also a comfortable cruiser. The crawl speed performance is also strong thanks to the mild-hybrid assist, making it suitable for driving in city traffic. However, when compared to its turbo-petrol competitors, this engine's performance is uninspiring. High-speed overtakes will necessitate some planning, as well as a, downshift, especially if you're driving with passengers.

In addition to the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the Brezza now has a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This transmission is very easy to use and feels right at home in city traffic or on the open highway. Interestingly, it has a tendency to hold onto gears for longer than the manual would, and it isn't lacking in responsiveness either. It isn't as quick as a twin-clutch/DCT, but it's not a deal breaker. It can also drop two gears at once if necessary while controlling shift-shock well.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

Maruti has suspended the New Brezza on McPherson Strut & Coil Spring at the front and Torsion Beam & Coil Spring at the rear. The ventilated discs in front and drum brakes at the rear handle the braking duties. Maruti offers the new Brezza with 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels wrapped with 215/60-R16 tyre sections on all ends.

New model of Maruti Brezza strikes an excellent balance of ride comfort and handling. The cabin is well-insulated from even sharper bumps, the car maintains composure even on undulating roads, and it feels steady at speeds of more than 100kmph. The Vitara Brezza's ride was initially designed to be sportier/stiffer, but it is now more balanced. The Brezza also has a little more noise insulation than before, though you can hear wind noise at speeds of 80-100 km/h.

Interior and Instrument Console of Maruti Suzuki Brezza

The interior layout has also changed, with a new dashboard, steering wheel, and fabric inserts on the door pads. The 2023 Brezza Z/Z Plus variants get a two-tone chocolate brown and black interior that looks nice and makes elements like the dashtop and new AC console feel more premium.

However, in general, the interior quality is unrivalled. The crash pad plastics are scratchy, the glovebox on both test vehicles rattled, and the sunroof shade didn't fit properly. Given that the Brezza is now one of the most expensive cars in its class, the interior should have been more luxurious. Unfortunately, in comparison to something like the Kia Sonet, this feels lacking.

The new Brezza's features and technology package are its standout features. A 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay is among the new features. The layout of the screen is data-heavy but very easy to navigate, with large fonts and widget sizes. The displayed data can also be flipped around to your liking, and the system is extremely user-friendly. The Brezza, like the Baleno, has a heads-up display that displays data such as a digital speedometer, tachometer, gear indicator, cruise control display, and car alerts such as the door ajar warning.

Key Features of Maruti Suzuki Brezza

2023 Maruti Suzuki Brezza key features include a colour MID, a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay, rake and reach steering adjustment, wireless phone charger, cruise control, blue ambient lighting, smart-key with push-button start, a sunroof. Finally, there’s the connected car tech suite that supports remote hazard light control, AC control (AT), geo-fencing, car tracking and more.

New Maruti Brezza has a Global NCAP 4-star for adults and 2-star for child protection and now offers more safety tech than before, based on Suzuki's global TECT platform (not Heartect). Standard features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX, rear parking sensors, ESP, and hill-hold. The Brezza comes standard with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and an auto-dimming IRVM.

Top Speed and Mileage of Maruti Suzuki Brezza

2023 Maruti Suzuki Brezza has a top speed of 170 km/h. At roughly 20 km/l for both transmissions, the ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figures are impressive. On the highway, the automatic should be significantly less expensive.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Colour Options

2023 Maruti Brezza is available in 9 different colours - Pearl Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Splendid Silver with Midnight Black Roof, Magma Grey, Exuberant Blue, Brave Khaki, Brave Khaki With Pearl Arctic White, Sizzling Red, Sizzling Red With Midnight Black Roof.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Price

The sub-4m SUV is sold in four trims: LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi Plus, Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) is the starting price for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza at present.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Competitors

The Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Citroen C3, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and Tata Nexon compete with Maruti's sub-compact SUV.

Conclusion

2023 Maruti Suzuki Brezza retains its strong fundamentals of space, practicality, and comfort, but it now comes with a more powerful tech package, more safety features, and a better automatic transmission. While the packaging is best in the Z and Z Plus variants, it also offers good value in the L and V. However, given the higher price, particularly for the top variants, the Brezza should have provided superior interior quality as well as a more exciting drive option, especially since its competitors offer turbo-petrol and diesel for less money. Overall, the Brezza is now a car that will satisfy both the adults and the youngsters in the family.