Few vehicles have managed to leave as significant an imprint on India’s automotive landscape as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Launched initially as the Vitara Brezza in 2016, this compact SUV arrived at a pivotal moment when Indian consumers were increasingly gravitating toward SUV-shaped vehicles while still prioritizing the efficiency and affordability that had long been Maruti’s stronghold. With the 2022 redesign that dropped the “Vitara” prefix, the Brezza has evolved into a more sophisticated proposition that maintains the pragmatic values that established its reputation while incorporating enough contemporary features to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive segment.

The Evolution of a Bestseller

The original Vitara Brezza emerged from Maruti Suzuki’s recognition that India’s automotive tastes were shifting. Consumers desired vehicles with commanding road presence and SUV styling cues but within compact dimensions that remained practical for urban navigation. The initial offering struck this balance effectively, combining muscular design elements with the company’s proven 1.3-liter diesel engine and accessible pricing. The formula proved immediately successful, with waiting periods stretching to months as production struggled to match demand.

Over subsequent years, the model adapted to changing regulatory and market conditions, most notably with the transition from diesel to petrol power as BS6 emission norms rendered small diesel engines economically unviable. This shift represented a significant challenge for a vehicle whose identity had been partly defined by the torquey performance and efficiency of its diesel powerplant. The introduction of the K15 series petrol engine, while efficient by gasoline standards, required Maruti to recalibrate the Brezza’s value proposition.

The 2022 redesign (now simply called “Brezza”) represents the most comprehensive update yet, with changes extending far beyond the typical mid-cycle refresh. While maintaining dimensional similarities to its predecessor, the new Brezza adopts a more sophisticated design language, enhanced feature content, and engineering refinements that collectively address most criticisms leveled at the outgoing model.

Design: Evolution Rather Than Revolution

The current Brezza maintains a recognizable silhouette while incorporating more contemporary design elements. The front fascia features slimmer LED projector headlamps connected by a chrome strip that enhances visual width. The redesigned grille presents a more premium appearance, while the bumper incorporates functional elements including fog lamps set in angular housings and a silver skid plate that signals the vehicle’s SUV aspirations.

Side profiles reveal squared wheel arches housing 16-inch alloy wheels with a dual-tone machined finish on higher trims. The floating roof design with contrast color options adds visual interest, while integrated roof rails enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Subtle character lines provide some surface dynamism without resorting to the excessive sculpting that dates quickly.

The rear design features L-shaped LED tail lamps connected by a reflective strip bearing the Brezza nameplate—a treatment that enhances night-time recognition while creating visual continuity. The redesigned rear bumper incorporates reflectors and a silver skid plate that mirrors the front treatment, creating design coherence.

Color options include both conventional choices like white and silver alongside more expressive options including red, blue, and brown, with dual-tone treatments available on higher variants. This broader palette acknowledges the Brezza’s evolving customer base that increasingly includes younger buyers who view their vehicles as expressions of personality rather than merely practical transportation.

Cabin Experience: Addressing Previous Shortcomings

Inside, the Brezza addresses one of the primary criticisms of its predecessor—interior design and material quality that lagged behind newer competitors. The redesigned dashboard adopts a more horizontal orientation with layered elements that create greater visual interest. A free-standing 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates the center stack, with physical climate controls positioned beneath for intuitive operation while driving.

Material quality shows meaningful improvement with soft-touch materials on the upper dashboard and door panels, though hard-wearing plastics remain in high-contact areas where durability takes priority. The overall impression is of thoughtful upgrading rather than dramatic transformation—an approach that aligns with Maruti’s pragmatic brand values.

Seating comfort benefits from revised cushioning and improved contouring, with fabric upholstery on most variants and synthetic leather available on the top-tier ZXi+ trim. The driving position offers good visibility through the upright windshield and side windows, while the rear bench accommodates three passengers in reasonable comfort for shorter journeys, though two adults would find longer trips more agreeable.

Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, with large door pockets capable of holding 1-liter bottles, a spacious glove compartment, center console bins, and thoughtfully positioned smartphone trays. The 328-liter boot handles everyday cargo needs adequately, with 60:40 split folding rear seats expanding capacity when needed.

Mechanical Foundation: Proven Reliability with Modern Touches

Under the hood, the Brezza continues with Maruti’s K15C 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 103 PS at 6,000 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. While these figures won’t impress performance enthusiasts, they deliver adequate everyday drivability with an emphasis on efficiency. The engine incorporates dual variable valve timing and an integrated starter generator that enables auto start-stop functionality, contributing to fuel economy figures of approximately 19.8 km/l for manual variants and 19.0 km/l for automatics under standardized testing conditions.

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual that offers precise shifts with light clutch action, and a 6-speed torque converter automatic that represents a significant upgrade over the previous 4-speed unit. The automatic provides smoother shifts and better highway efficiency, addressing a notable weakness in the earlier powertrain combination.

Suspension architecture remains straightforward with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear setup, though revised tuning delivers more progressive damping that better absorbs road imperfections. Ground clearance of 198mm provides confidence on rough roads without creating excessive body roll during cornering. Steering response feels appropriately weighted for urban maneuvering while providing reasonable feedback at highway speeds.

Technology: Contemporary Features Without Complexity

The Brezza’s technological offerings focus on practical enhancements rather than novelty features. The SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with over-the-air update capability ensuring future compatibility. The higher trims incorporate a 360-degree camera system with surprisingly good resolution, making urban parking substantially easier.

Safety features include six airbags on top variants, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system alongside the federally mandated ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. This comprehensive safety package earned the Brezza a solid four-star Global NCAP rating under the updated, more stringent testing protocols.

Other noteworthy features include a wireless charging pad, electric sunroof, heads-up display, and automatic climate control—amenities that have become expected in this segment but are implemented without undue complexity or distraction from the driving experience.

Conclusion: Pragmatic Evolution in a Changing Market

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza represents a thoughtfully evolved product that maintains connection with the qualities that established its success while incorporating enough contemporary features to remain relevant. Rather than chasing headline-grabbing specifications or radical design departures, Maruti has focused on addressing specific customer pain points while improving the overall ownership experience.

This approach aligns perfectly with the brand’s longstanding reputation for pragmatic, reliable transportation. As the compact SUV segment grows increasingly crowded with both domestic and international competitors, the Brezza’s combination of Maruti’s proven reliability, extensive service network, and strong resale value continues to resonate with value-conscious Indian buyers seeking elevated driving positions and SUV styling without compromise to everyday usability.

By prioritizing substance over spectacle, the Brezza maintains its position as a benchmark in India’s compact SUV landscape—not necessarily by being the most dramatic or feature-laden option, but by delivering a thoughtfully balanced package that addresses real customer needs without unnecessary complication.