OD SUV Slugfest: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

Bob Rupani Updated: September 04, 2018, 07:37 PM IST

This sub-4 metre Maruti SUV has been a big hit and is amongst the most seen SUVs on our roads. In fact it's fair to say that the Brezza has contributed in boosting and further energising the compact SUV segment.

Styling and street presence

The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza has a classic SUV shape and proportions and its overall looks and styling are cute and pleasing. It may not have a daunting street presence, but is handsome in its own way. Maruti also offer a lot of personalisation or customisation options through its 'I Create', with the dual tone floating roof colour combination proving to be popular

Seating and visibility

The Brezza has a decent glasshouse area and provides good visibility. The wiper sweep area is substantial with a large area of the windscreen being cleaned. Its height is perfect for easy ingress and egress, but at the rear the wheel arch intrudes into the entry space. Rear seat space is excellent for a vehicle of its size, but the front seat rails project into the rear legroom area.

All-terrain capability

It has sufficient ground clearance and the rather short overhangs mean the approach and departure angles are quite good.

Practicality

The spare wheel is situated inside the boot and is easy to access. But the cargo space at 328 litres is limited and the parcel tray and its mounts are somewhat flimsy and rattle during off-road driving.

Touring ability and performance

The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is the least powerful vehicle in this lot, but feels adequately powerful. It's also easy and great fun to drive and its predictable handling allows you to push
it with confidence. Its touring range of about 800km is very handy making it a friendly long distance companion. It's also quite stable at high speeds and there is enough storage spaces in the cabin for your things.

Stage timing

3m 34.10s

We drove the AGS or automatic gearshift version and the manual mode helped and delivered better control. The Brezza's light weight and compact dimensions make it a lot of fun in the slush and it's very easy to throw around and correct due to its well tuned driving dynamics and reasonably communicative steering. It's quick to get out of corners as well and that is the reason the Brezza manages to be the 12th fastest.

Specifications

Price: Rs 12.7 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Engine type: 1.3D/90PS/200Nm
Fuel Economy: 16.75kmpl
Fuel capacity & Range: 48l/800km
2WD/AWD/4WD: FWD
4WD lock: No
Diff Lock: No
Ground Clearance: 198mm
Dimensions (LWH) mm: 3,995 x 1,790 x 1,640
Wheelbase: 2,500mm
Weight: 1,210kg (kerb)
Off-Road Driving Modes: No
Headlight Washers: No
Boot Capacity: 328l