CNBC-TV18 OVERDRIVE Awards 2017: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is Car Of The Year, Compact SUV Of The Year and Viewers Choice Car Of The Year

Team OD Updated: December 15, 2016, 12:16 PM IST

When driving a Maruti Suzuki leads you to the conclusions that it might be one of the best cars the company has produced, you know you are in the presence of greatness. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is that car. Maruti's compact SUV is priced extremely well, and that is just one of the reasons why we found it to be such a stellar vehicle. Its appeal begins from its design which is both fresh and desirable.

COMPACT SUV OF THE YEAR - Maruti Suzuki Brezza (1)

But underneath that sporty-cheeky design is an astute family car that will transport you and your dear ones in comfort. Part of that is the traditional Maruti Suzuki strength of being able to make its engines and gearbox produce performance that proves hard to match and exceed. The Brezza employs a 4-cylinder 1,248cc turbocharged diesel mated to a 5-speed manual transmission that's the mainstay of the Maruti fleet. This engine serves several cars in their fleet and is a competent, efficient and relaxed performer. Making a max 90PS of power and a respectable 200Nm of max torque.

This is allied to a chassis that shows a distinctly European ride quality - stiff in feel but absorbent - and a competent handling package that means corners are dispatched swiftly too. And as much as these two attributes make people inside more comfortable and safe, the Maruti also has a full set of features including compatibility with the latest smartphones.

It's the thoroughness with which the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza excels in most aspects of its abilities as a family car and compact SUV that brings it three awards.

First, the Brezza is our Compact SUV Of The Year. It was the best package to debut in this nascent segment this year. Second, you all voted and voted and voted until it became crystal clear that the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, without any doubt, was your favourite - it is our Viewers' Choice Car Of The Year too! And then, it surprised no one by emerging smoothly at the top as the CNBC-TV18 OVERDRIVE Car Of The Year! (Here is the complete list of winners.)

A look at the winners from the previous years.

OD Awards - Car of the year winner (2)