Exclusive: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 petrol coming in 2020
In a surprise move, Maruti Suzuki announced last week that it will phase out all of its diesel passenger cars in 2020. So what happens to its blockbuster Vitara Brezza, which is only available in a diesel variant? Simple - a petrol variant picks up the gauntlet when the current model phases out.
A petrol Virata Brezza has been a long time coming, but now our sources in the know reveal that the Vitara Brezza petrol is coming by early 2020. Surprisingly, Maruti Suzuki won't go after the tax benefits that it would otherwise receive by plonking in a small 1.2l motor into this sub-four-meter SUV. Instead, the carmaker will equip the Vitara Brezza with its shiny new 1.5l petrol engine that also powers the Ciaz and the Ertiga.
Despite the higher displacement, it won't be the most powerful engine in the class, however, it benefits from the Smart Hybrid tech and its torque-assist function to make up for the power deficit over its rivals. Furthermore, the lithium-ion battery-powered Smart Hybrid system will give it cleaner emissions, and a relatively healthy fuel economy for a petrol.
Like the Ciaz and the Ertiga, the Brezza 1.5 petrol will be offered with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic.
The petrol variant of the Brezza will be a part of the car's midlife makeover plan - where the Brezza will see a significant bump in features and creature comforts to counter the likes of the upcoming Hyundai Venue. We expect the upcoming Brezza petrol to be equipped with the latest in Maruti Suzuki's Smart Play and Smart Connect systems.
As mentioned, the petrol variant and the facelift of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is expected to be launched in India by early 2020 and we believe that it will happen in a few weeks after the 2020 Auto Expo. The petrol Brezza will be priced quite competitively against the likes of the Hyundai Venue and the Ford EcoSport 1.5 Ti-VCT, so expect a price tag of Rs 7-11 lakh.
Also see: Mahindra XUV300 v Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon & Ford EcoSport Comparison Test Video