2020 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Petrol, Track Test
Like before, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza continues to be priced well. As a naturally aspirated petrol car, power delivery is now very linear, and there is no low-end lag like before. This linear powerband has made the Brezza far easier to drive on the road, thanks also to the tall gear ratios.
By Abhishek Chaliha
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza has had a change of heart to meet BS6 emission regulations. From a diesel-only model, it has now become a petrol-only model. It now comes with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which has also markedly altered its character. The diesel Brezza had relatively high levels of NVH, although that never hurt its sales numbers. Perhaps, because it offered feel and feedback in abundance. This trait of the Brezza, however, has been dramatically altered in the petrol model – it is now far quieter and more refined than before.
As a naturally aspirated petrol car, power delivery is now very linear, and there is no low-end lag like before. Power builds conservatively in the mid-range of the rev band, and it’s only between 4,000 and 6,000rpm that the Brezza feels especially willing. This linear powerband has made the Brezza far easier to drive on the road, thanks also to the tall gear ratios, which allow you to drive in higher gears at lower speeds.
The steering no longer has the heavy feel of the Brezza diesel, instead, it now feels much lighter but, as a result, lacks the accuracy of the previous setup. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great for urban driving, as it makes tackling heavy traffic stress-free. But, for enthusiastic driving, the heavier steering setup of the previous-gen was undeniably better.
Nonetheless, this transition has made the Brezza a much easier car to live with. Other benefits that the BS6 Brezza brings to the table are new LED projector headlamps, LED fog lamps and tail lamps, new dual-tone paint shades, and a set of new snazzy alloy wheels. There is also an automatic model (albeit a four-speed) on offer, with Suzuki’s mild-hybrid system, which enhances fuel efficiency.
Like before, the Brezza continues to be priced well. And so expect it to continue to do well in terms of sales. It will, however, miss out on diesel buyers. Keep in mind also that the competition, in the form of the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue, continues to move the game forward for the segment.
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