Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

Suvrat upgrades from the Renault Kwid to the Vitara Brezza facelift, and he’s surprised by the new petrol engine

IF THERE’S ONE UNDERRATED car in the market, it is the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. It started the compact SUV segment, which since a couple of years has become extremely competitive, and against so many new rivals, the buyers’ attention has naturally shifted. It seems like the Vitara Brezza has lost steam in terms of appeal. Okay it is still one of the best-selling cars around, but it doesn’t get the attention it deserves anymore. With new-found love for large screens, gadgets and air purifiers, our humble Brezza feels dated. But as the bosses hand me the keys to our spanking new Vitara Brezza facelift long term car, I realise there’s still so much left to appreciate.

With BS6 transition being an expensive affair, the 1.3-litre diesel was let go and in came the new 1.5-litre K-series petrol engine. It can be had with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed torque converter. What we have is the smooth-shifting manual. Purists will appreciate this engine for its rev-happy nature and the fact that there’s immediate response when you feather the throttle. After working till late in the evening, I enjoy the empty roads on the way back home, relishing this engine’s playful character.

My previous long termers were the Renault Kwid and the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso. After upgrading to the Vitara Brezza, it feels like transitioning from local whiskey to scotch for the Vitara Brezza is so confidence inspiring. Its four-star rating at the Global NCAP crash tests is a testament to its safety and the ride quality is among the best. On sight of bad roads, you can bury that instinct of slowing down and floor the throttle for the Brezza’s ride quality can absorb ruts and potholes with ease.

However, no car is perfect and with more miles on the odometer, some flaws are emerging. The sound system is good but when you turn the volume up, the plastics start rattling. The seats hold you tight around bends, but I wish there was better cushioning. Although, thanks to the 60:40 split design, ample room can be opened up for our photo and video equipment and the smooth powertrain means the Vitara Brezza is a great tracking car, allowing shutterbugs Rohit and Abhishek to contort into awkward angles in the boot to get a perfect tracking shot.

It’s holiday season so this month the Brezza shall be subjected to domestic duties like buying gifts for the loved ones and a brand new car means the engine needs to be run in, so clocking some miles on a short road trip with friends seems like a good idea. ⌧

(@suvratkothari)

After working late, I enjoy the empty roads on the way back home relishing its playful character