It’s been on top of the news chart for a couple of months now – well, at least in the automobile section – and it’s no secret the homegrown carmaker will decidedly axe out all its diesel-powered offerings before the April 2020 deadline.

The Vitara Brezza, which was only available with a diesel powertrain up until now, is expected to be introduced with the company’s 1.5-litre petrol engine with a mid-life facelift update. The diesel-powered Vitara Brezza, though, has served well over the course of time. So much so, that despite being powered by just a diesel engine, it has dethroned its competitors in terms of sales numbers. But what made it so popular in the first place?

It was actually the most affordable compact SUV when it forayed in the Indian market. The 1.3-litre diesel engine might sound underwhelming in comparison to the competition, but it actually turned out to be the most fuel-efficient, in typical Maruti Suzuki fashion. The boxy looks might have drawn some polarising opinions over the years, but it sure looked like a proper SUV. But, the highlight of the Vitara Brezza was the four-star NCAP rating, which means it is actually safer than any Maruti Suzuki out there. Read more below.

Specifications

While the design might not be aggressive or polarising, the upright stance and dimensions of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza were enough to lure the potential buyers. It is actually a good-looking car. On the technical front, it is 3,995mm in length, 1,790mm in width, and 1,640mm in height. The wheelbase is a healthy 2,500mm. The ground clearance is nice at 198mm. The kerb weight, for the base-spec variant, is 1,170kg.

Under the hood, the Vitara Brezza is only powered by the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder diesel engine good for 89bhp and 200Nm of torque. It comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or an AMT. The engine is compliant with BS-IV emission standards, and will not be upgraded to the stringent BS-VI emission norms. The low-end isn’t the sharpest, but as soon as the turbo kicks in, the Vitara Brezza launches ahead with utter enthusiasm. It’s best to stay in the mid-range, for there is ample torque to play around with.

Mileage

As said above, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is one of the most fuel-efficient SUV in the segment. The diesel-manual is ARAI-certified for a good 24.3km/l, while the diesel-AMT is capable of just a tad bit lower 24.29km/l, also ARAI-certified.

Features

The top-spec ZDi+ trim you see here is well-loaded for the price. The interiors are nicely built and the plastics are okay for the price. The switchgear, however, could have been better. Taking the centre stage here is the company’s 7.0-inch touchscreen which comes with a plethora of connected features such as Apple Carplay/Android Auto. Also, there is climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control, push-button start with keyless entry, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, cockpit-style instrument cluster with mood lights, reverse parking sensors, and electronically-retractable and adjustable wing mirrors. On the outside, you get projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and LED insert in the taillamp.

Colours

The Vitara Brezza, as of early-2020, comes in nine shades, namely, Premium Silver, Granite Grey, Blazing Red, Fiery Yellow, Autumn Orange, and Pearl Arctic White as the single-tone shades. The dual-tone shades are Blazing Red with Midnight Black roof, Fiery Yellow with Pearl Arctic White roof, and Autumn Orange with Pearl Arctic White roof.

Brochure

All the details regarding the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, namely, the engine, specifications, variant wise equipment, colours, dimensions, interiors, and exterior details are extensively covered in the brochure.

Variants and Prices

As of early-2020, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is available in nine variants: Five for the Diesel-manual, and four for Petrol-AMT. As for the manual, the price for the LDi variant is Rs. 7.68 lakh, the price for the VDi variant is Rs. 8.20 lakh, the price for the ZDi variant is Rs. 8.97 lakh, the price for the ZDi Plus variant is Rs. 9.93 lakh, and the price for the ZDi Plus Dual Tone variant is Rs. 10.09 lakh. Moreover, the price for the VDi AGS variant is Rs. 8.70 lakh, the price for the ZDi AGS variant is Rs. 9.47 lakh, the price for the ZDi Plus AGS variant is Rs. 10.43 lakh, and the price for the ZDi Plus Dual Tone AGS variant is Rs. 10.65 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The variant-wise on-road prices are available at autoX.

For more on the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, be sure to tune in to autoX.