Maruti Suzuki introduced the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza at the 2016 Auto Expo, marking its entry into the compact SUV segment. The model was launched at a time when demand for sub-four-metre SUVs was rising, as buyers increasingly preferred higher ground clearance and SUV-style design in smaller vehicles. The Vitara Brezza soon became a key product in the company’s lineup. The Vitara Brezza was also the first Maruti Suzuki model to be fully designed and developed in India.
Initially launched as the Vitara Brezza with a diesel-only engine, the SUV established itself in the segment. Over the years, it transitioned from diesel to petrol power, adapted to evolving emission norms, and received a full-generation update along with feature enhancements to stay competitive.
The model was also renamed simply as the Brezza, with the ‘Vitara’ prefix being dropped from its name. Now the compact SUV has completed 10 years in India, and Maruti claims that the Brezza has remained among India’s top 10 best-selling cars consistently over the past decade. In this article, let’s take a look at its journey over the years.
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza was first launched in India back in March 2016 with prices starting from Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
The first-gen model was the first Maruti Suzuki model to be designed and developed entirely in India. It was built on a modified version of the company’s Global C platform and stood out with its upright stance, squared wheel arches and contrasting roof options. Exterior highlights included LED projector headlamps with DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates, muscular front bonnet with aggressive grille, string wheel arches and much more.
The first-gen model was offered only with a diesel – Fiat sourced, tried and tested 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, multijet diesel with 90 hp and 200 nm torque. It was paired with a 5-speed manual; an AMT option was later introduced. Moving inside, the SUV featured dual tone theme with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, steering-mounted controls, push-button start/stop, Apple CarPlay, reverse camera, cruise control, semi-digital cluster, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, electric ORVMs, dual airbags, ABS and much more.
The first-generation Brezza received its mid-cycle update in early 2020. The SUV featured minor cosmetic upgrades inside and out with additional features. Along with these revisions, sadly, Maruti Suzuki discontinued the 1.3-litre diesel engine ahead of the BS6 emission norms and replaced it with a 1.5-litre K15B naturally aspirated petrol unit with 105hp/138Nm. This new engine was paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
The facelifted Brezza got a new front grille, a redesigned bumper and updated headlamps with LED projector units and daytime running lights. The tail-lamps were revised, and new alloy wheel designs were added. Inside, the layout remained largely the same, but additional features were introduced. The model was equipped with a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offered automatic climate control, diamond cut wheels, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start and steering-mounted controls. This model was also rebadged by Toyota and was sold as the Toyota Urban Cruiser. The model remained on sale for around two years before being discontinued.
In 2022, Maruti Suzuki launched the second-generation model, and the company also removed the ‘Vitara’ prefix and rebranded the SUV simply as the Brezza. The model continued with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, offered with a five-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic, and later added a CNG option. Exterior changes included a more upright front design, a wider grille, LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights and revised bumpers. At the rear, the SUV received updated LED taillamps linked by a black strip and a redesigned tailgate. New alloy wheels were also introduced.
Inside, the cabin layout was updated and equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features included a heads-up display, 360-degree camera, sunroof, wireless charging and connected car technology. Safety equipment was expanded to include six airbags in higher variants, electronic stability control and hill-hold assist. The updates helped the model sustain its sales performance in the segment.
