Maruti Suzuki Brezza turns 10: The journey of Maruti’s first compact SUV

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 on the rise, as buyers preferred more ground clearance and SUV-style design in smaller vehicles. The Vitara Brezza soon became a flagship product in the company’s lineup. Vitara Air It was also the first Maruti Suzuki model to be completely designed and developed in India.

Initially launched as the Vitara Brezza with a diesel engine only, the SUV established itself in the segment. Over the years, it transitioned from diesel to petrol power, adapted to emerging emissions norms, and received full-generation updates with feature enhancements to remain competitive. The model was renamed Brezza, with the ‘Vitara’ prefix dropped from its name. Now the compact SUV has completed 10 years in India and Maruti claims that the Brezza has consistently remained in the top 10 best-selling cars of India for the last decade. Let us take a look at its journey over the years in this article. 2016 First generation Maruti Brezza launched Maruti Suzuki Brezza was first launched in India in March 2016 with a starting price of Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The first generation model was the first Maruti Suzuki model to be entirely designed and developed in India. It was built on a modified version of the company’s Global C platform and stood out with its upright stance, square wheel arches and asymmetrical roof options. Exterior highlights include LED projector headlamps with DRL, 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates, muscular front bonnet with aggressive grille, string wheel arches and more.

The first generation model was offered only with a diesel – a Fiat sourced, tried and tested 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, Multijet diesel with 90 hp and 200 Nm of torque. It was paired with a 5-speed manual; AMT option was introduced later. Moving inside, the SUV comes with features like a touchscreen infotainment system with dual tone theme, 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 more. 2020first generation facelift The first generation Brezza received its mid-cycle update in early 2020. The SUV featured minor cosmetic upgrades inside and out along with additional features. Along with these modifications, sadly, Maruti Suzuki discontinued the 1.3-litre diesel engine ahead of 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 4-speed automatic.

The facelifted Brezza features 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. This model was equipped with a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also featured 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 sold as the Toyota Urban Cruiser. This model remained on sale for approximately two years before being discontinued.2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza launch In 2022, Maruti Suzuki launched the second generation model, and the company also dropped the ‘Vitara’ prefix and rebranded the SUV as Brezza. The model continued with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, offered with a five-speed manual or six-speed torque converter automatic, and a CNG option was later added. Exterior changes include a more upright front design, wider grille, LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights and revised bumpers. At the rear, the SUV received updated LED taillamps joined by a black stripe 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 include head-up display, 360-degree camera, sunroof, wireless charging and connected car technology. Safety equipment expanded to include six airbags, electronic stability control and hill-hold assist in higher variants. The update helped the model maintain its sales performance in the segment.