Maruti Suzuki launches Vitara Brezza compact SUV at Rs 6.99 lakh

The Vitara Brezza, Maruti Suzuki India’s first crack at the sub-four-metre compact SUV segment, was officially launched today. The brand-new SUV ticks all the right boxes in terms of cabin space, equipment, safety and fuel economy. The SUV’s pricing starts at Rs 6.99 lakh for the LDI version.

Bookings have opened today at the carmaker's 1,799 showroms across the country. The Vitara Brezza will be sold only through the regular showrooms and not the Nexa premium dealer network. Deliveries are to begin on March 21. The domestic market is the first priority, with exports slated to come up later.  

Available in six diesel-only variants – LDi, LDi (O), VDi, VDi (O), ZDi and ZDi+ -- the Vitara Brezza comes loaded with a host of features. The base LDi variant gets power steering, folding rear seat, driver airbag, audio system with Bluetooth, electrically adjustable rearview mirrors, front power windows, manual AC, tilt steering and an engine immobiliser.

Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line ZDi+ (Rs 9.68 lakh) comes loaded with all bells and whistles including Apple CarPlay, navigation and reverse parking camera display, push-button start, cruise control, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, power folding wing mirrors and a front armrest. A single airbag is standard across all variants with the mid and high level trims featuring dual airbags and ABS with EBD.

Interestingly, the Vitara Brezza, according to Maruti Suzuki, is the first car in the country that is certified for offset and side impact carash test which will be enforced in India from 2017.  

Powered by the same 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine (DDis 200) found on the Ertiga, Ciaz and S-cross, the Brezza develops maximum power of 89bhp and 20.39kgm of torque. The SUV does the 0-100kph sprint in 13.3 seconds. 

One of the Brezza's highlights is its spacious cabin which is high on practicality, houses an advanced infotainment systems and an array of first-in-segment features. Maruti says the compact engine room packaging has led to a roomier cabin that offers comfortable entry and exit and adequate legroom for the rear passengers. With a height of 1640mm, the Brezza has ample headroom and "can accomodate occupants with at least 18 different headgear."

The vehicle has a large, 328-litre boot and is wide enough to take in heavy and large luggage. Boot space can be extended with rthe flip-folded seats and 60:40 rear split.

Launching the Vitara Brezza, Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said: The Vitara Brezza marks our entry into the popular compact SUV segment. Class-leading features, personalisation, future-ready safety, outstanding fuel efficiency and an attractive price are sure to denar the Vitara Brezza to customers. The Vitara Brezza is set to redine the rules in the SUV space. 

Even as Maruti is a late entrant in the booming compact SUV segment, it is confident of taking the competition head on with the Brezza boasting class-leading fuel efficiency of 24.3 kilometres per litre and a simple yet practical design. Capturing the SUV stance within the constraints of a sub-four metre footprint was probably the biggest challenge for Maruti engineers and they have managed to do a commendable job with the Brezza to say the least.

The Vitara Brezza is highly localised with around 98 percent of the parts sourced from within the country. Though there has not been any official announcements about export plans for the car, it is understood that the petrol version of the Brezza would be exported to some markets. 

Also read: 'With the Vitara Brezza, we want to be No. 1 in the compact SUV segment,' says Kenichi Ayukawa