2020 Maruti Vitara Brezza Facelift - 5 YAYs and 5 NAYs

Recently, we were in Goa to sample the newest from the house of Maruti Suzuki - the 2020 Maruti Vitara Brezza facelift that comes armed with a slew of minor cosmetic updates and an all-new engine in the form of the K15B petrol motor. After spending a couple of days with the new model, we have come up with a video that details 5 strong points of the vehicle, along with also telling you about the 5 things that could have been better. 

Also Read- New Maruti Vitara Brezza vs Old Model

Following are the top 5 reasons working in favour of the Brezza facelift-

1. Cheaper Base Model 

Prices of the new Brezza start at Rs 7.34 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs 28,000 lower than Rs 7.62 lakh that the LDi trim of the pre-facelift model commanded. This makes the country's favourite sub-4-metre SUV more accessible to car buyers. 

2. More Features

Along with the styling updates and the new engine, the advent of the facelift has also brought some new features to the table. All variants of the refreshed model, except for the entry-level LXi trim, gets LED projector headlamps. On the other hand, the LXi model comes with halogen projector units similar to those on the top-end version of the pre-facelift model. The ZXI+ trim also gets LED foglamps, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-folding ORVMs. All the new features help the Brezza come across as a better-value product. 

3. Updated Styling

With the introduction of the mid-cycle facelift, the Maruti Vitara Brezza now looks fresher than before. Up front, it gets a new set of headlamps, updated grille and a bolder bumper with a faux skid plate. The side profile features alloy wheels, while the rear-end gets an updated set of tail lights and a new bumper. 

4. New Engine

Easily the biggest update that the 2020 Maruti Vitara Brezza carries is a new engine that replaces the D13A 1.3-litre turbocharged oil-burner of the pre-facelift model. The new motor in question here is the 1.5-litre K15B naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 105PS and a peak torque of 138Nm. In comparison, the erstwhile diesel engine offered 90 PS and 200 Nm. While the pre-facelift version was available with a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT option, the new version is on sale with 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission options. 

5. Better Mileage from Automatic Model

Of late, an increased number of SUV buyers are opting for automatic transmission-equipped vehicles. The pre-facelift Brezza used to be available with a 5-speed AMT but the new version offers a 4-speed torque-conevrter automatic unit. Interestingly, the automatic transmission variant of the Brezza is more frugal than its manual counterpart. Compared to the 17.03 kmpl offered by the manual variant, the automatic unit provides 18.76 kmpl. The reason for this discrepancy is the availability of the SHVS mild-hybrid technology on the automatic variant. However, it must be noted here that the pre-facelift Brezza, however, offered 24.3 kmpl.

Next, let's take a look at 5 aspects in which the Brezza facelift could have been better-

1. Minimal Design Changes

It is true that the host of styling updates that this vehicle carries help the Brezza look a tad fresher. However, there's nothing radical about the styling of the updated model. It continues to have the same base design as the pre-facelift version, which means it doesn't look as special as some of its fresher rivals. 

2. Expensive Top-end Model

The entry-level version of the refreshed Brezza is more affordable than the base model of the pre-facelift model. However, the top-end variant is substantially costlier. In fact, all variants apart from the low-end version are significantly costlier than before. The VXi trim of the new Brezza, for example, is costlier than the VDi trim of the earlier vehicle by Rs 24,000. A reason for this is the introduction of new features and updated styling. Top-end variant, which is the ZXi+ Dual Tone AT, is costlier than the ZDi+ Dual Tone AMT by a whopping Rs 81,000. 

3. Same Dynamics

The third aspect in which this car could have been better is its handling. Akin to the previous version, the new model has a dull steering. The body roll, as before, remains largely absent but Maruti seems to have missed a huge opporrunity to rework the steering system of the vehicle. 

4. Only One Engine Option

All rivals of the Maruti Vitara Brezza are available in both petrol and diesel engine options. The Brezza, however, is available only with a petrol engine options. This is something that might keep prospective buyers with a high monthly running from putting their money on this SUV. 

5. No sunroof

An electric sunroof was one of the most anticipated features on the 2020 Maruti Vitara Brezza but the company has chosen to steer away from providing this accessory as it would have compromised the structural strength of the SUV. Also, the company feels that sunroof is a pointless feature in a country like ours, where climate stays harsh prertty much across the year.