Maruti Vitara Brezza bets big on fuel efficiency

Maruti Suzuki India’s Vitara Brezza compact SUV, which is to be launched tomorrow, is all set to take the competition head on with its simple yet practical design. While the carmaker’s first offering in the sub-four-metre compact SUV segment has got enthusiasts excited, there is yet another reason which could tilt the scales in favour of the Brezza in the Indian market.

A leaked brochure, accessed by our sister publication Autocar India, has revealed the fuel economy figure of the Vitara Brezza – a handsome 24.3 kilometres per litre. The Vitara Brezza’s direct rivals like the Ford EcoSport diesel and Mahindra TUV300 deliver 22.7kpl and 18.49kpl respectively. Slightly larger SUVs like the Hyundai Creta 1.4 and the Renault Duster 85ps deliver 21.38kpl and 20.45kpl respectively.

Interestingly, the Vitara Brezza’s fuel economy not only exceeds its direct rivals, but also its sibling S-Cross, which manages a useful 23.45kpl with the same 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine.

The Brezza’s high fuel efficiency claim does not come as a surprise. Speaking to Autocar Professional on the sidelines of the global unveil of the SUV at the Auto Expo 2016 last month, CV Raman, executive director (engineering) and chief engineer for the Vitara Brezza had said: “One of the key things Maruti Suzuki is known for is fuel efficiency, and we will not disappoint with this model either. We have done a lot of things in terms of technology in order to ensure that the customer gets very good fuel efficiency.”

According to the brochure, the Vitara Brezza will be available in six variants – LDi, LDi (O), VDi, VDi (O), ZDi and ZDi+. The base LDi gets power steering, folding rear seat, driver airbag, audio system with Bluetooth, power mirrors, front power windows, manual AC, tilt steering and an engine immobiliser. Meanwhile the top-of-the-line ZDi+ 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.

The Vitara Brezza with around 98 percent localisation levels is set to be yet another Make-in-India example for Maruti after the Baleno. If priced well, the country’s largest carmaker just might have another big seller in the form of the Vitara Brezza, when it hits Maruti dealerships tomorrow.