Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift Test Drive Review

3 min read

Maruti-Suzuki-Brezza-Exterior-Front

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has consistently remained one of India’s highest-selling compact SUVs thanks to its balanced package of practicality, efficiency and ownership experience. While the previous model offered proven reliability, it was beginning to lag behind newer rivals in terms of technology and premium features, and by huge margin.

With the facelift, Maruti Suzuki has focused on improving the Brezza without changing its core strengths. The updates include refreshed styling, a few more features, additional safety equipment and a new turbo-petrol engine option. We drove the new Boosterjet-equipped manual variant to understand how much difference these changes make.

Exterior

The Brezza facelift receives a series of subtle cosmetic revisions rather than a complete redesign. At the front, the SUV now features a new Smoke Chrome grille paired with a redesigned bumper, giving it a slightly sharper appearance than before.

New precision-cut alloy wheels add a fresher look in profile although they look similar to the old alloys. The painted dual-tone side cladding replaces the previous black finish to create a cleaner visual effect. Turbo variants also receive dedicated badging that differentiates them from the naturally aspirated versions.

Maruti Suzuki has introduced three new paint options: Vivacious Orange, Lustrous Beige and Lustrous Beige with a Bluish Black roof. These additions expand the available colour palette while offering buyers more personalization choices.

Overall, the facelift retains the familiar proportions of the Brezza. The updates make it look more contemporary without significantly altering its identity.

Interior

Inside, the Brezza receives several updates aimed at improving cabin ambience. The dashboard now uses a semi-matte soft-touch finish that feels better than before, while leatherette upholstery adds to the overall presentation on higher variants.

A notable addition is the new 64-colour ambient lighting system, replacing the previous single-colour setup. The lighting allows occupants to customise the cabin atmosphere but the software of the lighting tends to lag.

The seating position remains comfortable and visibility continues to be one of the Brezza’s strengths. Cabin space is largely unchanged, offering adequate room for both front and rear occupants, making it suitable for daily commuting as well as longer journeys. A major drawback is in the rear seats, as the recline angle is not adjustable and can feel too upright.

Storage spaces remain practical throughout the cabin, and overall ergonomics continue to be straightforward and easy to use.

Infotainment & Features

The biggest upgrade inside is the new 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X infotainment system, replacing the earlier 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ unit. The larger display offers improved graphics and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The system now includes built-in Alexa, Suzuki Navigation, App Store support, internet connectivity and enhanced Suzuki Connect functions, including E-call services.

Comfort equipment has also expanded. Ventilated front seats are now available, improving comfort in warmer climates. Other additions include an Auto Purify system with a PM2.5 air filter and AQI display, along with a wireless charger that now features active cooling to prevent smartphones from overheating during charging.

Engine & Driving Dynamics

One of the biggest mechanical changes is the introduction of the new 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine paired with a new 6-speed manual gearbox.

While the turbocharged engine offers improved flexibility over the naturally aspirated unit, it focuses more on smooth everyday usability than outright performance. Power delivery is linear, and the engine completes everyday driving duties comfortably without feeling particularly aggressive. Buyers expecting a very punchy turbo experience may find the performance adequate rather than exciting.

The new 6-speed manual gearbox is one of the highlights of the package. Gear shifts feel slick and precise, and the clutch action remains light, making the car easy to drive in both city traffic and on highways.

The addition of the turbo engine is nevertheless a welcome move, as it broadens the Brezza’s appeal for buyers looking for improved mid-range performance without compromising overall drivability.

In terms of ride and handling, the Brezza continues to prioritise comfort. Suspension tuning absorbs everyday road imperfections reasonably well, but body control during enthusiastic driving remains average. Steering feedback is predictable but lacks the precision and communication offered by some rivals in the segment. As a result, the Brezza feels competent and easy to drive rather than particularly engaging.

Safety

Maruti-Suzuki-Brezza-Crash-Test

The facelift introduces several new active safety technologies. These include Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Warning, expanding the Brezza’s driver assistance package.

Front parking sensors have also been added, while the updated HD 360-degree camera offers improved image quality over the previous system, making parking manoeuvres easier.

The Brezza continues to offer multiple airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, depending on the variant.

The recently achieved 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating further strengthens the Brezza’s position as one of the safer options in the compact SUV segment.

Prices In India

The 2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza is priced between Rs 7.40 lakh and Rs 13.55 lakh (ex-showroom). The introduction of the new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine lowers the Brezza’s entry price by Rs 86,000 compared to the outgoing model, while the 1.5-litre petrol and CNG variants continue alongside it.

Variant 1.0 Turbo MT 1.5 Petrol MT 1.5 CNG MT 1.5 Petrol AT
LXi Rs 7.40 lakh Rs 8.30 lakh Rs 9.30 lakh
VXi Rs 8.55 lakh Rs 9.26 lakh Rs 9.99 lakh Rs 10.61 lakh
ZXi Rs 9.85 lakh Rs 10.50 lakh Rs 11.50 lakh Rs 11.85 lakh
ZXi+ Rs 11.16 lakh Rs 13.55 lakh

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

Verdict

The Brezza facelift focuses on improving an already well-established package rather than reinventing it. The styling changes are modest, but the cabin now feels more modern thanks to improved materials, additional features and slightly updated technology.

The new Boosterjet engine adds another option to the lineup and performs its everyday duties competently, while the slick 6-speed manual gearbox enhances the overall driving experience. Although the handling remains average, the Brezza continues to prioritise comfort and ease of use.

For buyers looking for a compact SUV that combines practicality, updated features, improved safety and a wide powertrain choice, the Brezza facelift presents itself as a balanced option in the segment.