Maruti Suzuki has unveiled a version of the Vitara crossover that's designed for the Indian car market. It's called the Vitara Brezza and is the first "sub-4m compact SUV" offered by the manufacturer.
The Vitara is probably the only current Suzuki model we like. However, this Vitara Brezza is not the same car we know.
According to our friends at Motor Beam, its dimensions are 3995 x 1790 x 1640 mm (total Length x Breadth x Height). That makes it 3 centimeters higher due to the raised suspension and, crucially, a massive 18 centimeters shorter.
In India, every car between 3,401 and 4,000 mm is classed A2 or compact and is much cheaper to tax. That's why Volkswagen also introduced a sedan version of its Polo hatch called Ameo at the same 2016 Auto Expo.
When looking at the Brezza from the side, you can see how they shortened the front and the back. In fact, we're not even sure if it's the same car.
The engine offered in India is different as well. The tiny Vitara gets a 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel with 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque. It's got a lot less power than the European model (1.6 with 120 PS), but this is a very light crossover, so it won't feel too sluggish.
A gasoline engine is currently not on offer, but the Vitara could easily borrow something from the Baleno if there's demand for it.
These live photos that we recently received from our colleagues demonstrate the Vitara Brezza is an entirely different kind of animal. The trademark clamshell hood of the European model is gone, while much of the front fascia is changed. The back end has a hint of SX4 S-Cross. However, they kept the large loading area and roof spoiler.
Inside, we see a few familiar parts. Suzuki never made premium-looking interiors, but by local standards, the Brezza has a decent cabin.
We have good news on the safety front, as the company has added that the Vitara meets offset and side impact crash tests that will come into force in India in 2017.
“Baleno exports commenced for Japan from India, a part of Make-In-India Campaign. Export of Baleno will strengthen India's role as a manufacturing hub... Vitara Brezza is our statement to create in India,” Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, said.
According to our friends at Motor Beam, its dimensions are 3995 x 1790 x 1640 mm (total Length x Breadth x Height). That makes it 3 centimeters higher due to the raised suspension and, crucially, a massive 18 centimeters shorter.
In India, every car between 3,401 and 4,000 mm is classed A2 or compact and is much cheaper to tax. That's why Volkswagen also introduced a sedan version of its Polo hatch called Ameo at the same 2016 Auto Expo.
When looking at the Brezza from the side, you can see how they shortened the front and the back. In fact, we're not even sure if it's the same car.
The engine offered in India is different as well. The tiny Vitara gets a 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel with 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque. It's got a lot less power than the European model (1.6 with 120 PS), but this is a very light crossover, so it won't feel too sluggish.
A gasoline engine is currently not on offer, but the Vitara could easily borrow something from the Baleno if there's demand for it.
These live photos that we recently received from our colleagues demonstrate the Vitara Brezza is an entirely different kind of animal. The trademark clamshell hood of the European model is gone, while much of the front fascia is changed. The back end has a hint of SX4 S-Cross. However, they kept the large loading area and roof spoiler.
Inside, we see a few familiar parts. Suzuki never made premium-looking interiors, but by local standards, the Brezza has a decent cabin.
We have good news on the safety front, as the company has added that the Vitara meets offset and side impact crash tests that will come into force in India in 2017.
“Baleno exports commenced for Japan from India, a part of Make-In-India Campaign. Export of Baleno will strengthen India's role as a manufacturing hub... Vitara Brezza is our statement to create in India,” Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, said.
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