Maruti Suzuki Brezza AGS Automatic First Drive Review

Why I would buy it:

Good driving dynamics, Maruti peace of mind, traditional SUV styling

Why I would avoid it:

Noisy cabin, uninspiring diesel engine, pronounced lag in gearshifts

Maruti Suzuki might be shying away from introducing a petrol engine in the Brezza, but it couldn't stay away from bringing in an automatic. Now, in typical Maruti style, the Brezza gets an automated manual transmission or an AMT. The more expensive and sophisticated options like a CVT or a torque converter or even a dual clutch automatic have obviously been given a miss to keep things affordable. But, to cut the carmaker some slack, the only other automatic diesel in this class is an AMT as well – the Tata Nexon.

Now, before get to what’s new, let’s have a look at what continues unchanged, because the latter is the longer list. The Brezza automatic still gets the same 1.3-litre diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger; ABS and front two airbags are still standard; there's still no real dearth of space inside; and the claimed fuel economy figure still hovers around the 24kmpl mark.

All that's new here is the AGS or the Auto Gear Shift or AMT.

It's just the same. You still have a high driver's perch. There's good visibility upfront and around the A-pillar. There are a couple of cup and bottle holders along with two gloveboxes. And, the quality all round is acceptable if not outstanding for its class. 

What's more, in this top of the line ZDI+ version, one continues to get height adjustable driver's seat, automatic headlights, single-zone climate control, a comprehensive trip computer, and a reversing camera. And the touchscreen infotainment system is still an easy-to-use unit with Apple Carplay.

However, the AMT version, unlike the manual, doesn’t get cruise control. Now traditionally, the latter is more common on automatics than manuals, but not so on the Brezza. Space wise, the Brezza has one of the most airy cabins in its class. It's not the most spacious, mind, but its large glass area and squared out lines give it a great sense of space. The boot at over 300 litres is adequate too. 

Now here’s where the new version really differs. There’s still the typical diesel clatter at start up, but there’s no clutch pedal. You just press on the brake, move the stubby gear lever to D, and get going. There’s a creep function built into the Brezza AGS. So, lifting off the brake pedal does get this Maruti SUV motoring along instantly. And it doesn’t creep; it almost bolts ahead. It’s best then to cover the brake pedal when driving in traffic.

As the road opens up, the shift lag - characteristic of AMTs - rears its ugly head. It’s not as pronounced at slower speeds when driving with a light throttle. But, press harder on the throttle pedal, and your heads nods will get more violent as well. Plus, there’s the engine. This 90bhp, 1.3-litre, four-cylinder diesel, which is essentially a Fiat engine, is now old in the tooth. Not only does it have a telling turbo lag, it’s also noisier, less refined, and slower than what the competition offers. And that probably is the Brezza’s biggest shortcoming. 

Otherwise, the Brezza continues to be a good handling SUV. It has predictable steering, a good turn-in, not much body roll around corners, and even when it gets out of shape, it doesn’t snap which makes it more controllable and safe on the limit. What was also surprising was the ride quality. No, the Brezza still doesn’t ride as plush as a pillow, but the suspension is less noisy now, and the bump absorption is less jarring as well.

Is the Brezza AGS THE automatic SUV to buy? No. Is it then THE sub-4m automatic SUV to buy? No. 

But, is must then be THE sub-4m, diesel powered, automatic SUV to buy? Well now, that’s not a definite no. After all, there’s a 50 per cent chance that it might actually be…

…and that’s because you only have two options if you are looking for a sub-4m, diesel powered automatic SUV. The Brezza and the Tata Nexon. So, which is the better buy?

Stay tuned because the CarWale team is already out comparing the two…

Pictures: Kapil Angane

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