Maruti Suzuki has finally entered the automatic compact SUV fight with an AMT version for the Vitara Brezza. Dubbed the Brezza AGS (auto gear shift) it’s available in the VDi, ZDi, ZDi+ and ZDi dual tone variants priced in the range of Rs 8.54 lakhs to Rs 10.49 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).
Well it was only a matter of time before Maruti Suzuki got into this game and well now that it is here, it will take on the recently launched Tata Nexon AMT as well as the Mahindra TUV300 AMT. They are all priced roughly the same and offer similar equipment but with individuality in terms of design and features to set them apart. Here then, is our take on how the three cars fare up against each other.
Exterior
3 cars, same segment but so very different.
Each of these cars define the unique design language that their respective parent companies follow. The Tata Nexon is all curvy and very contemporary looking. It points to Tata’s latest design philosophy which has moved away from the boxy lines of the previous generation vehicles to a curvy European appeal styling. In terms of the vehicle being an AMT, you get a new orange shade as well as some AMT spec badging at the rear.
The Mahindra TUV300, is completely old school in its looks, with its boxy SUV outlines and of course, the signature multi slatted Mahindra grille that makes the car identifiable as one from their stable.
The Maruti Vitara Brezza is a mix of both, but with a leaning towards the old school SUV design. Given that Maruti had never tasted success in the segment where the Brezza now exists, its move to be conservative with the Brezza seems justified. Now this AMT model spec debuts a new colour scheme, dual tone setup and coloured alloy wheels.
Interior
The cars that we have taken into consideration are the Nexon XZA AMT, TUV300 T10 AMT and the ZDi Plus AGS. They are all fully loaded top-of-the-line diesel variants.
Standard features for all three cars include climate control, touchscreen infotainment system and seat height adjustment for the driver. The Nexon’s party piece is its floating screen while the TUV300 offers faux leather upholstery. Brezza gets built-in navigation as a part of the touchscreen system.
In terms of dimensions, since all the cars are built to a specific standard they have roughly the same measurements in terms of interior dimensions but here the TUV300 has an advantage as it is taller than the other two by 200mm.
Engine and gearbox
The Brezza gets the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel producing 90bhp/190Nm with a five-speed AMT. The Nexon gets a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 108bhp/260Nm and is offered with a six-speed AMT. Finally, the TUV300 is offered with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 100bhp/240Nm with a five-speed AMT.
The Nexon’s engine is the most powerful of the lot with the highest output both in terms of horse power and torque. It also has a gearbox with higher number of ratios which, in real world conditions, should give a better fuel efficiency figure than the other two.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the Vitara Brezza is the king of the compact SUV segment and the addition of this AMT to the range will only boost its numbers. Even though the other cars offer more, the Brezza will sell more often than not solely on the Maruti Suzuki badge.