We compared the new Brezza facelift with immediate rivals like Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Kia Syros, Mahindra XUV3XO and Skoda Kylaq, to see how this sub 4m SUV fares against rivals in terms of dimensions, specs, features and equipment. Where pricing is concerned, Brezza has hit a sweet spot with the new Turbo Petrol engine.
It starts exactly where Nexon and Sonet starts, at Rs 7.4 lakh (Ex-sh), which is the lowest. At the higher tier, Brezza tops out at Rs 13.71 lakh (Ex-sh), which is not on par with the equipment it has to offer when you compare it to Nexon or Kylaq. You can see Syros and XUV3XO contesting at the higher pricing tier.
New Brezza vs Rivals Compared
Dimensionally, all the contenders fall into the sub 4m length constraint, but XUV3XO is by far the widest at 1,821 mm and it has the longest wheelbase at 2,600 mm. This translates to XUV3XO having the roomiest cabin. Brezza is the tallest in this segment at 1,685 mm and Maruti is yet to disclose Brezza’s boot.
On paper, it is Kia Syros that has the biggest boot and in reality, it certainly feels so as rear seats are configurable to liberate a lot of space. Brezza still offers smaller 16-inch wheels, but is not a deal breaker. Ground clearance is highest with Nexon, but new Brezza’s is not yet disclosed in the spec sheet, as of writing this post.
Design is one aspect where Brezza plays it safe and the facelift is no different. It doesn’t wow you, but it is not supposed to, considering the target demographic. Design is still a preference among buyers, otherwise Kia Syros would be a smash hit and best-seller. Sonet and Nexon are the ones which are highly likely to impress design aspirants who want handsome machines.
Powertrains-wise, there is a major change with Brezza with the introduction of a 1.0L Turbo Petrol engine, shared with Fronx, and the 1.5L NA Petrol and CNG options are still on offer. When compared to other Turbo Petrol engines, Brezza’s output is the lowest. Nexon, Venue, Sonet, Syros and XUV3XO offer Diesel option, which Brezza does not.
What it does offer is CNG option, which only Nexon offers. However, Nexon’s dual-cylinder implementation is better and it offers a spare wheel as standard. All contenders here are Monocoque FWD high-riding SUVs, but only Kia offers Traction Modes for some rough-roading. Brezza has a 5-Star BNCAP rating, but buyers tend to prefer GNCAP ratings, which only Nexon and XUV3XO’s predecessor, XUV300 has.
Features & Equipment
When compared to its predecessor, Brezza finally gets ventilated seats, which only the XUV3XO currently misses out on. Kia Syros goes half a step further and offers rear ventilated seats too. Only XUV3XO offers rear disc brakes as standard. Only Nexon, Syros, Venue and XUV3XO offer Level-2 ADAS, while it is Level-1 with Sonet. Brezza and Kylaq miss it altogether.
Only Venue misses out on fog lights which Brezza facelift offers. However, only Nexon and Kylaq offer cornering function. Rain-sensing wipers is something Brezza sadly misses out, joined by Venue, Sonet and Syros. Only Syros, Nexon and XUV3XO offer panoramic sunroof and only XUV3XO offers dual-zone climate control. Only Kylaq misses out on a 360-degree camera and interestingly, only Brezza offers HUD and blindspot warning alert on ORVMs.
The infotainment screen is the smallest in Brezza and using two apps side by side when connected to a smartphone is not a good experience. Every other rival has a wider screen for this purpose. Only Brezza gives you analogue dials with a dinky little MID in the middle, which we don’t mind, but wished this screen showed Maps, instead of turn-by-turn navigation. Only Kia cares for second row occupants with sun shades and only Syros offers sliding and reclining seats.
