Maruti Suzuki Brezza

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the carmaker's compact SUV built for everyday Indian roads. The current generation, launched in 2022, swapped the old boxy look for a more upright, chunkier design and added a sunroof, bigger touchscreen and a head-up display. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre petrol with mild-hybrid tech, paired with either a manual or a six-speed automatic. A factory-fitted CNG option keeps running costs low for high-mileage owners.

The Brezza plays it safe, and that is precisely why so many buyers trust it. The 1.5-litre petrol is smooth and unstressed in city traffic, with enough pull for daily commutes and the occasional highway run. It is not quick, and the engine gets vocal when pushed hard, but for the school-run-and-office routine most owners follow, it does the job without fuss. The six-speed torque-converter automatic is a sensible, easy-to-live-with choice, though it can feel a touch lazy when you want a sudden burst of speed.

Inside, the cabin feels well screwed together and sensibly laid out. The 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sunroof, ventilated front seats on top trims and a head-up display lift the equipment count above the old car. Space is adequate rather than generous; four adults travel comfortably, and the 328-litre boot swallows a weekend's luggage. The plastics are hard-wearing but plain, and rivals offer plusher materials and a more upmarket ambience.

Where the Brezza shines is in ownership maths. Maruti's vast service network, cheap spares and strong resale value make it one of the most stress-free cars to run. The mild-hybrid petrol returns a real-world 14-16 kmpl, and the CNG variant slashes fuel bills further for those who clock big miles. Safety has improved too, with six airbags, ESP, a rear camera and ISOFIX mounts as standard or near-standard across the range.

The trade-offs are familiar Maruti ones. There is no diesel and no turbo-petrol, so enthusiasts looking for punch will be left wanting. The ride is composed but can feel firm over sharp bumps, and feature-hungry buyers may find rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet more generously kitted. None of this dents the Brezza's core appeal: a no-nonsense, efficient, easy-to-own compact SUV.