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March 25, 2025 – Maruti Suzuki has finally answered the calls of Brezza enthusiasts by slotting a turbo-petrol engine under the hood. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder Boosterjet, borrowed from the Fronx, transforms the sub-4m SUV from a sensible commuter into something genuinely spirited. But there's a catch: you can only get it with a six-speed manual gearbox. No automatic. Not even a torque converter or CVT option. So buyers must choose between driving engagement and the convenience that most city dwellers crave.
Our test drive, conducted during Mumbai's monsoon season, covered dense stop-start traffic and open highway stretches. The result? The turbo Brezza is a delight for those who enjoy shifting gears, but it stops short of being a complete package. Here's everything you need to know.
The Engine: Smooth and Punchy
The 1.0-litre Boosterjet produces 110 PS and 170 Nm of torque, a noticeable step up from the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit's 103 PS and 139 Nm. The three-cylinder is surprisingly refined, with minimal vibration at idle. Power delivery is linear and predictable, not the sudden surge you might expect from a small turbo. What stands out is the low-end torque: the car feels eager off the line, requiring fewer gear changes in traffic. You can crawl along and then pull away cleanly without hunting for the right revs. The 6-speed manual itself is slick, with a light clutch action that doesn't tire your left leg during a long commute. Fuel economy in city driving hovers around 10–12 kmpl.
On the Highway: Energetic, Not Exciting
Let the Brezza stretch its legs on the highway, and it becomes a genuinely more entertaining companion. Overtakes require minimal planning; triple-digit speeds arrive without drama. The engine never sounds strained, and the car feels stable at speed. However, don't expect a kick in the back when the turbo spools. It's "energetic" rather than "exciting" — power arrives smoothly, making long drives enjoyable but not sporty. Highway fuel economy is about 13–14 kmpl.
The Manual-Only Dilemma: A Missed Opportunity
The manual gearbox is excellent: light, precise, and satisfying. But committing to a manual-only setup for the flagship engine is a strategic misstep. In a segment where rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon offer turbo-petrol engines with automatic transmissions (DCT or AMT), the Brezza asks buyers to choose between fun and convenience. Most people don't want to make that trade-off. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with the 6-speed torque converter automatic remains the smoother, easier choice for daily drivers.
The Rest of the Facelift: More Than Just an Engine
The turbo is part of a wider facelift. Exterior changes include a new grille, bumper, LED headlamps and DRLs, redesigned 16-inch alloys, and a full-width LED taillight bar with "Brezza" lettering. Turbo models get a "Turbo" badge. Inside, there's a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and auto climate control. Safety is comprehensive: 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, six airbags, ISOFIX, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Powertrain Lineup and Pricing
Buyers can choose from three engines: the 1.0L turbo-petrol (110 PS, 170 Nm, 6MT), the 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol with mild-hybrid (103 PS, 139 Nm, 6MT/6AT), and a CNG version of the 1.5L (88 PS, 121.5 Nm, 6MT). The CNG variant now uses an underbody tank that reduces boot space loss. Prices range from ₹7.40 lakh to ₹13.55 lakh (ex-showroom). Competition includes the Maruti Fronx, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Skoda Kylaq, Tata Nexon, Toyota Taisor, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite. Notably, several rivals offer a turbo with an automatic, something the Brezza still lacks.
Our Take: Fun, But Incomplete
The 1.0-litre turbo does exactly what it promises: it injects character into a previously sensible SUV. If you enjoy rowing your own gears and want more punch than the base 1.5-litre engine provides, the turbo Brezza will reward you. But if you prioritize convenience, stick with the 1.5-litre automatic. The turbo Brezza's appeal is narrow — it's a genuinely engaging SUV, as long as you're willing to shift for yourself.
