Published : 08 August 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Jagdev Kalsi
We drove the 2026 Maruti Arena Brezza with its new 1.0L turbo petrol engine and 6-speed manual transmission. We covered roughly 50km over about 2 hours at speeds representative of typical city driving. Here are my impressions of its performance, refinement, mileage, highway manners, ride and everyday usability.

The following table lists the turbo engine’s specifications, official mileage and complete ex-showroom price range:
The Brezza uses a higher-output version of the 1.0L turbo engine available in the Fronx. It produces 10PS more power and 22Nm more torque in the Brezza. Maruti Suzuki also pair it with a 6-speed manual instead of the Fronx’s 5-speed manual.
We drove the top-spec ZXi Plus turbo. Its exclusive features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats and 64-colour ambient lighting.
We found the turbo engine most convincing with light or part-throttle acceleration. Its response becomes noticeably stronger near 2000rpm, where it begins producing peak torque.
It feels more responsive than the pre-facelift Brezza’s 1.5L normal petrol engine during everyday city driving. The turbo gives the Brezza some of the low-speed urgency that the larger engine lacked.

Its torque delivery at slow speeds even reminded me slightly of the old diesel Brezza. However, this petrol engine is smoother and does not feel as forceful.
We have not driven the updated 1.5L petrol Brezza with its new 6-speed manual transmission. Therefore, this is not a direct comparison between the 2 updated powertrains.
The turbo engine’s advantage became less noticeable when the accelerator was pressed harder. At higher RPM, it felt adequate rather than genuinely quick.
We would not describe this as a performance-focused engine. It works best when you use its early torque delivery to make easy progress through city traffic.
The turbo makes the Brezza feel more responsive, but it does not encourage you to chase the engine’s top end.
The 3-cylinder engine is impressively refined. It controls vibrations well, especially when driven with light accelerator inputs.
Image - Screenshot of interior shot with Jagdev visible
Drivers moving from a 4-cylinder engine may notice its characteristic sound. However, we do not think its vibrations will affect everyday comfort.
Engine noise becomes more noticeable beyond 3000rpm. Even then, we did not find it bothersome.
The clutch feels light and makes the Brezza turbo easy to operate in traffic. However, we found the transmission’s shift throws relatively long. This combination suits regular commuting, where low clutch effort matters more than rapid gear changes. It does not feel particularly sporty despite the turbo engine.

We think an automatic transmission would suit this engine well. Maruti Suzuki offer the same basic engine with a TC automatic in the Fronx. For now, buyers looking to buy an automatic Brezza must choose the 1.5L normal petrol engine.
A turbo-automatic could have combined the new engine’s city response with the convenience many urban buyers seek.
At 100kmph in 6th gear, the engine runs below 2500rpm. It did not feel strained, although we did not feel encouraged to push it much harder.
The sixth ratio primarily helps the Brezza settle into a relaxed highway cruise. It does not turn the turbo into a strong high-speed performer.
We expect both Brezza petrol engines to offer similar cruising ability. However, the 4-cylinder 1.5L engine may feel smoother when extended to higher RPM.
The trip computer displayed approximately 12.5kmpl after roughly 50km and 2 hours of driving. The route and average speeds represented typical city use.
This was not a controlled tank-to-tank mileage test. Traffic, idling, driving style and the relatively short distance would have influenced the reading. Based on this drive, around 12.5kmpl appears realistic in similar city conditions. However, actual mileage will vary with traffic and driving style.

For context, the Fronx turbo-automatic delivered 12.80kmpl in the V3Cars comprehensive city mileage test. The Fronx and Brezza differ in weight, engine output and transmission. Therefore, their figures are not directly comparable.
Maruti Suzuki claim 20.47kmpl for the LXi and VXi turbo variants. The ZXi and ZXi Plus turbo variants have a claimed mileage of 19.96kmpl.
We found the Brezza’s ride comfortable and well-balanced. It feels neither excessively stiff nor overly soft during regular city driving. Its braking and manoeuvrability also felt well suited to urban use.

Blind spot warning was the most useful driver-assistance feature during my drive. It made changing lanes easier and, more importantly, safer. Maruti Suzuki offer this feature with the ZXi and ZXi Plus turbo variants. These variants also get front parking sensors, safe exit warning and rear cross traffic alert.

While outward visibility from the driver’s seat is great, we think the new touchscreen could sit lower on the dashboard. Its housing also looks and feels unnecessarily thick. We additionally found the front seat base slightly short. This may reduce under-thigh support for some occupants.
The cabin retains a predominantly black theme with a satin-finished brown dashboard insert. We found the combination elegant, although it does not look substantially different from before.
The ZXi Plus gets the new 10.1-inch touchscreen, 64-colour ambient lighting and ventilated front seats. These additions help the cabin feel more contemporary.
Maruti Suzuki have also introduced a new physical AC panel inspired by the Victoris. However, it lacks a dedicated auto AC on/off control. We found having to access this function through the touchscreen inconvenient while driving.
We would have also liked front USB-C ports and built-in rear window sunshades. Some rivals offer powered driver seats and panoramic sunroofs, although these features may not matter to every buyer.
The exterior receives fewer changes than the cabin or powertrain. Updates include a restyled smoked-chrome grille, revised fog lamp housings and redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels.

Maruti Suzuki have also reworked the front and rear bumpers. The ZXi Plus turbo we drove featured red exterior accents from the optional Metroscape accessory package. These dealer-fitted accessories are not standard on every turbo variant. All turbo variants get ‘Turbo Boosterjet’ badging at the rear and on the rear quarter window.
However, the headlamp and tail lamp internals remain largely familiar. We think revised lighting elements, especially a shift to LED lighting, could have given the facelift a stronger sense of novelty.
Our 2026 Brezza top changes article covers the complete exterior, interior, feature and mechanical updates.
The turbo engine makes the Brezza more responsive during ordinary city driving. Its early torque delivery, light clutch and refinement suit buyers who spend most of their time in traffic. However, this is not a performance-focused engine. Its acceleration feels adequate when pushed hard, while the long shift throws limit its sporty appeal.
The smaller engine also allows the Brezza to benefit from a lower tax rate. This helps its price start at Rs. 7.40 lakh and addresses one of the Nexon’s previous advantages.

We would choose the lower Brezza turbo variants over comparable Nexon petrol-manual variants. The Brezza’s turbo engine feels more refined, while Maruti Suzuki’s reliability and service record further strengthen its case. For buyers choosing between these 2 SUVs on a budget, we think the Brezza turbo is now the better petrol-manual option. PS: It is also the more value for money car of the two.
Our Nexon Creative Camo vs Brezza ZXi comparison explains how their similarly priced variants compare on engines, mileage, features and safety.
We also think the turbo makes a stronger case than the Brezza’s 1.5L petrol-manual for most buyers. It costs less, produces more power and torque, and offers more features in equivalent variants.
Buyers seeking easy city performance and relaxed cruising should consider the Brezza turbo. Those expecting stronger top-end acceleration or an automatic should also test-drive its turbo-petrol rivals.
Before you finalise your next car, these V3Cars tools can help you make a more informed decision:
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Head Of Content
Jagdev heads content for V3Cars. Apart from driving cars, he likes to keep an eye on the industry trends. He thinks he knows why Maruti Suzuki sells the most number of cars in India.

























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