Driving the VXi manual gives me a straightforward, predictable feel. The 1.5 litre K15C petrol engine responds smoothly at low revs which helps in heavy city traffic. The clutch is light and the gearshift is forgiving so I do not tire in stop and go conditions

. I notice that the engine does not push like a turbo unit, so overtakes on highways require planning and the urge to downshift to get the move done. At steady speeds the car cruises comfortably and noise insulation is reasonable for the class. 

I appreciate that the setup is focused on durability and low maintenance rather than spirited performance. Many owners I read about prefer this because it keeps service costs lower and reduces the chance of niggles later. For someone like me who uses a car for mixed commuting and family runs the Brezza gives confidence through predictability rather than thrills.

The Brezza offers a comfortable ride, adept at absorbing bumps and potholes, especially at lower speeds. The suspension is tuned to handle our typical bumpy and crater-filled road conditions well, providing a pleasant experience for passengers.

The steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and for parking. While it's convenient for everyday driving, it doesn't offer much in terms of feedback, particularly at higher speeds. Handling is predictable and safe, but the Brezza isn't designed for sporty driving. High-speed stability is generally good, contributing to a comfortable highway cruising experience. 

The Brezza's ground clearance of 198 or so mm is a plus, allowing it to tackle speed breakers and minor obstacles without much concern.

On my usual and daily Narela to Gurgaon commute (a distance of about 50 km), I get anywhere between 9-14 kmpl. The mileage has improved by 1-2 kmpl once the car crossed about 3000 kilometers. one good thing I can say about mileage in Maruti cars is they are pretty consistent across the rev range, unlike turbo cars which drop to low singles once you cross 3000 rpm

Step inside and the cabin immediately feels built for function over luxury. The dashboard layout is simple and intuitive, seats are supportive for long drives, and the driving position offers good visibility. You get a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, auto AC, steering controls, rear AC vents and plenty of storage cubbies.

 Rear legroom and headroom are genuinely impressive for the segment, and the 328-litre boot easily swallows a family’s weekend luggage. Materials are mostly hard plastics, typical Maruti cost-cutting, but everything feels solidly put together and easy to clean. 

The infotainment system is reliable for calls, music and navigation, though the screen size feels dated against 10-inch+ units in some rivals My friends and family have generally praised the comfort and space while pointing out the lack of premium feel. 

My cousins own a Venue and he was not that excited when it came to interior of Brezza, a sentiment I agreed with.

The Brezza has a butch and commanding stance with upright SUV profile that reads more mature than trendy. The bonnet lines and squared wheel arches give it a planted look and the grille and headlamp treatment feel restrained rather than showy. In the VXi I accept body colored mirrors and handles and steel wheels with covers. 

I went for the silver color as its holds the shine better than black or white which are pretty hard to maintain on regular basis. I am thinking of getting the roof blacked to spruce things up a bit along with some decent set of alloys

The LED DRLs and projector headlamps lift the look in low light but the rear treatment is plain compared with some rivals that try to catch the eye with busy styling. I also pay attention to practical details.  

This is one aspect of Brezza I don't find out the wrong way! A per the brochure The VXi now comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX child-seat anchors and reverse parking sensors. This is a big step up from older Maruti's and puts it on par with (or ahead of) most rivals in passive safety. 

it also got a 4-star GNCAP rating, which is not the best in segment but fare better than I would have expected a Maurti to do!

I have driven both Kylaq and Venue, review coming out soon. Let me just plainly put it, there is no car currently available in India that is as enjoyable to drive as the Kylaq. It is like a mini race car and boasts a full 5 star rating. No wonder it has single handedly saved Skoda from calling it quits in India. Sure, it is not at the Skoda level we have seen in Octavia and Superb, but it is one hell of a package for those who value driving experience and do not mind paying a tiny bit of premium.

As for the Venue, it does everything Maruti does with a hint of premiumness that made its elder brother Creta a best seller. Looks aside, its interior is one of the best in the business and it drives with a bit more character than Maruti.

If you are in the market for a sub compact SUV that has an okayish safety rating, looks like a beefed up bouncer and offers good fuel efficiency, the Brezza is the answer. Combine that with typical Maruti hassle free and affordable ownership experience and you get a winner on your hands that does everything you expect it to do in a mundane but effective way.