HomeCar NewsMaruti Brezza BS6 manual variants to get SHVS smart hybrid system

Maruti Brezza BS6 manual variants to get SHVS smart hybrid system

The Maruti Brezza BS6 is available only in a petrol format while the BS4 model came only with a diesel engine

Aiming to provide improved drivability and performance at affordable rates, Maruti Suzuki will be equipping the Vitara Brezza manual variants with the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) smart-hybrid system. As of now, SHVS is available only in the automatic variants.

All four manual variants of the Maruti Brezza — Lxi, Vxi, Zxi and Zxi Plus — will be getting this update. The Maruti Brezza BS6 manual SHVS variants are expected to launch in the coming weeks but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is causing a lot of confusion in the Indian automotive industry.

Maruti Suzuki’s smart-hybrid system promises to improve performance and fuel efficiency while reducing emissions. It is equipped with torque assist feature that boosts acceleration by supplying power to the engine. The upcoming Maruti Brezza BS6 manual SHVS variants also boast of regenerative braking, which converts the kinetic energy generated at the time of braking and deceleration into electric energy. The smart-hybrid system is also offered in other Maruti Suzuki products such as the Ciaz, Ertiga, XL6, Baleno and S-Cross.

2020 Maruti Brezza facelift

The move to introduce a smart-hybrid option for the manual variants comes at a time when the Maruti Brezza is facing headwinds from rivals such as the Hyundai Venue. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Maruti Suzuki has discontinued the diesel option for the Brezza. The compact-SUV made its debut at Auto Expo 2016 and it was offered with a diesel option only. A petrol engine was never offered for the Brezza until now.

The BS4 Maruti Vitara Brezza diesel was powered by an FCA-sourced 1.3-litre motor that generated 89bhp and 200Nm. This was mated to either a 5-speed manual or AMT unit. More than five lakh diesel units were sold since 2016. This is evidence of the SUV’s immense popularity. The Maruti Brezza has also consistently ranked as one of the best-selling cars in the country. It has been the top-selling compact-SUV for several months.

The discontinuation of the diesel option certainly does not seem right, especially when its rivals continue to offer diesel variants in BS6 format. As sales may have been impacted, Maruti Suzuki probably thought about filling the gap by offering the smart-hybrid system with the Brezza manual variant.

It may be recalled that Maruti Suzuki had introduced the new Brezza at Auto Expo 2020. It has the same BS6 engine that powers other products such as the Ertiga, XL6 and Ciaz. The 1.5-litre petrol engine delivers 103bhp and 138Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and 4-speed TC automatic.

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