Smaller Maruti Brezza Or Much Bigger Citroen AirCross For the Same Budget? We Explain
Are you planning to buy an SUV under 15 lakh (ex-showroom)? There are a lot of options to consider. You can buy a top-spec Maruti Brezza for well under 15 lakh- ex-sh, and a Citroen Aircross for around the same price. This brings us to the question: Should you buy the top-spec Brezza or the larger, better Aircoss for the price? We try to explain …
Dimensions
It is the Citroen that takes the lead in dimensions. The Brezza is a sub-four meter SUV, with its length tipping the scale at 3995 mm. The Aircross on the other hand, is 4323 mm long. This is almost the length of a Hyundai Creta.
The wheelbase too is more on the Aircross (2671 mm), while that of the Brezza is 2500 mm. The width and height of the Aircross are 1796 mm and 1665-1669 mm, while those of Brezza are 1790 mm and 1685 mm. Clearly, it is the Aircross that’s bigger and roomier.
Design
Design and its impressions can be subjective. However, the Aircross seems to be the better-drawn of the two. The lines, surfaces and panels- all look good. Key highlights include LED projector headlights, power-folding and electronically controlled ORVMs, stylish alloy wheels etc.
The Brezza gets a simple, practical design that includes LED lighting, LED DRLs, power-folding and electronically controlled ORVMs, Rear wipers & washers, etc. The design at large is loud about it being a Brezza.
Interior
On the inside, the Brezza and Aicross offer entirely different experiences. The previous version of Aircross- called the C3 Aircross- had manual AC and trims and panels that felt less premium. New premium soft-touch panels, toggle-type switches and automatic climate control are given on the new Aircross. Another new addition is the rear AC vents, which are very useful considering the vehicle’s size.
The passenger now gets a new grab handle. The vehicle features a new flip key, a 10.25-inch Citroen Connect touchscreen infotainment system, a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and connected car tech. The top-spec has a 6-speaker audio system comprising 4 speakers and 2 tweeters.
The rear power window switches were earlier placed on the centre console. The update has moved these to rear door pads. The safety kit on Aircross consists of six airbags, seatbelt reminders for all seats, a rear parking camera with sensors, and hill-start assist.
The Brezza offers a cabin that is less wide. It can comfortably seat four, while five can sit inside the Citroen. The equipment list on Brezza includes LED mood lighting, ambient lighting, climate control, auto-dimming IRVM, auto headlamps, wireless charger, 360-degree camera, head-up display, ARKAMYS premium audio system, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, single-pane sunroof, rear fast charging USB, rear AC vents, etc. Even though seating three abreast at the rear would be a slight squeeze, there are three headrests for the rear bench.
Overall tech levels on both the products are comparable. However, the Aircross seems to have a slight upper hand in its infotainment UI / UX and quality of driver display. It misses out on the sunroof, that is already on offer on the Brezza. The air conditioning on Brezza seems to have a slight cooling advantage, owing to the rather small size of the cabin. The front passenger gets to enjoy more room inside the Aircross. The rear seat experience is also better on the Citroen.
Powertrains And Performance
The Maruti Brezza offers two powertrain options- 1.5L, four-cylinder petrol and CNG. It produces 103 PS and 137Nm. A 5-speed manual and 6AT transmissions are available. The CNG version produces less power and torque (88hp and 122Nm). There is no automatic gearbox available on the CNG version.
The Citroen Aircross comes with two engine choices- 1.2L NA Petrol (PureTech 82) and 1.2L Turbo Petrol. The naturally aspirated engine produces 82PS and 115 Nm. Just a 5MT transmission is available on this engine. The turbo engine produces 110PS and up to 205Nm (on AT variant).
To note here is the fact that the Brezza produces 103 hp from an NA engine, while the Citroen does this by using a turbocharged petrol engine of smaller capacity. The fuel efficiency here could thus go for a toss, as seen in many modern turbo petrols. The NA engine produces just 82 hp. It could sound a bit inadequate for a vehicle of this size.
Aftersales Network
If this were the final decisive factor, the Maruti Nexa dealer would have your money! MSIL has an extremely wide sales and service network in India. Citroen on the other hand, has just a handful of retail outlets and touchpoints. Thus, servicing your Citroen SUV would demand more time and effort from your end.
Price
- Aircross Max 1.2L Turbo Petrol-AT- 13.99 lakh
- Aircross Max 1.2L Turbo Petrol-MT- 12.69 lakh
- Brezza Zxi Plus AT: 13.98 lakh
- Brezza Zxi Plus MT: 12.58 lakh
The top-spec automatic prices of both these vehicles stand extremely close. There is a bigger price gap in the case of manuals- of 11,000 rupees.
Verdict
It would be absurd to give you a ‘ Buy This’ kind of closure. Based on these points, and using these aspects as key pillars for your analysis, brainstorm and arrive at your purchase. Product-wise, the Aircross is larger, roomier and more comfortable than the Brezza. In price and touchpoint network, it it Maruti that wins.