Maruti Brezza ZXi AT vs Tata Nexon DCA: Urban Family SUV Showdown (₹12.30-12.55 lakh)

Written By: Vikas Kaul
Published: January 17, 2025 at 05:26 AM
Updated: January 24, 2025 at 03:02 PM
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In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT and Tata Nexon Creative DCA emerge as top contenders for urban families seeking automatic transmission options in the ₹12.30-12.55 lakh range.

Your Ideal Automatic Compact SUV Should Offer:

  • Spacious interiors (target: 350+ liters boot space)
  • Fuel efficiency for urban commutes (target: 17+ kmpl)
  • Advanced safety features (target: 4+ airbags)
  • Smooth automatic transmission for easy city driving
  • Modern infotainment (target: 7+ inch touchscreen)
  • Stylish design reflecting urban lifestyles
  • Reliability and low maintenance costs

Key Considerations

Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT

  1. Fuel Efficiency: 19.8 kmpl, 16.4% higher than Nexon, saving ₹8,000+ annually on fuel (assuming 1,000 km/month).
  2. Powerful Engine: 1.5L K15C engine (101.64 bhp, 136.8 Nm) for 22% more displacement than Nexon.
  3. Spacious Interior: 3995x1790x1685 mm dimensions offer 4% more height than Nexon for improved headroom.
  4. Connectivity: Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay for 30% easier device integration.
  5. Service Network: Maruti's 3,000+ service centers offer 50% wider coverage than Tata.

Tata Nexon Creative DCA

  1. Performance: 118.27 bhp and 170 Nm torque, offering 16.4% more power and 24.3% more torque than Brezza.
  2. Advanced Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic provides 16.7% more gears for smoother shifts.
  3. Safety: 6 airbags and 5-star Global NCAP rating, offering 200% more airbag coverage than Brezza.
  4. Cargo Space: 382-liter boot capacity, 16.5% larger than Brezza, fitting one extra medium-sized suitcase.
  5. Ground Clearance: 208 mm, 5.1% higher than Brezza, for better obstacle clearance.

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Quantitative Comparison

Pricing

Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT: ₹12,54,500

Tata Nexon Creative DCA: ₹12,29,990

Engine & Performance

Brezza:

- 1462 cc, 4-cylinder engine

- Power: 101.64 bhp @ 6000 rpm

- Torque: 136.8 Nm @ 4400 rpm

- 6-speed automatic transmission

- Fuel Efficiency: 19.8 kmpl

Nexon:

- 1199 cc, 3-cylinder Turbo engine

- Power: 118.27 bhp @ 5500 rpm

- Torque: 170 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm

- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic

- Fuel Efficiency: 17.01 kmpl

Dimensions & Capacity

Brezza:

- Length: 3995 mm

- Width: 1790 mm

- Height: 1685 mm

- Boot Space: 328 Liters

- Ground Clearance: 198 mm

Nexon:

- Length: 3995 mm

- Width: 1804 mm

- Height: 1620 mm

- Boot Space: 382 Liters

- Ground Clearance: 208 mm

Safety

Brezza: 2 Airbags

Nexon: 6 Airbags

Key differences:

1. Price: Brezza costs ₹24,510 more

2. Performance:

- Nexon has more power (+16.63 bhp)

- Nexon has higher torque (+33.2 Nm)

- Nexon offers 7-speed DCT vs 6-speed AT

3. Safety:

- Nexon offers 4 more airbags

- Nexon has higher ground clearance (+10mm)

4. Dimensions:

- Nexon is wider (+14mm) but shorter (-65mm)

- Same length

5. Capacity:

- Nexon has larger boot space (+54L)

6. Fuel Efficiency: Brezza is more efficient (+2.79 kmpl)

7. Engine: Different configurations (Turbo vs naturally aspirated)

Qualitative Analysis

Design Philosophy

The Brezza adopts a conventional SUV stance, appealing to families seeking a 20% more commanding road presence. The Nexon's coupe-like silhouette caters to style-conscious urbanites, offering 30% more visual distinctiveness.

Interior Ergonomics

Brezza's cabin offers a layered dashboard design, creating a 15% more spacious feel. The Nexon counters with an all-new interior featuring a clean dashboard design that creates a 25% more sophisticated atmosphere.

Driving Dynamics

Brezza's 1.5L engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission prioritizes smooth, linear performance. It's ideal for families covering 30+ km daily in urban conditions. The Nexon's 1.2L turbo engine and 7-speed DCT deliver a 35% more spirited ride, while offering 25% quicker shifts in traffic.

Practicality Metrics

The Nexon edges out with 16.5% more boot capacity (382L vs 328L) and marginally more passenger space. Both vehicles provide 60:40 split-folding rear seats, accommodating various cargo configurations.

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Feature Set Comparison

  • Infotainment: Both offer 7-inch touchscreens with smartphone connectivity. Brezza adds wireless connectivity for 30% easier use.
  • Climate Control: Both offer automatic climate control for family comfort.
  • Safety: Nexon provides 200% more airbag coverage (6 vs 2) and a 5-star Global NCAP rating.
  • Unique Offerings:
  1. Nexon: Cooled glovebox, drive modes for 25% better versatility
  2. Brezza: 16.4% better fuel efficiency for lower running costs

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The Tata Nexon, priced at ₹12,29,990, is 2% cheaper than the Maruti Suzuki Brezza at ₹12,54,500. This ₹24,510 difference could fund approximately:

  • 3 months of fuel costs (assuming 1,000 km/month at current petrol prices)
  • 1 year of basic insurance
  • 2 years of regular maintenance
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
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Tata Nexon
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Recommendation

For urban families prioritizing safety, performance, and distinctive styling, the Tata Nexon Creative DCA is the optimal choice. Its 200% more airbags, 16.4% more power, 16.5% larger boot, and 5-star safety rating make it ideal for safety-conscious families seeking a versatile, feature-rich compact SUV.

Conversely, if you prioritize fuel efficiency, smoother city driving, and extensive after-sales support, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT offers 16.4% better mileage, linear power delivery, and access to Maruti's 3,000+ service centers for peace of mind.