The Suzuki Vitara Brezza is a compact SUV that recently breezed into South Africa with an arsenal of standard equipment in an attractive, high riding package. It's surprisingly affordable too!
I tested the Suzuki Vitara Brezza GLX auto, the flagship model, which is priced at R309 900. If you're considering a new Brezza, the most affordable model is the 1.5 GL for only R244 900. Here are a few more things you need to know about the Brezza if you're considering one.
1. It's been a runaway sales success in India
The Vitara Brezza launched in India in 2016, and was met with such enthusiasm that it is now the most popular compact SUV in the country, with over 600 000 models sold. It was also voted Indian Car of the Year in 2017.
2. It looks compact from the outside, but it's roomy on the inside
The Vitara Brezza has the same wheelbase as the Vitara at 2,5 metres, but is 1,8 cm shorter, 1.5cm wider and has better ground clearance too — nearly 20cm instead of 18.5. (This makes parking on sidewalks a cinch.)
It's also rather spacious inside. The boot is well-suited to the nuclear family's daily luggage (inclusive of school bags and sports equipment) and the rear bench has ample amounts of legroom. Three kids will fit on the rear bench, or two adults and a child in the middle. Three adults would fit if they're of average size and height, but the middle passenger would have to make do with a lap belt.
3. All models in the range are fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a rear-view camera
This is impressive, considering the starting price of the range. Other standard mod cons include automatic climate control, electric windows on all four windows, rear parking sensors, remote central locking and a rear armrest with integrated cup holders.
GLX models have more bells and whistles such as a leather steering wheel, cruise control, silver interior accents, a front centre aremrest, push button start, and a coolable glove box. The GLX's front seatbelts are adjustable, the rear-view mirror has auto-dimming functionality and the windshield wipers are automatic. The cargo area features a 12-Volt input and the sound system has 2 extra tweeters. The ambient lighting around the rev counter and speedometer is a nice touch, too.
4. It did much better than expected in the Global NCAP crash test conducted in Germany
The Indian-spec Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza obtained an impressive 4 stars for adult occupant safety when it was tested at an ADAC crash facility in Germany. The score for child occupant protection is 2 stars, but the body structure of the Brezza is rated as stable, and capable of even withstanding more force without affecting the structural integrity of the cabin to such an extent that passengers are at high risk. The overall score was 4 stars. You can see the Suzuki Vitara crash test here. Our local models come with 2 airbags as well as ABS and EBD, just like the Indian models tested.
5. If you have an automatic model, you can disable the fourth gear
The 1.5-litre engine delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm and drives the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or the above-mentioned 4-speed automatic gearbox.
On the Vitara Brezza's four-speed automatic transmission models, the fourth gear is considered an overdrive gear which can be disabled by pressing the button on the side of the gear lever.
This is practical, old-school technology that is still being utilized in small, budget-minded cars today. What this does, is to prevent the Brezza from changing up into 4th, keeping you in the right power band when you're tackling your favourite mountain pass, and will keep the gearbox from hesitating or "hunting" for the correct gear. You also have the option of selecting and remaining in second gear when stuck in slow-moving traffic.
The Suzuki Vitara Brezza has a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan and a 5-year / 200 000 km promotional mechanical warranty.
Did you know?
...that newly-launched Suzuki Vitara Brezza is basically the same car as the even newer Toyota Urban Cruiser? Yep, Toyota's latest venture with Suzuki has already brought us the the Starlet which is a rebadged Baleno, and now the Urban Cruiser. Toyota, who is known for their reliability, won't just stick their badge on anything. But that's not to say you should buy an Urban Cruiser instead of a Brezza. The Vitara Brezza has the better warranty and service plan, so if you have a Suzuki dealership close to you, it's arguably the wiser buy. Should you live in a town without a Suzuki dealership, then the Toyota would probably make more sense. Either way, you can't go wrong.
Current pricing
Vitara Brezza GL Manual R244 900
Vitara Brezza GL Auto R264 900
Vitara Brezza GLX Manual R289 900
Vitara Brezza GLX Auto R309 900
Please note that pricing was correct at the time this article was published, but may increase without prior notice. Please consult the Suzuki SA website for the latest prices.
