Suzuki has already made many in-roads to the south African Market, achieving record sales from some of the models in the local line up. India is another country where Suzuki has been successful especially with the variant Vitara Brezza which has become India’s most popular compact SUV and has sold 600 000 units since introduction, in 2016. Now the Vitara Brezza lands in SA and is available immediately from any of Suzuki’s 71 dealers. Voted car of the year in India in 2017 the Vitara Brezza has built a loyal following making this model the ideal SUV for the South African market.
The Vitara is not an unknown name in SA as the first generation was launched in the late eighties, early nineties through import dealers before Suzuki officially opened its SA doors in 2008 with the Grand Vitara which was sold until its discontinuation in December 2019. Now in 2021 the new Vitara Brezza will appear on local show room floors taking up the position as Suzuki’s flagship SUV. The Vitara Brezza’s winning formula and customer appeal is its design and dimensions which make it a nimble urban runabout with good ground clearance, ride height and interior space of a true SUV. The Brezza has the same wheelbase as the flagship Vitara at 2 500 mm, but it is shorter (by 180 mm), wider (15 mm) and rides higher off the ground (198 mm v 185mm) than its sibling. Both the GL and GLX ride on 16-inch wheels but the GLX wheel width grows from 205 mm to 215 mm. The GL is fitted with steel wheels with silver caps and the GLX is fitted with diamond-cut and polished alloy wheels as standard.
The inverted U-shape of the lower grille is a signature Suzuki SUV styling cue that is shared by the Vitara, S-Presso and Ignis. The grille is flanked by bold fog lamp surrounds and a lower chin plate in black on the GL and in silver on the GLX. From the side all models regardless of colour have a darkened A-pillar and a black insert on the C-pillar to create a visual break between the body and roof, particularly stricken on the two-tone colour options. At the rear are a skid plate mirror, spoiler on rear hatch door, and embossed chrome garnish above the number plate enclosure which proudly displays the Brezza name.
Behind the leather clad steering wheel your eyes will notice the large 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, which is standard across the range and which forms the centrepiece of the dashboard. Reverse Camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto will display on the screen and controlled from the steering wheel buttons or voice command. Automatic climate control, electric windows, height adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, and a rear armrest with integrated cup holders are standard across the range. GLX only luxuries include auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic rain sensors, auto folding side mirrors, push button starter air-conditioned glove box, and keyless entry.
The new Brezza has an active safety system including ABS brakes, brake assist, airbags for the driver and front passenger and front pre-tension seatbelts. (Also, ISOFIX mountings for child seats). Alarm system and immobiliser are fitted on all models. The Vitara Brezza is powered by the highly popular K15B engine that serves other models such as the Jimny, Ertiga and Ciaz. A multi-point fuel injection, four valves per cylinder for greater efficiency and smooth power delivery. 77kW at 6 000rpm and 138 NM of torque at 4 400 rpm delivered to the wheels via a five-speed manual or new four-speed automatic transmission.
The new Brezza is offered in six solid colours and three two-tone colour options. Standard colours include Pearl Artic White, Premium Silver, Granite Grey, Autumn Orange, Sizzling Red or Torque Blue. GLX has a choice of three two-tone colours, Sizzling Red with a midnight black roof, Granite Grey with an Autumn Orange roof, or Torque Blue with a Midnight black roof. The Vitara Brezza is available in the 1.5 GL or 1.5 GLX in both manual and automatic. 4-year/60 000km service plan and a 5-year/200 000km promotional
