Suzuki is making great strides on the sales charts, its continued success boosted by a great model line-up that includes the extremely popular Vitara Brezza. The Vitara Brezza launched in early 2021, becoming one of the first in a long line of crossovers to be introduced during the 2021 automotive cycle. We have been fortunate enough to take this little compact SUV on a few adventures of our own, this being the latest one.
The Suzuki Vitara Brezza is a common sight on our roads. It hails from India, where it performed so well that the decision was made to introduce it here. A capital alliance between Suzuki and Toyota meant that the latter wanted its own version. Hence the birth of the twins, the Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Toyota Urban Cruiser. These cars are identical, apart from a few minor exterior differences.
As for styling, this compact crossover is good looking in an understated sort of way. The lines are angular and simple without looking lazy. The entire design of the Vitara Brezza feels utilitarian and it has a good mix of elements from the Ignis and the Vitara, placing it in that middle ground between the two.
As for the interior styling, it is, at heart, just above the entrylevel car. This means that you get little to no leather and a lot of hard plastics. If you’re a flashy person, this might bother you, but if you’re commuting with kids and pets, you might prefer the more basic interior. It isn’t all basic though. The infotainment system is standard across the range and is wired for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface isn’t bad, but I prefer the screen mirroring because it’s more presentable and easier to use. Also, as standard, you get climate control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and electric windows. You also get a multifunction steering wheel to operate said infotainment system. Behind the steering wheel, you have a little screen between the analogue gauges, providing you with the info you need while travelling.
The Suzuki Vitara Brezza is available in two variants: the Gl and the GLX, with the latter being the fancier higher-end model. If you opt for the GLX you get a leather-trim steering wheel, cruise control, an additional twelve-volt socket in the boot, rain-sensing windshield wipers, keyless entry, and push-buttonstart. Recently, the brand also released a new S-Edition, which offers you the luxury of the GLX with some unique visual elements. These include a grille with cubic chrome elements and silver front and rear slide plates. In the interior, the silver is continued with finishes on the doors and dashboard called Urban Life Silver.
The Vitara is available with only one engine option, a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder. This little four-banger kicks out a modest 77kW of power at 6 000 r/min and has a peak torque output of 138Nm at 4 400 r/min. The engine gets the job done. It’s nippy around town, and overtaking was never an issue while cruising down the N4.
The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Unlike most in its segment, Suzuki does not offer a CVT-variant. Both gearboxes do great service for everyday driving, but I prefer the manual over the automatic. However, I think the manual is missing a gear, especially when travelling on the open road. The engine revs just a bit too high for my liking, which might handicap the Vitara Brezza’s overall fuel consumption. The fuel consumption was by no means bad though. In fact, it wasn’t bad at all. We were using around 6 to 7 litres/100km. However, I think it has the potential to get as low as 5 litres/100km.
As for the driving dynamics, the Vitara Brezza does what you’d expect it to do. The suspension provides a comfortable ride, but the steering can feel slightly faded at times and not all that direct. Then again, it is a crossover SUV and not a performance car. The Vitara Brezza feels balanced and driving it on the open road is a real treat. It carries itself like a big car on the road despite its small stature.
To conclude, the Suzuki Vitara Brezza’s numbers speak for themselves. It’s a big contributor to Suzuki’s success since 2021 and that’s because the Vitara Brezza is just a solid, no-nonsense family commuter. It will probably last two lifetimes, and it will never disappoint you.
*Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX 4AT: R320 900. The model range includes six variants, priced from R255 900.
