Suzuki ZA has recently introduced the new Compact SUV, the Vitara Brezza. Awarded as one of the successful models of the brand, with over 600 000 units sold globally, and the most popular compact SUV in India.
Fitting between the Suzuki Vitara and Suzuki Ignis, the Vitara Brezza
Is wider by 30mm and slightly shorter by 180mm, but keeping the same wheelbase as the standard Vitara.
I recently had the opportunity to test the 1.5 GL Auto an here Is what I think of it…
Exterior and Styling
The Brezza stands out with its beautiful striking design. the front-end showcases a near-solid chrome grille flowing between the headlights.
The GL model comes fitted with the Bi-xenon headlamps and fitted with LED headlamps on the GLX model as standard, black side cladding around the wheel arches and along the side of the car, electric fold-in side mirrors with indicators
Both the GL and GLX ride on 16-inch wheels, The GL comes fitted with steel wheels with silver wheel caps and the GLX is fitted with diamond-cut and polished alloy wheels as standard.
Interior
The interior of the Brezza feels very well put together, mostly covered in hard plastic of good quality and nice-looking texture. surprisingly spacious and very comfortable, the Brezza is fitted with comfortable cloth seats with a nice texture and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
Also fitted standard with a user-friendly 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with integrated reverse camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatible. A multifunction steering wheel with mounted controls for audio, phone, and voice command.
Other features found in the Suzuki Vitara GL include:
USB Port, Aux, Automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, electric windows all around, remote central locking, and rear armrest with integrated cup holders as standard across the whole range.
Safety
When it comes to safety the new Suzuki Vitara Brezza comes fitted with just 2 front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor at the back, ABS, EBD with emergency brake assist and side-impact protection.
The Drive
The Vitara Brezza appeared to be very easy to drive both around town and highways. Powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine found in other Suzuki models such as the (Ciaz, Jiminy) mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Developing 77kW and 138Nm of torque. with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km
After driving the 4-speed automatic model, the gear ratios felt quite a bit short which made the engine rev a little too high and loud at highway speed, I believe that the automatic transmission of the Brezza could use an additional 5th gear to prevent the engine from revving too high/loud and improve the fuel consumption.
I managed an average of 6.4L/100km for both in town and highways driving which is very efficient.
Weighing just around 1.1Ton the new Brezza feels light yet very stable with a good suspension offering a smooth ride quality even on bumping roads with very minimal body roll.
Practicality
Fairly spacious at the front and back but with a little bit of the legroom struggle for tall adult passengers when seated at the back.
With a claimed luggage capacity of 328 liters, the Brezza is spacious enough for 2 Large, 1 Medium, and 1 Small-sized suitcase with extra space when rear seats are folded in 60/40 configuration making it easy for long items storage.
The Brezza also comes with a full-size spare wheel underneath the boot board cover.
Pricing
- Vitara Brezza 1.5 GL R244 900 (Manual)
- Vitara Brezza 1.5 GL R264,900 (Automatic)
- Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX R289,900 (Manual)
- Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX R309,900 (Automatic)
All prices include a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and a 5-year or 200 000 km promotional mechanical warranty.
Verdict
With the range starting just under R250 000, the Brezza is very well priced and very well put together.
Fuel efficient, comfortable, and easy to drive with very useful and modern tech features, the Vitara Brezza is the Best Bang for your Buck and should be put high up on consumers’ shopping list.
