Awarded as one of the successful models of the brand, with over 600 000 units sold globally, and the most popular compact SUV sold in India. The Suzuki Vitara Brezza is a new compact SUV that sits between the Suzuki Ignis and Suzuki Vitara. the Brezza joins the saturated and competitive compact SUV segment where we find cars like the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV 300…
Quick Facts
- Model: Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX
- Engine: 1.5 Litre 4-cylinder N/A petrol
- Power & Torque: 77 kW & 138 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Fuel consumption: 6.2 Litre / 100 km (Claimed)
- Price: R289,900
This time I had the opportunity to test the range-topping model, Brezza 1.5 GLX Manual to see the difference, and what it has to offer. 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. very appealing to the eye with a boxy shape and minimal curves along the body lines. the GLX can be specified in a two-tone exterior colour with a blacked-out C-pillar insert which makes it look really stylish.
Unlike the GL model that comes fitted with the Bi-xenon headlamps, the GLX on the other hand comes fitted standard with LED headlamps with fog lamps that illuminate the road very well and gives the car a more premium look from the outside. black side cladding around the wheel arches and along the side of the car, electric fold-in side mirrors with integrated indicators.
Both the GL and GLX model ride on 16-inch wheels, The GL comes fitted with steel wheels with silver wheel caps while GLX is fitted with two-tone (silver & white diamond-cut and polished alloy wheels as standard. giving the Brezza a confident stance with its 192mm ground clearance.
Interior
So, what is different inside?
The interior of the Suzuki Brezza GLX is pretty similar to the lower spec BrezzaGL, with minor upgrades such as, a leather-wrapped center console storage bin armrest, push start button, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with cruise control functions added, and 5 colours customizable instrument cluster which add a little bit more personality and cool factor to the car.
Overall the interior feels very well put together, mostly covered in hard plastic of good quality and nice-looking texture, which looks like will last long. surprisingly spacious and very comfortable, the Brezza is fitted with comfortable cloth seats with a honeycomb 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.
Other features found in the Suzuki Vitara GLX include:
USB Port, Aux, Automatic climate control, reverse camera with rear parking sensors, rai-sensing wipers, electric windows all around, remote central locking with keyless entry, 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 an improved 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
The 5-speed manual transmission of the Vitara Brezza feels really engaging to drive although the ratio between gears feels short and the engine’s rpm stays up high on fifth gear, which could have been better with an additional overdrive 6th gear.
For example, when doing 100 -120km/h in 5th gear the engine revs sits somewhere between 3700 – 4200 rpm which is a bit high for that speed and gives you a feeling of shifting to an overdrive gear to reduced that engine noise and improve the fuel consumption.
I managed an average of 7.2L/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, a little bit of the legroom struggle may be encountered for tall 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 and a 12V power socket.
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) Test Unit
- 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
Offering a very pleasant driving experience from all angles, with the range price starting just under R250 000, the Brezza is very well priced and is very well put together. Fuel efficient, comfortable, and easy to drive with very a useful number of modern tech features. I personally believe that automatic transmission is the best option, it is less noisy compared to the manual version and has proven to be a little more fuel-efficient. The Vitara Brezza is the Best value for your money and should be put high up on consumers’ shopping lists.
