2021 SUZUKI VITARA BREZZA

THE LAUNCH OF THIS VEHICLE WAS ONLINE, OR VIRTUAL, SO WE HAD NO PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE OF THE ACTUAL PRODUCT

Although new to South Africa Brezza, Suzuki’s compact version of Vitara, has lit up Indian sales charts since its introduction there in 2016. Over half a million have been delivered to customers in that country while 17 other markets accounted for a further 100 000 and counting.

Designed, developed and built in India, it presently accounts for 23% of sales in its segment, and 11% of all SUV deals, in that country. One might gather that it’s rather popular.

While not specifically sharing a platform with any other product, it does have the same 2500mm wheelbase as the regular Vitara while its 3995mm length qualifies it for India’s sub-four-metre tax break category. Interior space and cargo volume are thus slightly less generous than that of the 180mm longer Vitara, but still very acceptable.

The nitty-gritty: There are four versions in two specification levels, GL and GLX, with each available in five-speed manual or fourspeed automatic. All use the same engine; the familiar K15B that appears in other small Suzukis.

The Q&A session revealed that there are no plans to offer alternative power units at this time.

First, Suzuki is one of 20 out of 39 manufacturers represented in South Africa that do not offer diesel engines in sedans, hatchbacks or SUVs. Dieselgate all but destroyed that market. Pickups and trucks are a different conversation entirely.

Second, forget about the 1600cc naturally aspirated- or 1.4litre turbo-motors because either one would not only cost more but would encroach on Vitara’s specifications patch. The same applies to all-wheel drive or 4x4 powertrains.

GL level provides 16” steel wheels; two airbags; ABS brakes with EBD; ISOFix anchors; steering wheel buttons; automatic, filtered, single-zone air conditioner; electric windows all around; folding electric mirrors; seven-inch touchscreen with screen mirroring, Bluetooth and accessory sockets; fabric upholstery; rear parking sensor and reversing camera. It’s also properly built with highstrength steels, crumple zones and impact dissipation pathways.

GLX adds 16” alloy wheels, front armrest, leather covered steering wheel, cruise control, chilled cubby, keyless entry and start, automatically folding wing mirrors, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and front fog lamps and automatic wipers.

The basic colour range consists of Pearl Arctic White, Premium Silver and Granite Grey. Exclusive to GL are Torque Blue, Sizzling Red and Autumn Orange. Optional on GLX are two-tone combinations in Black over Sizzling Red, Autumn Orange over Granite Grey and Black over Torque Blue.

The numbers Prices: GL manual @ R244 900, GL automatic @ R264 900, GLX Manual @ R289 900, GLX automatic @ R309 900

Engine: 1482cc, 16-valve, fourcylinder with multipoint injection Power: 77kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 138Nm @ 4499rpm Claimed average fuel consumption (both): 6.2 l/100km Tank: 48 litres Ground clearance: 198mm Turning circle: 10.4 metres Boot: 328 litres Warranty: 5 years, 200 000km Service plan: 4 years, 60 000km