Support a Shavathon for CANSA fundraiser this weekend
USUALLY a mass-participation event attracting hundreds of supporters who shave or spray their hair for a worthy cause, this year’s CANSA Shavathon will take on a different approach.
A number of smaller events will be the order of the day, adhering to social distancing and observing all Covid-19 protocols.
The annual event, which is one of the biggest fundraisers for the organisation, will see community members show their support under strict safety regulations to deter the spread of the coronavirus.
CANSA has continued with its mandate to care for cancer patients and loved ones battling the dreaded disease despite the pandemic, and will host the CANSA 2021 Shavathon under the theme, ‘Colours speak louder than words’, calling on supporters to make a bold expression through colour.
Donations and sponsorship towards any of the events will be highly appreciated.
As well as adhering to social distancing, CANSA staff and Shavathon volunteers will ensure a limited number of individuals present at any CANSA Shavathon station.
At R244 900, the new Suzuki Brezza is the most affordable crossover in its class.
But, with a price tag lower than that of direct rivals, does the Brezza offer what other compact crossovers do? Read on page ? what Autodealer thinks of the latest Suzuki.
Crossovers and SUVs are more popular than ever, therefore the latest stubby from Suzuki is big news, especially seeing that it’s now the most affordable vehicle in that class.
The new Suzuki Vitara Brezza, or just Brezza if you like, has a starting price of just R244 900.
It joins the likes of Hyundai’s Venue, the Opel Crossland X and Renault Captur in their battle with Ford’s Ecosport.
While the Ecosport is the segment leader, the Venue and Captur are also doing quite well, so the Brezza will need more than just a low price tag to be successful.
Autodealer drove the new Suzuki to find out what it offers.
Four-model range
Suzuki makes the Brezza in two trim levels, GL and GLX, with both available in auto as well as manual form, so in total there are four cars from which to choose.
The R244 900 example is, of course, the GL in manual guise, and from there pricing escalates to R264 900 for a GL auto, R289 900 for a GLX in manual form and R309 900 for the GLX self-shifter.
All four Brezzas employ Suzuki’s 77kW 138Nm, normally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol.
This is the same engine doing duty in the new Jimny, but power is slightly up from the 4x4’s 75kW and 130Nm.
The manual transmission option is a fivespeed unit, while the automatic gearbox is a four-speeder.
In the Brezza, the 1.5-litre performs very well because the crossover is light and nimble.
It’s not a speed machine, but gets the job done, with a drive that compares favourably with 1.0-litre turbo-charged rivals.
The suspension, too, is a good setup and rides well in town on short commutes.
On open road trips the Brezza has no trouble keeping to the national speed limit but, because of its high stance and light shell, is susceptible to crosswinds as are all other small crossovers.
Many features
GL trim, which is the lower spec model, is relatively well stocked with standard features such as automatic climate control, SLDA touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and CarPlay connectivity, reverse camera, multifunction steering wheel and electric fold-in mirrors.
Safety kit includes driver and passenger airbags, ISOFIX mountings and ABS brakes.
The only thing missing here is some form of stability control.
GLX, meanwhile, adds cruise control to the standard features mix, along with keyless entry and push-button start, autodimming rearview mirror, cooled glovebox, auto windscreen wipers and a leathercovered steering wheel.
On the visual front, the GL’s 16-inch steel wheels make way for alloy wheels in the GLX, and the latter is also available with a trio of two-tone roof colour options for those who want to stand out a bit more.
Buyers can, for instance, pair the Sizzling Red and Torque Blue exterior colours with a Midnight Black roof, or the Granite Grey option with an Autumn Orange roof.
Verdict
Suzuki is one of few car brands in SA which is actually growing - fast - and vehicles like the Brezza explain why.
The crossover drives well, the interior is attractive with a good overall fit and finish plus, with such a generous amount of standard features at those prices there’s very little reason not to buy the Brezza if you’re in the market for a compact crossover.
Autodealer’s prediction is that we will still see many Suzuki Brezzas on the road in the future.
Autotech Panelbeaters in Alton is celebrating 20 years of excellence in Zululand. That’s two decades worth of repairs, sanding and spray painting to accident damaged vehicles.
Autotech Panelbeaters’ owner, Alex Cepeda, says he’s delighted to have served Zululanders for so long, and will continue to provide owners of accident damaged vehicles with the ‘best possible service at a realistic price’. Alex is a veteran in the panelbeating business, so to speak, having started out in this part of the automotive industry back in 1981 when he joined Dan Perkins in Johannesburg as an apprentice panelbeater.
Two years later, in ’83, he moved to Zululand where he joined Empangeni Panelbeaters and finished his trade test in 1985.
Those were the days when young men still had to do border duty, so in 1986 Alex had to put his career aside for a while and finish his national service. In 1990, after four years in the army, he returned to Zululand, and joined Richards Bay Panelbeaters as workshop foreman.
In 2001 he made the big move to go on his own and that was the beginning of Autotech Panelbeaters, a business which he is proud of and still running today alongside his team of competent technicians. ‘Next time you look for an autobody repair shop, give Autotech Panelbeaters a try,’ says Alex, ‘we always do our very best make your car look like new again’.