The new Suzuki Vitara Brezza has officially touched down in South Africa, with the local range comprising four variants at launch.
Prices start at R244 900, which sees the Brezza slotting in neatly above the Ignis and below the Hungarian-built Vitara (at 3 995 mm long, the Brezza is a full 180 mm shorter nose to tail than the Vitara).
Built by Maruti Suzuki in India since 2016 and facelifted in early 2020, the Vitara Brezza offered locally is powered by the Japanese firm’s familiar K15B naturally aspirated 1,5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering some 77 kW and 138 N.m to the front axle. Gearbox options include a five-speed manual and four-speed torque converter automatic.
The Vitara Brezza is offered in GL and GLX specification. Both ride on 16-inch wheels, with the former featuring steel items and the latter alloys (with width growing from 205 mm to 215 mm).
Inside, you’ll find a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across the range and featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus a reversing camera. Suzuki has also added automatic climate control, electric windows all round, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, remote central locking and a rear armrest with integrated cup holders as standard across the range.
In the GLX, the steering wheel gains leather trim and cruise control buttons, along with an interior light package plus silver highlights around the door handles, touchscreen and the steering wheel hub.
In addition, the GLX specification level upgrades to a front centre armrest, a cooled upper cubby hole, a push-button starter with keyless entry, height-adjustable front seatbelts, an auto-dimming rear mirror, auto-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a 12 V port in the boot and additional tweeters for the sound system.
Standard safety features across the range, meanwhile, include dual airbags, ABS with EBD and Isofix child-seat anchors. An alarm system and immobiliser are also standard.
The Vitara Brezza joins South Africa’s rapidly growing sub-four-metre crossover segment, which already includes the likes of the Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV300, and is due to welcome the Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet and Renault Kiger later in 2021.
Toyota South Africa Motors, meanwhile, is due to launch the Urban Cruiser in March, with the newcomer based on the Brezza. Unlike the Baleno-based Starlet, though, the Urban Cruiser features exterior styling distinct from that of its Suzuki cousin.
All models in the Vitara Brezza range ship with a four-year/60 000 km service plan and a five-year/200 000 km promotional mechanical warranty.
Pricing:
Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1,5 GL: R244 900
Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1,5 GL AT: R264 900
Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1,5 GLX: R289 900
Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1,5 GLX AT: R309 900
