Suzuki South Africa has launched the Vitara Brezza to slot in between its Ignis and Vitara models. Here's what's on offer and how much the newcomercosts.

Suzuki hassold in excess of 550 500 units of the Vitara Brezza since it was launched on the sub-continent in 2016. Not only is the model the top-selling SUV in India (with 38.8% of the entry-SUV market and 18.4% of all SUV sales)– it was named theIndian Car of the Year in 2017. The model arrives inMzansi in updated-for-2020 spec, which comprisesan engine upgrade, as well astweaked styling.

Read:2021 Suzuki Brezza Review – We test Suzuki's new crossover in South Africa

Compared with its Vitara compact family-car sibling, the Vitara Brezza isshorter by 180 mm, as well as fractionally wider and higher (by 15 mm and 30 mm, respectively), but it's underpinned bythe same 2 500-mm wheelbase. Interestingly,its kerb weight is as low as 1 115 kg on the manual versionand the newcomer offers more slightly ground clearance:192 mm, which is 7 mm more than the Vitara.

Classic crossover looks

In keeping with its brethren's off-roader-inspired styling cues, the Vitara Brezza sports a number of cosmetic addenda, including a chrome-look grille, skid-plate-like bumper garnishes, foglamps, roof rails, side mouldings,wheel-arch extensions anda tailgate spoiler. It hasa floating-roof look, courtesy of blacked-outA-pillarsand dark inserts on the rearcorners that appear to "liftthe C-pillars from the body."

The top-spec GLX derivatives can be distinguished from their GL siblings by the fact that they have full-LED headlamps and -daytime running lights, gunmetal-coloured roof rails and silver-finished bumper garnishes (both as opposed to black), as well asdiamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in slightly plumper rubber (215/60 R16 vs205/60 R16 on the GL, which is shod with16-inch steel wheels).

Powertrain

The Vitara Brezza is powered by the K15B engine, which is anaturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder motor that develops 77 kW and 138 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox or a4-speed automatic transmission. The South African subsidiary of the Japanese brand has not revealed claimed consumption figures for the model yet, but expect performance in line with that of the Ertiga.

Specification

Although GLX derivatives arebetter equipped thantheir GL counterparts, that does not mean the Suzuki's standard equipment list is sparse.The Vitara Brezza has a driver-focused cabin fascia, which is dominated by a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which incorporates Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as a reverse-view camera display.

Apart from 5customisable mood lighting options, automatic climate control is standard, asare rear parking sensors.The steering is electrically assisted and the -column is tilt-adjustable for added comfort.

The GLX derivatives additionally featurea leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry and push-button start, auto wipers, cruise control, tweeters for the audio system, a cooled glovebox and a 12V charging port in the load bay. Speaking of which, the Vitara Brezza has a claimed luggage capacity of328 litres, which expands handilywhenthe 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded down.

Safety

The Suzuki Vitara Brezza received a 4-star crash safety rating from Global NCAP in 2018 and comes equipped with 2 front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as ISOfixchild-seat mounting points atthe back(GLX versions are further fitted with height-adjustable front safety belts). Security is taken care of by an immobiliser and security alarm, both of which are standardon all derivatives.

Suzuki Vitara Brezza Price in South Africa (February 2021)

All Vitara Brezzaderivatives are sold from new with a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and a 5-year/200 000 km promotional warranty. There are 6 exterior finishesto choose from and top-spec GLX derivatives are additionally available in the following 2-tone colour combinations:Sizzling Red with Midnight Black roof;Granite Grey with Autumn Orange roof andTorque Blue with Midnight Black roof.

Suzuki Vitara Brezza GL Manual R244 900

Suzuki Vitara Brezza GL Auto R264 900

Suzuki Vitara Brezza GLX Manual R289 900

Suzuki Vitara Brezza GLX Auto R309 900

Further Reading

2021 Suzuki Brezza Review – We test Suzuki's new crossover in South Africa

Suzuki Vitara (2020) Review

Suzuki SA Confirms Brezza for 2021

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