Driven: 2021 Suzuki Vitara Brezza 

Driven: 2021 Suzuki Vitara Brezza 

It seems that there can never be enough compacts SUV’s on the local market, as the demand for them has pretty much skyrocketed since 2015. Brands like Suzuki know full well when to capitalize on these trends, and with their new eye-catching Vitara Brezza, they may just grab your attention too. The Vitara Brezza will slot somewhere between the Jimny and Ertiga and will compete with the latest Ford Ecosport and Honda WR-V. The Vitara Brezza has been a major success in India selling a total of 600 000 units since being launched in 2016. Now that it has hit the local market, Suzuki will be expecting it to do just as well. The biggest attraction here being its bargain for buck reputation as its four model line-up ranges from R244 900 to R309 900. We recently got to spend some time with Suzuki’s latest offering, and we are glad to say that it has exceeded all expectations. 

Fuel-efficient engine 

The Vitara Brezza or Brezza for short proves that it is more than capable of handling itself on the road. The drive feels comfortable with its gear changes being almost effortless, which genuinely exemplifies Suzuki’s highly praised ride quality. The recipe for making a great compact SUV is to offer the same drive quality as an SUV but with a fuel-efficient engine, and the Brezza’s 1.5-litre petrol engine certainly strikes the perfect balance. The Brezza’s fuel consumption sits at 7.8-litre/100km making it one of the more budget-friendly compact SUV’s to own. Its power output comes in at a cool 77kW of power and 138Nm of torque, and dependant on the guise chosen, will either get paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. 

Stylish exterior 

The Brezza burrows a lot of styling cues from the current Vitara but this time offering a more rugged appeal. Its body will certainly grab your attention, with its near-solid chrome grille being instantly recognizable from the current S-Presso. In many ways, the Brezza does look a step out of its price range with its body shape certainly being a lot more appealing than some of Suzuki’s current offerings. Its rear spoiler gets combined with a range of silver trimming giving the Brezza an edgier appearance. The Brezza’s ground clearance is also slightly higher than its sibling and sits at 200mm, which proves to be quite an excellent offering considering that South African roads are practically filled with potholes. Standard features on the Brezza include LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and 16-inch wheels. 

Comfortable interior 

The inside of the Brezza does in many ways prove to be both comfortable and spacious. Finishes like its 7-inch touch screen infotainment system does add a sense of class to the interior. Suzuki clearly knows how to build excellent 'value for money' cabins and the Brezza is proof of this. One thing that was quite surprising to see on the Brezza was its reverse camera, seriously Suzuki has pulled out all the stops. Although its materials are not of the highest standard, the Brezza certainly offers a range of features that you would expect in a high-priced compact SUV. 

Verdict 

The Brezza in many ways makes the perfect entry-level compact SUV for anyone trying to get into this overly saturated market. It's affordable, comfortable, spacious, and offers everything you would want from a compact SUV. The Brezza lives up to its value for money recognition and we can see it doing really well on our local market. Suzuki has already found success in the Swift and S-Presso, and we believe that the Brezza will join this shortlist. 

Pricing 

Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GL Manual                          R244 900 

Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GL Auto                               R264 900 

Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX Manual                        R289 900 

Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX Auto                             R309 900 

All Suzuki Vitara Brezza models will be sold with a five-year/200 000km warranty and a four-year/60 000km service plan. 

Also worth a look: the Suzuki Swift and the Suzuki Starts 2025 with Record-Breaking Sales in South Afric.

FAQ

Q: What does the 2021 Suzuki Vitara Brezza cost in South Africa?

The 2021 Suzuki Vitara Brezza range starts from R244,900 for the base model and tops out at R309,900 for the flagship variant, making it one of the most affordable compact SUVs you can buy in SA.

Q: Is the Suzuki Vitara Brezza fuel efficient?

Yes, the Vitara Brezza delivers excellent fuel economy at 7.8 litres per 100km, which means you'll spend less at the petrol pump compared to most other compact SUVs on the market.

Q: How powerful is the Vitara Brezza engine?

The Vitara Brezza packs a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 77kW of power and 138Nm of torque, which is adequate for daily driving and highway cruising without being a rocket ship.

Q: What are the main competitors to the Suzuki Vitara Brezza?

The Vitara Brezza goes head-to-head with the Ford EcoSport and Honda WR-V in the compact SUV segment, offering similar practicality but often at a more attractive price point.

Q: Is the Vitara Brezza worth buying in 2021?

The Vitara Brezza offers exceptional value for money with its sub-R310,000 pricing, decent fuel economy, and Suzuki's proven reliability, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who want SUV styling without the premium price tag.

Should You Buy It?

The best compact SUV under R320,000 in South Africa is definitely the 2021 Suzuki Vitara Brezza. At R244,900 to R309,900, it delivers unbeatable value with its frugal 7.8L/100km fuel consumption and Suzuki's bulletproof reliability. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you want SUV looks, decent space, and rock-bottom running costs without breaking the bank. The Brezza proves you don't need to spend R400,000-plus to get a proper compact SUV that won't leave you stranded or bankrupt at the fuel station.