Robin Reviews...The Suzuki Vitara Brezza S-Edition

Since the Vitara Brezza came onto the local scene in 2021, it has taken the compact SUV segment by storm and claimed the accolade of becoming one of Suzuki's best-selling models - not only did they hit the ground running, they've done a Usain Bolt.

Like the Brazilian national football team, they have matchwinners all over the pitch, and that is pretty much the exact blueprint that Suzuki has with top-sellers like the Baleno, S-Presso, and Swift that has seen them break numerous records and claim the top spot for passenger cars sales in May 2022 - beating the likes of Toyota and Volkswagen.

What is the S-Edition?

It was launched to celebrate the Vitara Brezza's first birthday in South Africa. Regarding the model hierarchy, it slots between the GL and GLX models in the local line-up. The model was developed using feedback from dealers and customers across the country, featuring all the creature comforts as the GL model but with a host of additional styling accessories as standard, making it stand out.

Starting on the outside, the grille is decked in pattered cubic chrome, the front and rear skid plates are replaced with Suzuki's optional silver front extender garnish, silver-and-black finished 16-inch alloy wheels, (manually operated) LED daytime running lights and a complete set of wind deflectors. In addition, customers can also choose from a range of extras like a rear roof spoiler extension, wheel arch cladding, and carbon fibre-look side mirror caps.

The interior is pretty much the same, bar the standard dashboard and door trim sections coated in soft silver highlights (called Uber Life Silver). Also, the stainless steel door sills are a nice touch and give off a hint of premium. Like in the GL trim, it comes standard with dual airbags, a touch screen infotainment system (integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a reverse camera, electric fold-in mirrors, rear parking sensors, and height adjustment for the driver's seat.

Does it drive like it looks?

In terms of power, nothing has changed under the bonnet, and it still uses the ever-capable aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with outputs of 77kW and 136Nm that sends power exclusively to the front wheels. This particular review model had a five-speed manual transmission, though there is a four-speed on offer as well.

With Suzuki's, you never fuss too much about their often low power figures because low kerb weights mitigate that - the S-Edition's is rated at 1 140kg - and translates to peppy on-road performance. By principle, I've had the opportunity to drive the Swift Sport (with a sub-1 000kg weight), and by no means does it feel like a 103kW car. Even when the car is loaded with occupants, luggage, or both, there's minimal drag resistance. It's marketed as a compact SUV but is more than capable when asked to do a bit more.

It's not such a common occurrence to be able to match or even surpass the automaker's claimed fuel consumption figure (Suzuki claims 6.2-litres/100km), but for the week that I had the SUV, and no matter how much or fast I drove it, I couldn't crack the 6.2-litre mark. I constantly hovered around 6.0-litres and even dropped to 5.8 at one point. Suffice it to say, the (digital) fuel indicator dropped a bar every two days of constant driving - very impressive.

I did find the engine to be a bit laboured when doing speeds of more than 100km/h in fifth gear, with the revs spooling up very quickly because of the short throws between gear changes (akin to a quick-spooling turbo car).

Spec and pricing

1.5 GL 5MT - R255 900

1.5 GL 4AT - R275 900

1.5 GL S-Edition 5MT - R273 900

1.5 GL S-Edition 4AT - R293 900

1.5 GLX 5MT - R300 900

1.5 GLX 4AT - R320 900

Rivals

Toyota Urban Cruiser - priced from R274 900

Nissan Magnite - priced from R287 700

Honda WR-V - priced from R308 400

Renault Kiger - priced from R209 900

While it does have the smallest boot, though not by much, compared to its rivals (Magnite 336-litres, WR-V 363-litres, and Kiger 405-litres), its closest rival is the same model, just with a Toyota badge - the Urban Cruiser. The S-Edition is priced exactly R1 000 less than the base Urban Cruiser, meaning more value for money, even though it's the same car at the end of the day.

The S-Edition comes with the same warranty, service plan and roadside assistance package as the other Vitara Brezza models. This includes a five-year or 200 000km mechanical warranty, a six-year unlimited mileage body corrosion warranty and a four-year or 60 000km service plan, in addition to a three-year or unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan.

Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.