Road Review: Suzuki Brezza S-Edition

Suzuki’s climb to the top echelon of monthly car sales in South Africa has been an interesting one to watch, and the kind of activity likely to become the subject of a university marketing degree thesis' project but, in reality, is not all that complex.

Suzuki easily meets buyers' needs in a tough economy by providing a range of well-specced and cost-effective products across a targeted grouping (smaller cars). 

The Brezza is one such vehicle. Originally launched more than a year ago, the model I tested shortly after left me impressed with the overall package, looks, specification and performance.

Silver trim design

Now, the company has added the S-Edition aimed at a younger and less conservative audience with added sliver and chrome to give it a funky look that sets it apart from its siblings.

Spruced up exterior

Designed to fit in between the GL and GLX models, the S-Edition has the same creature comforts as the GL model, but the prominent Vitara Brezza grille has been changed from bright chrome to pattered cubic chrome on this model.

Lower down, the silver front extender garnish with silver highlights on a black background replaces the dark polycarbonate skid plate. Ditto the rear, where Suzuki has fitted the same garnish.

The garnish in the front and rear is visually connected by silver side skid plates, with the silver-and-black theme repeated in the 16-inch alloy wheels with 15 spokes in a bold silver-and-black finish. A set of wind deflectors fitted to all doors complete the exterior changes.

Inside, Suzuki replaced the standard dashboard and door trim with soft silver highlights. Called Uber Life Silver, this silver finish runs from the rear door to the front door, all along with the dashboard.

Not your standard dashboard

Standard fixtures include dual crash bags, a touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reverse camera, steering wheel controls for the Bluetooth phone and audio system and climate control.

The model also has power fold-in mirrors, rear parking sensors and height adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Price, power and performance

The manual version of the S-Edition is priced at R273 900, slightly more than the Suzuki-derived Toyota Urban Cruiser but less than the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Renault Kiger Turbo Intens that swim in much the same gene pool as the Suzuki.

The inline four-cylinder 1 462 cc petrol engine fitted to the Brezza generates 77 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 138 Nm of torque at 4 400 r/min, moving from rest to 100 km/h in 10,8 seconds and on to a maximum velocity of 165 km/h.

In this time of scampering fuel prices, Brezza's fuel consumption average of 6,2 l/100 km is a welcome feature, as is the tank range of around 770 km – and CO2 emissions of 147 g/km do nothing to harm its reputation either.

The bigger wheels and visibly flat-square bonnet are ideal for accurate positioning into parking bays or negotiating tight corners when out and about with the city fading away in the rear-view mirror.

Rear camera for backwards motion

This particular Suzuki engine –  also fitted to the larger Vitara – is notable for its work ethic and stability on the road and responds quickly and accurately to steering instructions while scooting along at highway or urban speeds as needed. 

The Vitara Brezza has an electrically assisted rack and pinion steering system, a McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension bay for a smooth, comfortable ride.

Maintainance, service and warranty

Lastly, the S-Edition has the same Suzuki Complete warranty, service plan and roadside assistance package as the other Vitara Brezza models. 

It includes a 5-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty, a 6-year unlimited mileage body corrosion warranty and a 4-year or 60 000 km service plan. There is also a 3-year / unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan included in the price.

Specs: