Trading conditions and consumer demand is also dictating changing business models and collaboration. Whether this happens through joint ventures or other means, it will become more prevalent and cost-effective for all involved. Toyota and Suzuki are but one such example.
Suzuki has just released its Vitara Brezza. Toyota released the Urban Cruiser. These are identical cars. So what is the rationale? To be quite honest, I am not sure!
Be that as it may, I had the privilege of driving the Brezza for a weekend and here are my thoughts…
Exterior
The first thing you will notice is the SUV/crossover credentials; good ground clearance, large wheels, front and rear bash plates under the bumpers, muscular front end with narrow headlight clusters and bold style lines on the bonnet. Yeah, it has it all!
At the rear the wide bumper with high tail lights just a tad above the middle, and spoiler at the top of the window line, present a wide, bold and businesslike I-am-ready attitude. It may not appreciate the crossover reference, though, because it is not a crossover…
The I-am-ready attitude is part of the Suzuki philosophy and reflects in everything it does. It consistently reports record sales across its product range, so who can blame them for the cheeky and daring attitude?
Boasting the same wheelbase as its brother, the Vitara, the Brezza is 180mm shorter, 15mm wider and offers 198mm ground clearance versus the 185mm of the Vitara.
Interior
The interior design and layout welcomes one into a spacious cabin with wide and supportive seats and excellent front and rear legroom. The rear seats can be split or fold down completely to enlarge an already respectable luggage area. Active citizens, young and old, will love this!
But let’s get back to the dashboard and centrepiece, which is a seven inch touchscreen. The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible plug-and-play, easy to operate, and with Bluetooth, a USB and auxiliary port within easy reach; you have the world at your finger tips.
The Brezza offers automatic climate control, electric windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, a rear armrest and cup holders across the range.
Suzuki offers the Brezza in two derivatives – the GL and GLX. The latter brags, among other luxury features, a leather-clad steering wheel and cruise control buttons on the steering, autofolding side mirrors and a 12V port in the luggage bin.
Power and performance
Both Brezza derivatives are kitted with the K15B engine producing 77kW and 138Nm, pushing power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox. Performance is brisk, but not earthshattering. The power delivery is smooth and enjoyable whether you drive in city traffic or on the open road. I attended the Wildside Enduro at the other side of Badplaas and the Brezza impressed through the hills and sweeps. I found that cruising at a steady 110km/h provided a stable drive allowing for comfortable nature and landscape viewing and an excellent 15km/litre fuel index.
At the Enduro I drove on two-spoor, long grass paadjies to get to some of the better spots for photos. It was a breeze courtesy of the high ground clearance of the Brezza.
Road performance is generally good and comfortable. The Brezza is ideal for small, active families or individuals.
Conclusion
The Brezza comes with a four year/60 000km service plan and a five-year/200 000km promotional mechanical warranty, and a Suzuki reputation that has many others green with envy – so what can go wrong? Other than you becoming totally obsessed with your Brezza, nothing! The Brezza will certainly boost local Suzuki sales.
So whether you buy a Suzuki Brezza or a Toyota Brezza or a Toyota Urban Cruiser or a Suzuki Urban Cruiser is really much of a muchness – it is a personal choice and depends on your brand preference. Both will provide satisfying ownership and exceptional service.
Photos: Motorpress
