Having fun with the Suzuki Fronx

In a fortuitous coincidence, the “Long and Winding Road’ by The Beatles popped up on the playlist as I started the swooping curves on the road between Sudwala and Sabie in Mpumalanga, the 4/4 timing of the song almost like a sine wave mirror of the road ahead.

Driving the Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX Auto and getting into the rhythm of the curves – just quick enough for it to be fun but not enough to produce white knuckles on Mrs W who was sitting beside me and absorbing the glorious scenery, the issue of compromise came to mind.

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In every facet of life compromise is a player in what we do - my compromise was keeping under the speed limit to mitigate Mrs W’s trepidation on really winding roads. The second, happening at the same time, was the four-speed auto gearbox fitted to the Fronx.

Sure, it would benefit from a modern six or eight-speed auto shifter but that would add significantly to the price of R344 900 and move it up into a bracket for which it was never destined - so, the compromise is understanding and living with the fact it will have to drop a cog or so to maintain momentum of inclines.

Having experienced this on the initial launch drive, I decided to experiment and used the N4 and the standard fitment cruise control to see how it would fare at keeping to the set speed of 120 km/h and what this might do to the fuel consumption.

As to maintaining the speed there was no problem and the changedowns happened early enough so little momentum was lost and, as far as consumption went, the average of 6,2 l/100 km was quite impressive.

On the return journey along the same N4, I kept cruise control off and went a ittle quicker on the downslopes and slower on the inclines trying to minimise gear changes and simply became an irritating mobile chicane on the road, achieving no significant reduction in consumption.

Where no compromise was offered, or needed, on the round trip that also included long sections of dirt road within the Kruger National Park, was in terms of the overall comfort and driveability of the Fronx and, for a car that sits in the budget stream of the compact SUV category, seat padding and design along with the interior layout punch well above their fighting weight.

For some perspective, the price rivals to the Fronx GLX would be the Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Kuro auto,  Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort and the Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD W6 SE (although this has a manual gearbox).

The coupé SUV body style, with its bold front grille and sloping roofline, offers a stylish choice in this market segment, and  styling options, such as roof rails, daytime running lights and alloy wheelsare standard fare.

Enough Space

The five-door Suzuki Fronx is 3,995 metres long and 1,765 metres wide. It rides on a 2,520-metre wheelbase, meaning there is enough space for five adult occupants in the cabin.

Other vital statistics worth noting include the luggage volume, which measures 304 litres with a full-sized spare wheel. This grows to 605 litres with the rear seatback folded forward. All models have a 60:40 split folding rear bench seat.

However, the boot is quite deep so there is a large lip to overcome when loading or, especially, unloading heavy items.

The top-spec GLX Auto offers a comprehensive specification list with a slightly larger touchscreen, keyless entry with push-button start, a heads-up display and four additional crash bags compared to the other derivtives in the range.

All versions of the Suzuki Fronx have a leather-clad multi-function steering wheel with buttons for the Bluetooth cell phone connection, audio controls and cruise control. The steering wheel is adjustable for height and on GLX  there is also adjustment for reach.

Standard Specification

Also included across the range are power windows front and rear, automatic climate control with rear-seat ventilation, central locking, electric power steering, dual rear-mounted USB charging points, a front-mounted 12V charging socket and a centre console box that doubles as both an armrest and storage compartment.

As with virtually all Suzuki models, the infotainment screen offers full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The GLX also has a full-colour information screen in the instrument cluster and, in keeping with the silver accents outside, it has silver trim in the cabin and door handles matched with faux leather inserts in the door panels.

Power comes from a 1,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 77 kilowatts at 6 000 r/min and 138 Nm of torque at 4 400 r/min. The Fronx weighs in at 1 010 kilogrammes, giving it a great power-to-weight ratio.

The numbers may not look impressive but the lightweight package means 138 Nm is more than adequate for what the Fronx is intended to do and this is quite important - it is intended to be an urban runabout for the most part and more than capable to undertaking the annual family holiday trip.

It is not designed or set up to be a challenger on the road to a Swift Sport. Simply, it is cost-effective mobility.

Greater Protection

Underpinning the Fronx is the lightweight Suzuki HEARTECT platform that offers greater impact protection at a lower weight. In the Fronx, Suzuki has fitted a rack-and-pinion steering system, a MacPherson-strut front suspension with ventilated disc brakes and a rear torsion beam suspension system with drum brakes.

Safety comes in the form of  six crash bags), ESP (electronic stability programme), hill hold control (HHC), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and ISOFIX child seat anchors on both sides of the rear bench seat.

Every Suzuki Fronx is offered with a 5-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan. A comprehensive 5-year roadside assistance plan and a 6-year unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion warranty are also part of the purchase price.

Colin Windell

Proudly CHANGECARS

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Suzuki's 5-door Jimny on the road

First shown as a teaser at The Festival of Motoring, the five-door Suzuki Jimny is now a reality and in dealerships around the country in GL and GLX specification with the option of a five-speed manual transmission orfour-speed auto – all with the same K15B 1,5-litre petrol engine up front.

"This is the first time in the 50-year history of the Suzuki Jimny we offer a five-door model. We did this to meet the unprecedented demand for this hardy off-roader from customers who, owing to family size or overlanding requirements, asked for a larger Jimny model," says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.

"From the outset, the brief to engineers was they had to keep the Jimny DNA intact. That included the short overhangs, ladder-frame chassis with solid axles and the ability to go anywhere and everywhere."

So, the engineers stretched the wheelbase of the three-door Jimny to 2 590 mm, allowing space for rear passenger doors and more room, but not so much as to compromise its off-road capabilities.

The overall length, measured from bumper to bumper, has increased by 340 mm to 3 820 mm, width is 1 645 mm and height 1 720 mm. Ground clearance remains 210 mm, while the approach, breakover and departure angles are 36 degrees, 24 degrees and 47 degrees respectively.

The ‘fiver’ gets the same upright grille, round headlamps, square edges and the fitment of the spare wheel to the side hinging rear door.

All five-door models also have 195/80 on/off road tyres on 15-inch alloy wheels. The spare wheel is also fitted with an alloy wheel.

Suzuki has transferred the design of the dashboard, seats and controls directly into the five-door model, and all South African versions have a 50:50 split rear bench, an additional power socket in the luggage compartment and a multi-functional steering wheel that is height adjustable.

The GLX specification adds leather cladding to the steering wheel and complements the Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio controls with additional buttons for cruise control.

The GLX also gets a bigger infotainment screen (from 7-inch on the GL to 9-inch on the GLX). All versions have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in full colour and will show images from the reverse camera on the infotainment screen.

Power windows are standard on all passenger doors and the GLX models have automatic climate control as opposed to the GL's standard air-conditioning system.

For travellers, the two rear seats can fold individually or together, increasing the rear loading space from 211 litres to 332 litres. The cabin has 1 113 litres of space in total.

Anf, for the truly adventurous, all five-door models also have a design feature that allows the front seats to fold completely flat and integrate with the rear seats to offer two lay-flat beds.

The 1,5-litre engine delivers 75 kW at 6 000 r/min  and 130 Nm at 4 000 r/min. The power is delivered through a five speed manual transmission (available on the GL and GLX models) or a four-speed automatic transmission (GLX only) to the rear wheels under normal circumstances or all-four wheels when the transfer gearbox is engaged.

The Suzuki Jimny is fitted with a complete off-road system, including a transfer gearbox with 2H, 4H and 4 Low Range modes and has a new version of the AllGrip system, called AllGrip Pro. This system amplifies the capabilities of the four-wheel drive system with electronic assistance, such as selective braking on wheels with no traction that emulates a traditional differential lock. All five-door models further have Hill Descent Control, Hill Assist and Brake Assistance as standard.

All models have Electronic Stability Program (ESP), anti-lock brakes, side-impact beams in all doors and three-point seatbelts for all four seats. Both rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX child-seat anchors.

The Jimny in GL-specification has two crash bags and the GLX-models have six, including front-side bags and curtain bags that run the length of the cabin.

Colin Windell - proudly CHANGECARS

www.changecars.co.za

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Colin-on-Cars - Boogie time with Jimny

Suzuki Auto SA is holding up on its promise made last year to host the largest ever gathering of Suzuki Jimny owners and fans – and it all goes down in Clarens in the Free State from September 22 to 24.

Entertainment for the get-together will come in the form of the Suzuki Safari Town Festival, which will be hosted on September 23 in the Clarens Town Square.

Unlike the Suzuki Jimny Gathering, the Suzuki Safari Town Festival will be open to Suzuki and non-Suzuki owners alike. Tickets are available from R60 to R250 per person.

“We have a jam-packed day of music, food and entertainment planned for the Suzuki Safari Town Festival,” says Henk van der Schyf, the event organiser.

“The event will be headlined by Goodluck, Mango Groove and Spoegwolf, and we have many other artists on the roster, including Femi Koya and Black Heidi. The comedian, Schalk Bezuidenhout, is our host for the day, and we will stream the SA/Ireland rugby game at 9 pm to wrap up the festivities.”

Bezuidenhout, a proud Jimny owner himself, will also be a feature at the Suzuki Jimny Gathering.

While live music and comedy are the main attractions, Suzuki and the event organisers have also arranged for a large selection of food and craft vendors. There will also be multiple craft bars, a large kids entertainment area and several opportunities throughout the day to meet and mingle with the artists.

“The Suzuki brand is for everyone. So, while we have many special treats planned for the Jimny owners, we wanted to make sure that everyone who visits Clarens on the weekend can have a jol. That is why we are so excited to be the headline sponsor of the Safari Town Festival,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.

The Suzuki Jimny Gathering hopes to attract and entertain hundreds of the Jimny, SJ, LJ and Samurai owners in South Africa. By most estimates, there are over 20 000 owners of these vehicles in South Africa.

Jimny owners can register on jimnygathering.co.za to join the gathering, while fans of live music, good food and craft beer can purchase tickets online to join the fun.

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Colin-on-Cars - Simola Hillclimb gains new backing

Since inception, the size, status and relevance of the annual Simola Hilclimb has grown exponentially along with the speed, ferocity and technical innovation of the vehicles that clamour for inclusion – with all available slots taken up well before the event itself.

This motoring and motor sport lifestyle event has been given a further boost for this year’s 13th edition, as a record number of vehicle manufacturers are set to join the action. The 2023 Simola Hillclimb, which takes place from 4 to 7 May, will see six manufacturers supporting the event with official entries, with four of the brands also signing up as event partners.

“For the past three years we have been working exceptionally hard to expand the manufacturer support and participation in the Simola Hillclimb to broaden its appeal for spectators and competitors, and give the vehicle brands an unrivalled platform to highlight their latest products,  performance and heritage,” says Ian Shrosbree, managing director of the Knysna Speed Festival which runs the Simola Hillclimb.

“Moving away from having a manufacturer as a title sponsor from the 2021 event onwards allowed us to engage with other brands, and we have been encouraged by a steady growth in involvement each year,” Shrosbree says. “We are delighted to have six manufacturers lined up for this year, which elevates the profile and status of the Simola Hillclimb to even greater heights.”

Suzuki

Suzuki Auto South Africa is a Tier 1 partner for 2023, marking its third consecutive year of sponsoring the event.

“The Simola Hillclimb provides a platform to showcase Suzuki’s fun, exciting and passionate personality that stretches beyond our repertoire of providing affordable, fun and sporty compact cars and motorcycles,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto SA.

“Globally, the Suzuki brand has a very strong heritage and enviable reputation of building crazy, and often record-breaking, high-powered hillclimb monsters such as Monster Tajima’s Suzuki Escudo Pikes Peak and the Suzuki SX4 Pikes Peak Special,” Carpenter says. “The Simola Hillclimb gives us an opportunity to dabble in the South African motor sport scene, and has become a highlight on our annual event calendar.”

Along with its Tier 1 sponsorship, for the second year in a row Suzuki will feature two standard Swift Sport entries competing in the standard production class. The company will also display the latest addition to its SUV line-up, and fans can look forward to demonstration runs with its newest motorcycle offerings.

BMW

Following its participation as an entrant last year, BMW South Africa has stepped up its involvement to become a Tier 1 partner for the 2023 Simola Hillclimb.

“We had a very enthusiastic response from the BMW team last year, and we are delighted to welcome the company on board as a Tier 1 partner for 2023,” Shrosbree says.

While the vehicle and driver line-up is still being finalised, fans can be assured there will be lots to look forward to.

“BMW’s presence at this year’s Simola Hillclimb will be a celebration of our heritage in South Africa on Classic Car Friday, as well as a look towards our future and our expanding electromobility portfolio in the King of the Hill Shootout,” says Thilosh Moodally, General Manager: Group Communications and External Affairs, BMW Group South Africa.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has progressively stepped up its participation in the Simola Hillclimb over the past couple of years, and has signed up as a Tier 2 partner for 2023.

“This event is the most fun one can have in Knysna! It is a showcase of both driver capability and the incredible engineering in our Volkswagen products,” says Mike Rowe, Volkswagen Driving Experience Manager. “We use it as an opportunity to entertain important guests as well as to demonstrate new Volkswagen products and motorsport drivers to the elite motoring fanatics.”

The Volkswagen line-up will include the powerful Polo SupaCup race car that featured in the 2022 event, along with two Golf R entries in the production vehicle class.

“There will be a fourth very exciting car, but we can’t reveal the details yet,” Rowe says.

Honda

Joining the fray for the first time as a Tier 2 partner is Honda Motor Southern Africa.

“This is the first time that Honda will be participating in the Simola Hillclimb, and we are delighted to be a Tier 2 partner for this prestigious event,” says Letitia Herold, Marketing and PR Manager, Honda Motor Southern Africa.

“For King of the Hill, we are entering a highly anticipated new performance car that will be launched just before the Simola Hillclimb. It will be driven by one of South Africa’s best-known racing drivers, so we expect that there will be lots of interest from the enthusiastic spectators. Fans can look forward to demo runs up Simola Hill as well, and we will be involved in the Fan Fest activities too, so there will be lots to look forward to.”

Hyundai

Hyundai South Africa returns as the media shuttle partner for the second consecutive year, supplying the Staria buses to transport the press contingent to designated photographic locations along the Simola Hill course.

More noteworthy for hot hatch fans, though, is the official entry of the Hyundai i30N, which will be driven by Joshua Lowe, Hyundai’s Regional Sales and N-sport Manager.

“Hyundai N products such as the i30N and Kona N closely align themselves to motorsport and were developed to be track stars for the road,” Lowe says.

“We have entered our i30N which we raced in the Johannesburg-based Vilaca Racing time attack series in 2022, where it finished second in the FWD modified class in stock form,” Lowe says. “For this year the vehicle has a few basic modifications for the track, but is essentially what you can expect from the factory vehicle. We look forward to showing the South African public what the i30N is capable of.”

Ford

Fresh from its South African launch, the new V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor will provide an unusual twist on the performance vehicle theme with the backing of Ford South Africa, and will compete in the unlimited class for sports utility/activity vehicles and bakkies.

“We are excited about participating in the 2023 Simola Hillclimb for the first time with a media partner,” says Minesh Bhagaloo, General Manager, Communications at Ford South Africa. “The Simola Hillclimb is a fantastic event, and fans will get to see the exhilarating Next-Generation Ranger Raptor in action. It is powered by a 292 kW 3,0-litre V6 EcoBoost engine which makes it our most powerful Ranger yet. We are confident that the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor will be a great attraction at this year’s event, and on our media partner’s social platforms.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Pressure eased

Car buyers on the waiting list for a Suzuki Jimny can take heart as the first consignment of models has arrived from the Gurgaon Plant in India along with the announcement GL manual and automatic models will join the range early next year.

The Gurgaon Plant plant recently started assembling the Jimny from 100% Japanese-sourced parts and components for delivery to markets in the Southern Hemisphere and the Caribbean.

The heavily automated Gurgaon Plant is the third-largest manufacturing facility in Suzuki’s global network, accounting for more than 700 000 of the Japanese brand’s 2,25-million production capacity in India.

“When Japan announced it will assemble the Jimny at its massive Gurgaon plant, we, our dealers and our customers sighed a collective sigh of relief.

“The Jimny has become extremely popular among both urban adventurers and overland enthusiasts, and demand has always outstripped supply. While we may not be able to satisfy demand in full every month, the new source will allow us to deliver units quicker and with greater flexibility,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa.

The new GL models share the same drivetrain as the GA and GLX models, including the ladder frame chassis and transfer case with low range 4x4 abilities, but adds a number of luxuries over the GA model.

These luxuries include:

- Power windows

- Electrically operated mirrors

- Alloy wheels

- Steering wheel audio controls

- Bluetooth connected audio system

- Remote central locking

- A comprehensive 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.

Following closely behind the first consignment of Indian-built Suzuki models will be a special Jimny Rhino Edition Kit.

The kit will be available on all grades of the Jimny when launched in the first quarter of 2022 and it resurrects the well-known Jimny Rhino logomark.

The Rhino logomark first appeared on the Suzuki SJ-series (the second-generation Jimny) exactly 40 years ago.

The Rhino was penned by a young designer, Osamu Namba, in 1981. Namba wanted to capture ‘the rugged strength, robust appearance, charging momentum, solidity and dynamic power’ of the Jimny.

He sketched the ‘Jimny Rhino’ in three dimensions by making the hind legs shorter than those in front and by drawing armour. It points to the left, to emphasise the contrarian spirit of the Jimny that has kept its compact dimensions and off-road drivetrain, while many other off roaders became bloated and soft.

“We will celebrate the 40th birthday of our beloved Jimny Rhino with a special Jimny Rhino Edition Kit, which will be available on all grades from early 2022,” says Carpenter.

The Rhino Edition adds the following design elements to a Jimny:

- Exclusive Rhino decals

- A Rhino-branded soft spare wheel cover

- The Suzuki Heritage grille

- Red Suzuki mud flaps

- Rain and wind deflectors

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 Road Review - Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX

The car you feel most comfortable in is the one to buy. That is something I tell people who call in or write to me looking for advice on what car is going to suit them and the budget the best. The simple reason for the simple answer is simply that is the car you going to spend the next couple of years driving and, if it is not comfortable for you, ending up hating with a passion. 

It is not rocket science and merely a matter of logic. At the end of the day the fuel economy, acceleration, top speed and all of that pales into insignificance compared to how you feel about the car. 

Obviously each of us is different. Our tastes vary and we’re all different shapes and sizes, so comfortable for me may not necessarily be comfortable for you.

 

I have always liked the Suzuki Swift and found it to be particularly comfortable for me. I love the short wheelbase, agility and, dare I say it, go-kart handling of the little car. In fact, if I was still involved in car club gymkhana activities, the Swift would be my weapon of choice. 

On a more practical day to day level is is absolutely ideal for the shopping centre slalom and zipping through the morning traffic.

 

The current generation Suzuki Swift was introduced in South Africa in 2018 and now gets a minor update that includes a distinctive chrome line that divides the grille into a section with the large Suzuki emblem and a lower section that holds the front number plate. 

The grille itself has a more distinctive mesh pattern and the GL and GLX models are fitted with front fog lights and the range-topping 1.2 GLX one test adds a high-resolution reverse camera that displays its image on the touch screen infotainment system and it gains new 15-inch polished alloy wheels. 

The most significant addition to the Swift range is Electronic Stability Control (ESP). This safety feature is added across all Swift models and will be added to the already-standard list of safety equipment, which includes SRS front and passenger crash bags, anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assistance (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

 

All models are also equipped with ISOFIX anchor points for child restraint systems, central locking, safety belts fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters, and an immobiliser and alarm system. 

The Suzuki K12M engine uses variable valve technology to deliver 61 kW at 6 000 r/min and 112 Nm at 4 200 r/min for an overall average consumption of 5,1 l/100 km on my test cycle. 

In terms of size and price positioning, at R218 900, the Swift comes up against the likes of the Toyota Agya, Kia Picanto Street and Peugeot 108 Active – all three of which sport 1,0-litre engines and are cheaper than the 1,2-litre Swift. 

On a spec-for-spec comparison the Swift outdoes its rivals in most categories – the Peugeot has curtain crash bags, for example – but, in the main, the differences are minor. 

Standard features on the Swift include power windows, climate control and central locking, an audio system with USB and AUX inputs, a tachometer, electrically adjustable mirrors, high-resolution colour touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reverse camera. 

The loading capacity varies from 268 litres to 953 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

 

As a total package, the bang for the buck ratio is pretty darn high. 

However, it still comes down to the drive. Here, the Swift excels as previously mentioned with its agility and ‘drive me’ attitude. It may not be the quickest around – 0-100 km/h coming up in a shade over 12 seconds and top speed around 169 km/h – but it delivers everything it can with gusto. 

Even the engine note as it climbs up the rev band is far more pleasing than some similar capacity options that sound like a cat being put through a bandsaw. 

For me, this is a car to enjoy. To have fun with. To appreciate the pleasure of driving.

Road Review: Suzuki Vitara Brezza 

1.5 GLX manual

Cars should be fun to drive, whether it is just the daily trudge to and from work or heading out on the highway to your happy place, the car should be more than just transport. From its broad S-toothed smile at the front to the neat and comfortably appointed interior, the Vitara Brezza exudes a ‘Let’s Play’ attitude. 

It is no wonder then, the Brezza became the fastest compact to reach 500 000 unit sales in India. 

Given the price point of the 1,5-litre GLX version at R289 900 plus the level of specification and that fun to drive feel, the Brezza is somewhat of a no-brainer choice when it comes to looking for a new car – even against the slightly lower price of the Toyota Urban Cruiser that is a Vitara Brezza rebadged. 

What does set the Brezza apart is the fact even though it is a small car – 3 995 mm long by 1 790 mm wide – it simply does not have that cramped small car feel. Rather, the internal space has been cleverly worked to provide a decently spacious feel and still leave a reasonable boot space of 328 litres. 

Again, rather than struggling with a small capacity engine, the Brezza’s 1,5-litres produces 77 kW at 6 000 r/min and 138 Nm at 4 000 r/min so it easily serves the urban cruiser mould as well as being more than comfortable and capable to take on the longer haul trips. 

The Vitara Brezza was first introduced in India in 2016, with an upgraded model that arrived in 2020. The first generation Vitara was available in South Africa through a direct importer in the late eighties and early nineties and the Grand Vitara led the charge when Suzuki Auto officially opened its doors in South Africa in 2008. 

The Vitara was launched in 2015 and upgraded with Suzuki’s Boosterjet engine in 2019. 

The GLX rides on 16-inch diamond-cut and polished alloy wheels as standard. 

The near-solid chrome grille stretches from end-to-end between the front lights that are finished with a chrome brow and LED daytime running lights, which pure LEDs on the GLX to accompany the automatic projector main LED headlamps. 

The signature Suzuki SUV look continues on the side of the Vitara Brezza, with hard-wearing polycarbonate side mouldings above the door sill. Add to this wheel arch extensions on all models, functional roof rails and colour-coded mirrors with LED indicators. 

At the rear, the U-shaped rear bumper and skid plate mirror the design of the front bumper and tie together the SUV design. Suzuki has also added a spoiler on the rear hatch door and an embossed chrome garnish above the number plate enclosure, which proudly carry the Vitara Brezza name. 

Inside there is a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, which is standard across the range and which forms the centrepiece of the dashboard. 

The system is fitted as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it will display the image from the reverse camera, when engaged. Bluetooth, an auxiliary input and a USB port are also standard, while all models allow the driver hands-free control of the system and the phone interface from the steering wheel buttons or voice command system. 

Suzuki has also added automatic climate control, power windows all-round, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, remote central locking and a rear armrest with integrated cup holders as standard across the range. 

In the GLX-model, the steering wheel is leather clad and has additional buttons for the cruise control system along with adjustable mood lighting with five customisable colours and additional interior lights in the foot well, glove box and the luggage compartment. 

The GLX model also adds a centre armrest for the front occupants and a push-button starter that works in combination with the standard keyless entry-system and the top of two glove boxes is air-conditioned. 

Other GLX-only luxuries include height adjustable front seatbelts, an auto-dimming rear mirror, auto-folding side mirrors, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 12V port in the luggage area and additional tweeters for more immersive sound from the infotainment system. 

In the Vitara Brezza, active safety systems include anti-lock brakes with emergency brake-force distribution and brake-assistance, crash bags for the driver and front passenger, pre-tensioners and force limiters on all seatbelts and ISOFIX-mountings for child seats. 

Passive safety, in turn, is taken care of by the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) structure. This body structure was designed by Suzuki to be both incredibly strong and light and it has won industry acclaim for the effective dispersing of crash energy away from the occupants. The Vitara Brezza’s TECT-structure also includes side-impact beams in the doors for added protection. 

All models also have a high-mounted LED stop lamp, a rear window-demister and a rear wiper with integrated washer as standard. 

The Vitara Brezza has an electrically assisted rack and pinion steering system and is equipped with a McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. 

All of that does little to convey the fun feeling referred to at the beginning of this review – that comes with getting behind the wheel and taking it for a drive. Sure, it is not going win many robot drag races but it sits squarely on the road and responds quickly and accurately to steering instructions while scooting along at highway or urban speeds as needed. 

Fuel consumption on average is around the 6,4 l/100 km mark and it will get to 170 km/h after taking 11,8 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h. The 1,5-litre petrol engine is not quick revving still, keep your foot pinned down and you will like the way engine winds in the top-end of the rev band. For average needs, performance is more than acceptable.