The closely related Suzuki Vitara Brezza and (first-generation) Toyota Urban Cruiser were only on the SA market for a brief period, but proved immensely popular. We look at both models and also list two rival options for comparison.
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Baring their badges and some cosmetic differentiations, Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza and Toyota Urban Cruiser, are essentially the same vehicle. Born out of a marriage between the two automotive giants, both share the Brezza’s underpinnings. However, with the Brezza’s discontinuation in 2023, a noticeable gap emerged in both manufacturers’ portfolios. The new Urban Cruiser is now based on Suzuki’s larger Grand Vitara, while the Baleno-based Fronx replaces the Vitara Brezza. On Toyota’s side, this model wears the Starlet Cross badge.
But back to the two compact SUVs in question. Although neither are on sale anymore, their two-year stint in South Africa was met with strong levels of sales success: more than 11 000 Brezzas and close to 26 000 Urban Cruisers being sold between 2021 and 2022.
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Both are powered by Suzuki’s familiar K15B petrol engine. This naturally aspirated unit is employed in several Suzuki products, including the adventure-ready Jimny. In the Brezza and Urban Cruiser, the engine is tuned to deliver 77 kW and 138 N.m, and it is paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. With a kerb weight of 1 140 kg, they are among the lighter crossovers out there, but the engine does run out of steam on an uphill, especially when laden with five passengers and their luggage.
The Vitara Brezza was offered in three trim levels at launch – GL and GLX. But with the vehicle’s first local birthday in 2022, Suzuki opted to launch an S-Edition. This new model was based on the GL, but it offered a host of sporty styling accessories. Across the Vitara Brezza range owners were treated to a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a reverse camera, Bluetooth, and auxiliary and USB inputs.
Toyota launched five Urban Cruiser models at launch; Xi, Xs, and Xr specification, available with either the manual or automatic transmission. The Toyota carried a minimal premium over the Suzuki upon which it was based, but the Xr models were the pick of the bunch. As the flagship model, it came standard with items such as LED foglamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a leather-bound steering wheel.
Despite the vehicles’ shared mechanical lineage, Toyota and Suzuki supplied respective warranties. The Urban Cruiser was sold with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, while the Vitara Brezza came with a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and 5-year/200 000 km warranty. Given that both vehicles exited the South African market last year, purchasing a used option today will see most prospective buyers still benefiting from the balances of these plans.
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While no major issues have been reported on either vehicle, owners should listen out for the engine idling roughly at start-up which can be attributable to a faulty water pump. There have also been reports of difficulties in engaging the reverse gear in a number of Indian-built Suzuki models, including the Brezza, although this is more of an inconvenience than a major fault. The reverse gear isn’t equipped with a synchroniser, so if the lever doesn’t slot into the gate easily, you can re-engage the clutch fully or shift into first and then back into reverse, and it should then engage. Any mechanical repairs should be covered under each vehicle’s mechanical warranty, provided it is still active. In terms of vehicle servicing and mechanical repairs where needed, the Right to Repair law makes provision for owners to service their vehicles at the service station of their choice. However, if a vehicle is under its original warranty, an OEM is not obligated to warrant repairs or services done outside of its dealer network. This applies to both the Vitara Brezza and Urban Cruiser. Time to look at some rivals…
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
In 2021 Chery re-entered the South African market, with the Tiggo 4 Pro leading the product offensive. Suddenly, South Africans were treated to a vehicle that was 1) a big departure from cars Chery sold locally before first exiting the market, and 2) offered an array of features normally found on more expensive vehicles.
At launch, five models comprised the line-up and all were powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The naturally aspirated version offered 83 kW and 138 N.m, while the turbocharged version had 108 kW/210 N.m. Power was channelled to the road via a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox, or 9-speed CVT. The headlining Elite SE models (R359 900 launch price) offered a comprehensive package that included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a voice command system. By simply saying “Hi Chery”, users can operate, among others, the windows, climate control, volume control, and sunroof.
While the Tiggo 4 Pro presents good value on paper, the car is not without fault. Whether the electronics, powertrain, build quality, or the higher-than-claimed fuel economy, prospective owners should fine-comb the SUV’s service history. Moreover, owners have bemoaned the lack of spare parts. This correlates to dissatisfaction with aftersales service and support, and delays in local parts availability – an issue seemingly still prevalent three years after Chery’s South African reintroduction.
Owners looking at the Tiggo 4 Pro, or any Chery product, as a used purchase should be aware that the 10-year/1 000 000 km engine warranty is only applicable to the first owner. A Tiggo 4 Pro on the used-car market will carry the remainer of the original 5-year/60 000 km maintenance plan and the 5-year/150 000 km warranty. Also be aware that, in later years, Chery moved away from the maintenance plan and only offered a service plan.
Volkswagen T-Cross
Since 2019, the T-Cross has been a standout product in Volkswagen’s local portfolio. Based on the popular Polo, the SUV came to market with a raised ride height, a spacious cabin, and the tried-and-trusted VW mechanicals. A 1.0 TSI (70 kW, 85 kW) and a 1.5 TSI (110 kW) – both turbopetrol engines – powered the range, available with manual or automatic transmissions. Like the Polo, the T-Cross is also built on the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform that underpins various VW, Audi, and Skoda products.
The initial T-Cross line-up comprised Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trim levels, each offering items befitting the name. In the top-spec Highline, owners were treated to Comfort Sports Seats, wireless smartphone charging, drivetrain setting selection, LED headlamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Though the standard package was comprehensive, the options list included items such as a 300 watt with 8-channel amplifier and subwoofer Beats sound system, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, and a removable towbar. At the time, the most affordable model was the 70 kW Comfortline, which entered the market at under R300 000.
Despite its popularity, owners have noted some issues. The start/stop system can fail to engage and disengage, attributed to a possible sensor fault software glitch. The 1.0-litre engine is also prone to excessive oil consumption, but this can be traced to anything from worn piston rings to PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve issues. Sticking with the 1.0 TSI, prospective owners are encouraged to pay close attention to the turbocharger. Components on this item have been known to fail, but it should be covered under the vehicle’s mechanical warranty. Signs to look out for include a loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and/or unusual noises from the engine bay.
Find the full feature in the November issue of CAR Magazine.
