Affordable crossovers competing against the new Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki recently launched its new crossover in South Africa, the Grand Vitara, at a starting price of R339,900.

The Grand is the company’s replacement for the Vitara Brezza which was once one of the country’s most popular vehicles.

The new Suzuki is noticeably more expensive than its predecessor, as the Brezza retailed from R262,900, but the jump has been justified through the addition of several new features.

There are five models in total – four of which are fitted with the same 1.5-litre petrol engine found on the Brezza – but the range-topping GLX can also be had as a hybrid – a first for the automaker in South Africa.

The regular powertrains produce 77kW and 138Nm, are front-wheel drive, and average 6.0l/100km on a typical fuel cycle regardless of whether the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox is selected.

The hybrid, on the other hand, uses a 1.5-litre drivetrain in tandem with an integrated starter motor and a 12V lithium-ion battery for a power cap of 76kW and 137Nm, connecting to a six-speed auto-box and an all-wheel-drive layout which cuts the fuel consumption down to 5.6l/100km.

Standard equipment on the Vitara includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, keyless entry and start, cruise control, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, hill assist, a leather multifunction steering wheel, and a 7-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Opting for the higher-spec GLX models add a heads-up display, a larger 9-inch media screen, a 360-degree camera, leatherette upholstery, ambient cabin lighting, a wireless phone charger, and paddle shifters.

The competition

These are the crossovers competing with the new Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Note that while the Ford EcoSport is still on sale in South Africa, its production has been discontinued meaning it will soon disappear from showroom floors.

Click on the underlined links to visit TopAuto Car Prices for information on pricing and new models on offer from the various manufacturers.

Ford EcoSport 1.5TDCi Ambiente

• Starting price – R322,500
• Power – 74kW/205Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.6l/100km

Kia Sonet 1.5 LX

• Starting price – R323,995
• Power – 85kW/144Nm
• Fuel consumption – 7.0l/100km

Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus

• Starting price – R326,000
• Power – 74kW/160Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.3l/100km

Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS

• Starting price – R329,900
• Power – 77kW/138Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.1l/100km

Opel Crossland 1.2

• Starting price – R329,900
• Power – 60kW/118Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.1l/100km

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort

• Starting price – R342,900
• Power – 83kW/138Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.8l/100km

Mahindra XUV300 1.2T W8

• Starting price – R343,999
• Power – 81kW/200Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.1l/100km

Honda WR-V 1.2 Elegance

• Starting price – R363,800
• Power – 66kW/110Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.4l/100km

Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen manual

• Starting price – R367,999
• Power – 66kW/210Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.1l/100km

Hyundai Venue 1.0T Motion manual

• Starting price – R371,900
• Power – 88kW/172Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.5l/100km

Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 ES

• Starting price – R389,990
• Power – 110kW/197Nm
• Fuel consumption – 7.5l/100km

Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active

• Starting price – R390,500
• Power – 115kW/206Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.9l/100km

VW T-Cross 1.0TSI Comfortline

• Starting price – R393,400
• Power – 70kW/175Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.8l/100km

BAIC Beijing X55 1.5T Dynamic

• Starting price – R420,900
• Power – 130kW/305Nm
• Fuel consumption – 7.2l/100km

Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2T Feel

• Starting price – R429,900
• Power – 81kW/205Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.5l/100km

Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Tech

• Starting price – R447,900
• Power – 115kW/230Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.9l/100km

Proton X50 1.5T Standard

• Starting price – R449,900
• Power – 110kW/226Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.5l/100km

Peugeot 2008 1.2T Active auto

• Starting price – R454,900
• Power – 96kW/230Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.5l/100km

Haval Jolion 1.5 Hybrid Luxury

• Starting price – R549,950
• Power – 140kW/375Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.0l/100km