Maruti S-Presso: In a world of SUVs packing on the bulge and city roads shedding the fat, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso comes along with a difference.
It does not stuff its fenders with steroid-laden muscle, or attempt to out chrome the world; but rather, it etherealizes itself with a logic that’s quirky (some will say eccentric), adds charm to a regiment of plodding, ponderous commuters, is the exact opposite of a load of people in tall buildings telling quieter, less numerous people how to live, loudly; and the next day, and the day after that and the day after that … is a pleasant, pocket-book sized journey about town.
It’s a car that doesn’t make any pretenses about what it is — and that’s exactly what makes it attractive.
An urban hatch developed for the commuter looking for modern features and SUV-inspired design, the S-Presso carves a new space in the entry level segment.
It’s not a house for everyone, but for the right buyer, it strikes all the right chords.
Design: SUV Vibes in a Small Package
Let’s talk looks. The S-Presso is not built to the time-tested hatchback design recipe. It is boxy and proud and stands up tall for its size.
The high bonnet line, upright stance, and squared-off wheel arches mean it all looks quite SUV, even if it in reality is nothing of the sort.
The bold face is provided by the front grille with sharp headlamps around it, and the compact body means it’s easy to move around busy, narrow lanes.
It’s quirky, cool and refreshingly unapologetic in its style — you will either love it or loathe it, but you will not miss it.
Cabin Space and Comfort
Climb in and you’ll be taken aback by just how spacious it feels inside the S-Presso. Headroom is ample, and thanks to the tall-boy design, ingress/egress is a breeze; even taller passengers have no problem.
Its dashboard is straightforward but functional, with something of a centric speedometer and a round multifunction display for the infotainment system.
Hard plastics are to be expected at this price, but the build feels sturdy.
Boot space is fair for a car of this size, and there is enough storage space for the usual pouch of daily oddments. It’s a smart package for an entry-level car.
Performance and Driveability
The S-Presso is driven by a 1.0-litre K10C DualJet engine with BS6 Phase 2 compliance.
Sure, its 66 bhp and 89 Nm of torque might look paltry on paper, but driving it in the city reveals a nippy and flickable nature.
It comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or an AMT (automatic manual gearbox).
Purists might like the manual for full control, but given the kind of driving it’s tailor made to its for stop-and-go city conditions – it’s a really smooth and hasssle-free operation.
The handling is light, the turning circle is tight and the car feels perky in urban environments. It was never designed for highways, but it will chug along nicely at moderate speeds.
Mileage That Makes You Smile
Fuel Efficiency One of the S-Presso’s standout features is its efficiency. It gives close to 25 kmpl based on the variant and transmission and is one of the most fuel efficient petrol cars in the segment.
There’s also a CNG version available for those that are after even lower running costs.
That’s a huge win for entry-level car shoppers or anyone on a budget.
Pros
Tall-boy styling provides a generous headroom
Peppy and nimble in the city
Good fuel economy (petrol and CNG)
Small size, easy to find parking and get through traffic
Simple and cheap to build and maintain
Cons
Controversial design — not everyone will like it
Cabin materials feel basic
Not as suitable for highway cruising or road trips
Few safety features at base trim levels
Ride may be bouncy over broken pavement
Maruti S-Presso: Final Verdict
It’s not much for thrills, and there are no luxurious pretensions here, either. The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is all about getting the job done with the least amount of fuss.
It’s cute, useful and budget-priced, and that makes it a good choice for city-dwellers, college students or first-time car buyers.
Yes, it skimps a little to reach the price, but it delivers an amazing amount for the money where it counts: performance.
If the S-Presso doesn’t rival an Abarth in terms of hot hatch thrills, then it also doesn’t offer the same hot hatch price — and you really need to factor that in.