Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Review: Compact SUV-like Hatchback (₹4.25-6.25 Lakh)

Model Range Overview

The 2024 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso presents a unique micro-SUV styled option:

Price range: ₹425,000 to ₹619,000

Engine specifications: 998cc petrol engine

Power output: 65.71bhp@5500rpm

Torque: 89Nm@3500rpm

Fuel type: Petrol

Transmission options: 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT

Number of variants: 8

The S-Presso's range starts with the basic STD variant, offering essential features at an attractive price point. The LXI and VXI trims progressively add more comfort and convenience features. The VXI+ variant tops the range with the most comprehensive feature set. Notably, Maruti Suzuki offers both manual and AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) options in the higher trims, catering to those who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission. The inclusion of CNG variants in the LXI and VXI trims addresses the growing demand for more economical and eco-friendly fuel options, particularly in urban areas where CNG infrastructure is well-developed.

Design and Styling

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso stands out with its distinctive SUV-inspired design philosophy, offering a unique blend of compact dimensions and a bold, upright stance. The front fascia features a large, squared-off grille reminiscent of larger SUVs, flanked by angular headlamps. LED daytime running lights are available on higher trims, adding a modern touch to the front end.

The S-Presso's side profile emphasizes its tall-boy design, with a high roofline and generous ground clearance of 180mm. The 14-inch wheels, while not particularly large, are pushed to the corners, maximizing interior space. Black cladding around the wheel arches and along the lower body adds to the rugged SUV-like appearance.

At the rear, the design is simpler, with rectangular taillights and a sculpted bumper completing the look. The overall dimensions of 3565mm length, 1520mm width, and 1567mm height result in compact proportions that are ideal for urban environments.

Inside, the S-Presso features a quirky design with a centrally-mounted digital instrument cluster, reminiscent of the Mini Cooper. The dashboard layout is functional, with a focus on maximizing space and visibility. Higher trims offer a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that dominates the center console.

Maruti Suzuki offers the S-Presso in six color options: Solid Fire Red, Metallic Granite Grey, Metallic Silky Silver, Pearl Starry Blue, Solid Sizzle Orange, and Solid Superior White. These vibrant color choices complement the car's youthful and energetic design ethos.

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder K10B petrol engine across its range. This engine produces 67 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. While these figures are modest, they are well-suited to the S-Presso's lightweight construction, ensuring peppy performance in urban conditions.

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the option of a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) on higher variants. The AMT option is particularly popular for its convenience in stop-and-go city traffic.

For those seeking improved fuel efficiency and lower running costs, Maruti Suzuki offers factory-fitted CNG variants. In CNG mode, the engine's output is slightly reduced to 58 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Compared to key competitors:

The Renault Kwid offers a similar 1.0-liter engine with 67 bhp and 91 Nm, matching the S-Presso closely in performance.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, while in a slightly higher segment, provides a more powerful 1.0-liter engine with 79 bhp and 113 Nm of torque.

The S-Presso's powertrain, while not the most powerful in its class, offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. The availability of both manual and AMT options, along with the CNG variant, provides flexibility to buyers with different needs and preferences.

Key Features Across Range

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso offers a range of features that vary across its trim levels:

Comfort Features:

Air conditioning (standard across all variants)

Power steering

Front power windows (higher trims)

Keyless entry (higher trims)

Electrically adjustable ORVMs (higher trims)

Rear parcel tray

60:40 split rear seat (VXI+ variant)

Infotainment Features:

7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system (VXI and above)

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility

Bluetooth connectivity

Steering-mounted audio controls (higher trims)

USB and AUX input

The S-Presso's feature set is competitive for its segment, with the higher trims offering a good balance of comfort and technology. The inclusion of the SmartPlay Studio infotainment system in higher variants is particularly noteworthy, as it brings smartphone integration capabilities to this entry-level segment.

Compared to key competitors:

The Renault Kwid offers similar features but includes a rear-view camera in its top trim, which is absent in the S-Presso.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, being positioned slightly higher, offers additional features like push-button start and automatic climate control in its top variants.

While the S-Presso may not lead its segment in terms of feature count, it offers a well-rounded package that covers most essential comfort and convenience needs. The availability of a modern infotainment system even in mid-range variants is a strong selling point, catering to tech-savvy buyers in this price-sensitive segment.

Performance and Efficiency

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso's performance characteristics are tailored for urban driving conditions, prioritizing ease of use and efficiency over outright power. The 1.0-liter K10B engine, while modest in output, provides adequate performance for city use, thanks to the car's lightweight construction.

In manual transmission guise, the S-Presso offers smooth and light gearshifts, making it easy to navigate through congested traffic. The engine's torque delivery is well-suited for low-speed urban driving, with decent pull from lower RPMs. However, overtaking maneuvers at higher speeds may require downshifting and planning.

The AMT variant provides the convenience of automatic gear changes, ideal for stop-and-go traffic. While there's a slight lag in gear shifts characteristic of AMT systems, it's not overly intrusive in daily driving scenarios.

Fuel efficiency is a strong suit of the S-Presso:

Petrol Manual: 24.12-24.76 km/l (claimed)

Petrol AMT: 25.3 km/l (claimed)

CNG: 32.73 km/kg (claimed)

These figures position the S-Presso as one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment, a crucial factor for budget-conscious buyers.

Ride quality is generally comfortable for a car of this size, with the suspension tuned to handle typical Indian road conditions well. However, the tall body design can lead to some body roll during cornering at higher speeds.

Compared to competitors:

The Renault Kwid offers similar performance but with slightly lower claimed fuel efficiency (21.7 km/l for the manual variant).

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, with its more powerful engine, offers slightly better performance and marginally better fuel efficiency (25.24 km/l for the manual variant).

Overall, the S-Presso delivers a balanced performance package, with its efficiency being a standout feature in the segment.

Safety Suite

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the S-Presso with a range of safety features, addressing the growing emphasis on vehicle safety in the Indian market:

Standard Safety Features:

Driver-side airbag

ABS with EBD

Rear parking sensors

Speed alert system

Seatbelt reminder for driver and front passenger

High-speed alert system

Pedestrian protection compliance

Additional Safety Features (on higher trims):

Passenger-side airbag

Front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters

ISOFIX child seat anchorages

The S-Presso's safety package is compliant with India's latest safety norms. However, the S-Presso received a 2-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests.

Compared to key competitors:

The Renault Kwid offers a similar safety package but includes a rear-view camera in its top trim.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio provides a more comprehensive safety suite, including hill-hold assist in AMT variants and an option for four airbags in top trims.

While the S-Presso meets the basic safety requirements mandated for its segment in India, it lags behind some competitors and higher-segment vehicles in terms of advanced safety features and crash test performance.

Comfort and Space

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, despite its compact exterior dimensions (3565mm length, 1520mm width, 1567mm height), offers a surprisingly spacious interior, thanks to its tall-boy design and 2380mm wheelbase.

Interior Space:

• The high roofline provides excellent headroom for both front and rear passengers.

• Legroom is adequate in the front, while rear legroom is reasonable for the segment.

• The car's width may feel a bit constrained for three adults in the rear seat.

Seating Comfort:

• The front seats offer good support and are comfortable for city driving.

• The rear bench is flat but provides decent under-thigh support.

• The high seating position offers good visibility, a boon in city traffic.

Boot Space:

• The S-Presso offers a boot capacity of 240 liters, which is competitive in its segment.

• The rear seats can be folded to increase luggage space when needed.

Compared to competitors:

• The Renault Kwid offers slightly less boot space at 279 liters but has a more premium feel in its top variants.

• The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, being slightly larger, provides more interior space and a larger 313-liter boot.

Overall, the S-Presso makes good use of its dimensions to offer a spacious feel, especially considering its compact exterior. The tall-boy design contributes significantly to the sense of roominess, making it feel more substantial than its size suggests.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso's infotainment offerings vary across its trim levels, with higher variants featuring more advanced systems:

Higher Trims (VXI and above):

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility

• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming

• USB and AUX input for external devices

• Steering-mounted audio and phone controls

Lower Trims:

Basic audio system with FM/AM radio

USB and AUX input

The SmartPlay Studio system in higher trims is a significant selling point, offering smartphone integration that's increasingly sought after in this segment. The touchscreen is responsive and the interface is user-friendly, making it easy to access various functions.

Compared to competitors:

The Renault Kwid offers a similar 8-inch touchscreen system with smartphone connectivity in its top variants.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio provides a comparable 7-inch SmartPlay Studio system in its higher trims.

While not class-leading, the S-Presso's infotainment offerings are competitive for its segment, particularly in the higher trims where smartphone integration is available.

Key USPs

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso stands out in its segment with several unique selling points:

2. SUV-inspired Design: Its tall-boy stance and rugged styling cater to the growing preference for SUV-like vehicles in the Indian market.
3. High Ground Clearance: With 180mm of ground clearance, the S-Presso is well-suited for navigating rough urban roads and speed breakers.
4. Fuel Efficiency: Offering some of the best-in-class fuel economy figures, it appeals to cost-conscious buyers.
5. Maruti Suzuki's Service Network: The extensive service network provides peace of mind to owners, especially in smaller towns and cities.
6. AMT Option: The availability of an automated manual transmission in lower price points makes it an attractive option for first-time car buyers seeking the convenience of an automatic.

These features collectively position the S-Presso as a unique offering in the entry-level segment, blending practicality with a touch of adventure.

Target Audience

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is designed to appeal to a diverse range of buyers in the Indian market:

• First-time Car Buyers: Young professionals or families upgrading from two-wheelers, attracted by the affordable price point and SUV-like styling.

• Urban Commuters: City dwellers looking for a compact, fuel-efficient car that's easy to maneuver and park in congested areas.

• Small Families: Those needing a practical, spacious car for occasional family trips, appreciating the tall-boy design for easy ingress and egress.

• Budget-conscious Buyers: Individuals prioritizing low running costs and Maruti's reputation for reliability and affordable maintenance.

• Style-conscious Youth: Younger buyers attracted to the S-Presso's unique design and modern features like smartphone connectivity.

• Tier 2 and 3 City Residents: Buyers in smaller cities and towns who value ground clearance and robust build for varying road conditions.

• CNG Variant Buyers: Those in areas with good CNG infrastructure, looking for extremely low running costs.

• AMT Seekers: Urban drivers wanting the convenience of an automatic transmission at an accessible price point.

This diverse target audience reflects the S-Presso's positioning as a versatile, entry-level car with SUV-inspired styling.

Competitor Landscape

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Distinctive SUV-inspired design
• High ground clearance (180 mm)
• Spacious interior relative to its compact exterior
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• User-friendly infotainment system with smartphone connectivity
• Wide service network and low maintenance costs
• Available CNG option for lower running costs

Cons:

• Poor Global NCAP safety rating
• Limited feature list in base variants
• Engine feels strained at higher speeds
• Interior quality could be better, especially in lower trims
• Narrow body makes seating three adults in the rear uncomfortable
• AMT transmission can feel jerky at times
• Lacks some features offered by competitors, such as a rear-view camera

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso presents a compelling option in the entry-level hatchback segment, particularly for those drawn to its SUV-inspired styling and high stance. Its strengths lie in its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and the backing of Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network. The S-Presso successfully blends the practicality of a compact car with the appeal of a mini-SUV, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers and urban commuters.

However, potential buyers should weigh these advantages against its limitations, particularly in terms of safety ratings and feature offerings in base variants. For those prioritizing the Maruti Suzuki brand, fuel efficiency, and a unique design at an accessible price point, the S-Presso is a strong contender. It's a car that brings a dash of adventure to the entry-level segment, offering a distinct alternative to traditional budget hatchbacks.