The Bengal Story Bureau: For first-time car buyers in India, combining budget-friendly pricing with the commanding road presence of an SUV has often been a challenge. Maruti Suzuki aims to fill this gap with the S-Presso, a mini SUV that offers an elevated driving position, modern tech features and high fuel efficiency at an aggressive entry price.
With its starting ex-showroom price set at Rs 3.50 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso competes directly with hatchbacks like the Renault Kwid, but its tall-boy stance and rugged design elements have carved out a distinct space in the entry-level segment.
Engine and Performance Specs
The S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-litre Next-Gen K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT petrol engine. The motor produces a peak power of 66 bhp and 89 Nm of maximum torque, which is adequate for both city commuting and highway cruising.
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Buyers can choose between a standard 5-speed manual gearbox and an Auto Gear Shift (AGS) automatic variant. The automatic option caters specifically to urban drivers navigating heavy stop-and-go traffic, eliminating the constant need for clutch operation.
High Mileage Focus
Fuel efficiency remains a primary concern for Indian middle-class buyers, and the S-Presso delivers strongly in this area. The manual petrol variant offers a mileage of over 24 kilometres per litre. The automatic AGS variant pushes this slightly higher to approximately 25.3 kmpl.
For maximum fuel savings, Maruti Suzuki also offers a factory-fitted S-CNG variant. In CNG mode, the vehicle can deliver up to 32.73 km per kg, significantly reducing the running cost amid fluctuating fuel prices. The CNG trims are priced between Rs 4.62 lakh and Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Interior and Tech Features
Despite its compact exterior, the S-Presso features a surprisingly roomy cabin. The dashboard design is unique, highlighted by a circular central console that draws inspiration from premium compact cars like the Mini Cooper.
The centrepiece is a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other convenience features include Bluetooth connectivity, steering-mounted audio controls, and voice recognition capabilities.
Safety and Road Clearance
Built on Maruti Suzuki’s signature Heartect platform, the S-Presso includes essential safety updates. Dual front airbags are standard across all variants, along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Higher trims also feature an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Assist, which prevents the car from rolling backward on inclines.
The mini SUV features a high ground clearance of 180 mm, allowing it to navigate rough city roads and large speed breakers easily. Its elevated seating provides a commanding view of the road, while a tight turning radius of just 4.5 metres makes parking in narrow spaces hassle-free.
The top-spec VXi Plus Opt AT model is priced at Rs 5.25 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices will vary depending on state road taxes and insurance premiums.
