Maruti S-Presso Review: Made For More Excitement
Introduction: A Journey of Spirited Living
How do you turn the everyday into something more? The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso has the answer. It’s designed for those who believe excitement is an experience, not just a feeling. It injects passion and surprise into every drive with its SUV-inspired bold design and a high, commanding seating position that lets you scope the fun around you. Under the hood, the powerful and efficient Next Gen K10C engine delivers a peppy performance, while the convenience of Auto Gear Shift technology lets you glide effortlessly through life. The S-Presso isn’t just a car; it’s an invitation to a world of never-ending excitement.
Design: Bold Stance, Lively Interior
The S-Presso makes a strong first impression with its SUV-inspired bold front fascia and high stance. The twin-chamber headlamps and signature C-shaped tail lamps give it a unique and recognizable character on the road. Higher variants feature body-coloured ORVMs and door handles, along with full wheel covers, adding to its modern appeal. The B-pillar blackout tape and side body cladding further enhance its rugged, SUV-like aesthetic.
Step inside, and the S-Presso’s cabin feels alive with excitement. The highlight is the Dynamic Center Console, which houses either the SmartPlay Studio touchscreen or the SmartPlay Dock, creating a funky and youthful centerpiece. The high seating position provides a commanding view of the road, a feature typically found in larger vehicles. The interior is surprisingly spacious, with ample rear legroom for easy ingress and egress, and a wide boot that can accommodate plenty of luggage. The VXi+ variant adds a touch of class with first-in-its-class steering-mounted audio and voice controls, keeping you connected without taking your hands off the wheel.
Performance & Safety: Efficient Power, Enhanced Security
The S-Presso is powered by the Next Gen K10C engine, featuring Idle Start-Stop technology for enhanced fuel efficiency. This peppy 1.0-litre engine delivers spirited performance for city commutes and is remarkably frugal, offering an incredible mileage of up to 25.30 km/l (AGS). The convenience of the Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology makes city driving effortless.
Safety has been significantly enhanced in the new S-Presso. Built on the strong HEARTECT platform, it comes equipped with over 11 safety features. All variants get dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. The AGS variants go a step further, offering Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the advanced Hill Hold Assist, which prevents the car from rolling back on inclines, providing extra confidence and security on every drive.
Variants and Value: Options for Every Budget
The S-Presso is available in four core trims, offering a clear step-up in features to match different needs and budgets. The range starts from the essential Std(O) and moves up to the fully-loaded VXi+(O), which includes modern features like a touchscreen infotainment system and steering-mounted controls. The AGS (Auto Gear Shift) is available in the top two variants, providing the convenience of an automatic at an accessible price point. The S-CNG option is also available in the LXi and VXi trims, offering exceptionally low running costs for high-mileage users.
- Std(O): Base variant with essentials like dual airbags, ABS, and power steering.
- LXi(O): Adds air conditioning and is available with a CNG option.
- VXi(O): Adds central locking, front power windows, SmartPlay Dock, and is available in MT, AGS, and CNG.
- VXi+(O): Top-spec with 14-inch wheels, 7-inch SmartPlay Studio, steering-mounted controls, and electrically adjustable ORVMs.
Full Specifications Table: Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
Engine & Performance
- Engine: K10C with Idle Start-Stop Tech
- Max Power (Petrol): 49 kW @ 5500 rpm
- Max Torque (Petrol): 89 Nm @ 3500 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / Auto Gear Shift (AGS)
- Fuel Efficiency (Petrol AGS): 25.30 km/l
- Fuel Efficiency (CNG): 32.73 km/kg
Dimensions & Capacity
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 3565 x 1520 x 1567 mm
- Wheelbase: 2380 mm
- Turning Radius: 4.5 m
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 27 Litres (Petrol)
- Seating Capacity: 5 Persons (Petrol) / 4 Persons (CNG)
Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
- Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
- Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
- Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
- Rear Brakes: Drum
- Tyre Size: 145/80 R13 (Std, LXi) / 165/70 R14 (VXi, VXi+)
- Platform: HEARTECT
Safety & Technology
- Airbags: Dual Front Airbags
- Safety Suite: ESP & Hill Hold Assist (AGS only), ABS with EBD
- Parking Assist: Rear Parking Sensors
- Infotainment: 17.78 cm SmartPlay Studio (VXi+), SmartPlay Dock (VXi)
- Controls: Steering-Mounted Audio & Voice Controls (VXi+)
Comparisons: S-Presso vs Kwid & Alto K10
The S-Presso carves out a unique space in the entry-level segment. It directly challenges the Renault Kwid with a similar SUV-inspired formula but counters with a more fuel-efficient engine and superior safety features like ESP and Hill Hold Assist in its AGS variants. Compared to its own sibling, the Alto K10, the S-Presso offers a more commanding driving position, greater road presence, and more interior space, appealing to buyers who want the practicality of a small car but the attitude of an SUV.
Vs. Renault Kwid:
Better mileage and advanced safety; Kwid offers a more conventional interior layout and a larger touchscreen on top trims.
Vs. Maruti Alto K10:
Higher seating and more road presence; Alto K10 is more affordable and has standard 6 airbags.
Pros and Cons: Our Balanced View
Pros:
- SUV-like Stance & High Ground Clearance: Offers a commanding road view and handles bad roads with ease.
- Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The K10C engine is incredibly frugal, leading to very low running costs.
- Enhanced Safety Features: The inclusion of ESP and Hill Hold Assist in AGS variants is a major plus in this segment.
- Easy City Drivability: Compact dimensions, light controls, and the AGS option make it a perfect city car.
Cons:
- Quirky Center Console Design: The centrally-mounted instrument cluster is not to everyone’s taste.
- Limited Rear Space: While legroom is decent, seating three adults in the rear is a squeeze.
- Not Ideal for Highways: The lightweight build and engine are best suited for the city; it can feel out of its depth at high speeds.
- Basic Interior Materials: Cost-cutting is evident in the hard plastics used throughout the cabin.
Who Is This Car For? Tailored Recommendations
The Maruti S-Presso is an outstanding choice for:
- Young & First-Time Buyers: Who want a stylish, fun-to-drive, and affordable first car.
- Urban Adventurers: People who need a nimble car to navigate city traffic and tackle poor road conditions with confidence.
- The Mileage-Conscious Consumer: Anyone looking to minimize their fuel expenses with a highly efficient petrol or CNG car.
- Those Seeking a Secondary Car: A perfect, low-maintenance second vehicle for household errands and city runs.
Final Verdict: The Fun-Sized SUV for a Spirited Life
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso successfully carves its own niche by offering the attitude of an SUV in a compact, affordable, and incredibly efficient package. It’s a car that doesn’t take itself too seriously, focusing on delivering a fun and exciting driving experience. The peppy K10C engine, high ground clearance, and commanding view of the road make every city drive feel like a small adventure. With the addition of key safety features like ESP and Hill Hold Assist in the popular AGS variants, it has become an even more compelling proposition. While it may have its compromises, it excels at its core mission: to provide a spirited, stylish, and sensible mobility solution. For those who want to inject a dose of excitement into their daily commute, the S-Presso is made for more.
Overall Rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 (Based on Expert Analysis)