Maruti S-Presso

Hello car lovers and future car owners! Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're not just looking for wheels; you're looking for a companion that fits your budget, keeps you safe, won't burn a hole in your pocket for monthly maintenance, comes packed with the latest features, and has reliable company service when you need it. It's a lot to consider!

Well, today we're putting a spotlight on a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for a wide range of Indian families: the Maruti S-Presso. Launched by India's biggest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, the S-Presso has positioned itself as a 'micro-SUV' for those looking for something compact yet commanding. Let's dive deep and see if it's the right fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Maruti S-Presso is its efficient K-Series petrol engine. It’s known for being peppy and fuel-efficient, perfect for city commutes and occasional highway runs.

• Engine Type: 1.0-litre K10C Dual Jet, Dual VVT Petrol Engine
• Maximum Power: 66 bhp (approx 49 kW) at 5500 rpm
• Peak Torque: 89 Nm at 3500 rpm

Design Overview

The S-Presso stands out with its unique design, often described as an 'SUV-inspired' hatchback.

Exterior Design

• Bold Stance: It has an upright, tall-boy design with a high bonnet, giving it a mini-SUV look.
• Headlamps & Grille: The front features C-shaped headlamps and a bold, chrome-accented grille, reminiscent of larger SUVs.
• High Ground Clearance: This adds to its rugged appeal and helps in tackling Indian road conditions.
• Wheel Arches: Prominent wheel arches give it a muscular look.

Interior Design

• Central Mounted Digital Speedometer: A unique circular central console houses the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.
• Spacious Cabin: Despite its compact dimensions, the tall design helps in offering good headroom and a reasonably spacious feel for front passengers.
• Practical Layout: The dashboard is simple and functional, designed for easy access to controls.
• Colour Accents: Depending on the variant, orange or silver accents add a touch of youthfulness to the cabin.

Key Features

The Maruti S-Presso comes with a decent set of features for its segment:

• SmartPlay Studio Infotainment: A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: A full digital speedometer and information display.
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and calls, adding convenience.
• Front Power Windows: Standard for ease of use.
• Manual Air Conditioning: Keeps the cabin cool.
• USB and 12V Accessory Socket: For charging devices.

Please note: Features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or automatic climate control are generally not available in this segment, including the S-Presso.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti S-Presso?

A crucial factor for Indian roads, the Maruti S-Presso offers a healthy ground clearance.

• Ground Clearance: 180 mm

What is the Boot Space of Maruti S-Presso?

For your luggage and shopping bags, the S-Presso provides practical boot space.

• Boot Space: 279 litres

What are the Dimensions of Maruti S-Presso?

Understanding the size helps you picture how it fits into parking spots and traffic.

• Length: 3565 mm
• Width: 1520 mm
• Height: 1553 mm (VXi/VXi Plus) / 1567 mm (Std/LXi)
• Wheelbase: 2380 mm

Powertrain Options

The S-Presso gives you choices for how you want to drive:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission: For those who prefer direct control.
• 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift / AMT): Maruti's popular automatic transmission for effortless city driving.

Safety Features

Safety is increasingly important, and Maruti has equipped the S-Presso with essential features:

• Dual Front Airbags: Standard across all variants.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for better braking control.
• Reverse Parking Sensors: To assist in parking.
• High-Speed Alert System: A warning chime for speeds above 80 km/h and 120 km/h.
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist: Available on AGS (AMT) variants for improved stability and easier hill starts.

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety performance from independent crash tests is vital. It's important to note that Global NCAP ratings can change based on the testing protocol and specific variant tested.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Comments
Global NCAP	1 Star	2 Stars	This rating is for the updated S-Presso with dual airbags, under Global NCAP's older protocol. Earlier variants without dual airbags scored 0 stars. Always check the specific variant's safety features.
Bharat NCAP	Awaiting Test	Awaiting Test	As of now, the S-Presso is yet to be tested under the new Bharat NCAP protocol.

Rivals of Maruti S-Presso

The Maruti S-Presso competes in a bustling entry-level segment. Here are some of its key rivals:

• Renault Kwid
• Maruti Celerio (entry-level variants)
• Tata Punch (though slightly higher priced, it appeals to a similar SUV-ish preference)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros of Maruti S-Presso

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: One of its biggest USPs, thanks to the K10C engine and lightweight platform.
• Easy to Drive in City: Compact dimensions, light steering, and optional AGS make it a breeze in traffic and tight spaces.
• High Ground Clearance: Helps in navigating potholes and unpaved roads common in India.
• Maruti's Reliability & Service Network: Extensive service network and affordable spare parts are a huge plus.
• Peppy Engine: The 1.0L engine feels energetic enough for city driving.
• Affordable Maintenance: Typical of Maruti cars, the running costs are low.

Cons of Maruti S-Presso

• Divisive Design: The 'micro-SUV' styling isn't everyone's cup of tea; it has a polarizing look.
• Highway Stability: Due to its tall-boy design and light build, it can feel a bit unsettled at very high speeds on highways.
• Limited Rear Space: While headroom is good, legroom for rear passengers can feel a bit cramped on longer journeys.
• Basic Features: Lacks some comfort and convenience features found in higher segments or even some rivals (e.g., rear power windows, auto climate control).
• Safety Rating: While improved, its Global NCAP rating is still a point of consideration for safety-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

So, should the Maruti S-Presso be on your shortlist? If you're a first-time car buyer, someone looking for an affordable second car, or primarily drive in the city, the S-Presso makes a compelling case. Its strengths lie in its fantastic fuel efficiency, ease of driving, Maruti's unmatched service network, and relatively low running costs. It tackles bad roads with ease thanks to its high ground clearance, and the optional AGS makes urban commutes stress-free.

However, if highway stability, premium features, or top-tier crash safety ratings are your absolute priorities, you might want to explore other options. The S-Presso isn't designed to be a highway cruiser or a feature-loaded tech marvel. It's a practical, no-nonsense car built for the realities of Indian city driving and budget-conscious buyers.

Ultimately, the S-Presso is a true Maruti – practical, economical, and reliable. Take a test drive, see how it feels, and weigh its pros and cons against your personal needs. It might just be the 'mini-SUV' that fits perfectly into your life!