Maruti S-Presso VXI CNG

About Maruti S-Presso VXI CNG

Hello, car enthusiasts and smart buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new car that perfectly balances your budget, keeps you safe, and does not burn a hole in your pocket with monthly maintenance costs? Do you crave the latest features without compromising on reliable company service? If these questions are buzzing in your mind, then you have landed in the right place. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for Indian families: the new Maruti S-Presso VXI CNG. Let us explore if this micro SUV truly lives up to its promise.

Engine Specifications

The S-Presso VXI CNG comes with Maruti Suzuki's reliable K-series engine, tuned for efficiency and city driving.

• Engine Type: K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT Petrol Engine (Bi-fuel CNG)
• Displacement: 998 cc
• Max Power (Petrol): 65.71 bhp @ 5500 rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol): 89 Nm @ 3500 rpm
• Max Power (CNG): 56.44 bhp @ 5300 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 82.1 Nm @ 3400 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual (only option for CNG)
• Claimed Mileage (CNG): Approximately 32.73 km/kg

Design Overview

The S-Presso has a distinctive look that Maruti Suzuki describes as a micro SUV. It aims to offer a robust stance in a compact package.

• Exterior: It features a high bonnet line, a bold front grille with chrome accents (on higher variants), and squared-off wheel arches, giving it a somewhat rugged appeal. The tall boy design translates into easy ingress and egress, which is a big plus for daily urban commutes. The headlamps are simple yet effective.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a minimalist yet functional cabin. The highlight is the centrally mounted digital instrument cluster, which frees up space behind the steering wheel. The all-black theme is practical, and the circular center console houses the infotainment system and AC controls. While plastics are hard, they feel durable for the segment.

Key Features (S-Presso VXI CNG)

For its segment and price point, the S-Presso VXI CNG offers a practical set of features focused on convenience and connectivity.

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio Infotainment System (available with VXI Opt/Plus variants, basic audio for VXI)
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (with SmartPlay Studio)
• Steering Mounted Audio and Voice Controls
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Front Power Windows
• Manual Air Conditioning
• Remote Central Locking
• Internally Adjustable ORVMs
• Integrated CNG switch

Note: Features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or automatic climate control are typically found in higher segments and are not available in the S-Presso VXI CNG.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti S-Presso VXI CNG?

• Ground Clearance: 180 mm

This generous ground clearance is a major advantage for navigating Indian roads, especially over speed breakers and rough patches.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti S-Presso VXI CNG?

• Boot Space (Petrol): 279 litres
• Boot Space (CNG): Significantly reduced due to the CNG tank. Practically, it offers minimal usable space for luggage, suitable for a couple of small bags at best.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti S-Presso VXI CNG?

• Length: 3565 mm
• Width: 1520 mm (without ORVMs)
• Height: 1567 mm
• Wheelbase: 2380 mm

Powertrain Options

The Maruti S-Presso is primarily offered with a 1.0-litre K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT petrol engine. For the VXI CNG variant, the choice is specific:

• CNG Variant: 1.0L K10C engine paired with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT).
• Petrol Variants (other trims): Available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and a 5-speed Auto Gear Shift (AGS).

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has included essential safety features to meet current regulations.

• Dual Front Airbags (Standard)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• High Speed Alert System
• Front Seatbelt Reminders
• Engine Immobilizer

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car safety rating is crucial for any buyer. Here is how the Maruti S-Presso has performed in safety tests:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Safety	Child Occupant Safety
Global NCAP (2020 Test)	0 Stars	2 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated (New Protocol)	Not Yet Rated (New Protocol)

It is important to note that the Global NCAP test was conducted on an older, entry-level S-Presso model. Maruti Suzuki has since updated the model with dual airbags as standard. However, the basic structure and platform largely remain the same.

Rivals of Maruti S-Presso VXI CNG

In the competitive Indian market, the S-Presso VXI CNG faces off against several established and new players:

• Renault Kwid (especially the 1.0L variants)
• Tata Tiago (and Tiago NRG)
• Maruti Celerio (also available in CNG)
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (CNG variant)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you make an informed decision about the S-Presso VXI CNG.

Pros (Advantages)

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: With a claimed mileage of over 32 km/kg, the S-Presso VXI CNG is incredibly light on the pocket for daily commutes. This is a primary selling point.
• Affordable Running Costs: CNG makes monthly fuel bills significantly lower than petrol, a huge plus for budget-conscious buyers.
• High Ground Clearance: The 180mm ground clearance is ideal for tackling rough Indian roads and speed breakers with ease, reducing the risk of underbody scrapes.
• Compact & Easy to Drive: Its small footprint and light steering make it a breeze to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spots.
• Maruti Suzuki Reliability & Service Network: Unmatched peace of mind with Maruti Suzuki's widespread service network, easy availability of parts, and low maintenance costs.
• Dual Fuel Convenience: Seamless switching between CNG and petrol offers flexibility, especially when CNG stations are scarce.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Safety Rating: The 0-star Global NCAP rating is a significant concern for safety-conscious buyers, despite the addition of dual airbags.
• Severely Compromised Boot Space: The CNG tank consumes almost all the boot space, making it impractical for family trips requiring luggage.
• Basic Interiors: While functional, the interior quality and design are quite basic, reflecting its entry-level positioning.
• Reduced Power in CNG Mode: The engine feels noticeably less powerful when running on CNG, which can affect highway performance and overtaking maneuvers.
• Lack of Modern Features: It misses out on premium features like automatic climate control, alloy wheels, rear power windows, or a reverse camera (standard in many rivals).
• Polarizing Design: The micro SUV styling is not appealing to everyone and can be a hit or miss for potential buyers.

Conclusion

The Maruti S-Presso VXI CNG emerges as a highly practical and budget-friendly option for those seeking unmatched fuel economy and the peace of mind of Maruti Suzuki's ownership experience. Its compact dimensions, high ground clearance, and low running costs make it an ideal urban commuter, especially for individuals or small families where daily running is high, and fuel expenses are a primary concern. However, potential buyers must consider the significant compromise in boot space due to the CNG tank and, more importantly, its safety performance as per Global NCAP. If fuel efficiency and affordability are at the top of your priority list, and you are comfortable with its design and a no-frills approach, the S-Presso VXI CNG could be a smart choice for your daily city drives. As always, we recommend a test drive to see how it fits your personal driving needs.