About Maruti S-Presso VXi Plus

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? We all think about a few key things: how much it will cost, how safe it is for our family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has the latest features, and of course, how good the company's service is. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes, especially if you are on a budget or looking for your first set of wheels, can be tricky. But what if there was a car that offered a great balance, especially for city driving?

Today, we are taking a close look at a car that has been quite popular among Indian buyers for its unique appeal: the Maruti S-Presso VXi Plus. Known for its compact size, decent features, and the reliability of the Maruti Suzuki brand, the S-Presso VXi Plus aims to be a practical choice for many. Let's dive deep and see if this mini-SUV inspired hatchback is the right fit for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Maruti S-Presso VXi Plus is powered by a peppy and fuel-efficient engine, perfect for navigating Indian city traffic and occasional highway trips.

• Engine Type: K10C Dual Jet, Dual VVT Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 998cc (1.0-litre)
• Maximum Power: 66 PS at 5500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 89 Nm at 3500 rpm
• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI): Approximately 25.30 km/l (Manual & AGS)

Design Overview

Exterior

The S-Presso stands out with its 'micro-SUV' design, giving it a robust and confident road presence.

• High Bonnet: Gives it an upright and muscular stance.
• Tall Stance: Adds to the SUV-like appeal and offers good visibility.
• Distinctive Headlamps: Integrated with a bold grille for a strong face.
• Dynamic Bumper: Enhances its rugged character.
• Compact Footprint: Easy to maneuver and park in crowded urban environments.

Interior

Inside, the S-Presso VXi Plus focuses on practicality and modern aesthetics.

• Central Instrument Cluster: A unique digital speedometer and infotainment system placed centrally on the dashboard.
• Spacious Cabin: Surprisingly roomy for its size, offering good headroom and legroom for front passengers.
• Trendy Color Scheme: Black interiors with orange accents (depending on variant) for a youthful look.
• Practical Storage: Handy cubbyholes and door pockets for everyday items.

Key Features

The VXi Plus variant comes loaded with features that enhance convenience and entertainment.

• Infotainment System: 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and calls, adding convenience.
• Front Power Windows: Standard for ease of use.
• Remote Central Locking: For security and convenience.
• USB and Aux-in Ports: For various media options.

Please 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 Plus.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti S-Presso?

• Ground Clearance: 180 mm. This helps it tackle rough patches and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti S-Presso?

• Boot Space: 279 Litres. This is quite practical for your weekly groceries or a weekend trip's luggage.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti S-Presso?

• Length: 3565 mm
• Width: 1520 mm (without ORVMs)
• Height: 1564 mm (VXi/VXi Plus)
• Wheelbase: 2380 mm

Powertrain Options

The Maruti S-Presso VXi Plus offers flexibility in transmission choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission: For those who prefer direct control and engagement.
• 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift) Automatic Transmission: Offers clutch-free driving convenience, ideal for city traffic.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the S-Presso VXi Plus with essential safety features.

• Dual Airbags: For driver and co-passenger.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for better braking control.
• Reverse Parking Sensors: Aids in safe parking.
• High-Speed Alert System: Notifies the driver when exceeding certain speeds.
• Seat Belt Reminders: For both front occupants.

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP (2022)	1 Star	0 Star	Based on new, stricter GNCAP protocols for the S-Presso model with standard dual airbags. Earlier test of a different variant had different results.
Bharat NCAP	Yet to be rated	Yet to be rated	The S-Presso has not undergone testing under the new Bharat NCAP protocol yet.

It is important to consider the context of these ratings. While the S-Presso's GNCAP rating is on the lower side, Maruti Suzuki has continually worked on improving their safety standards and features in their newer models.

Rivals of Maruti S-Presso VXi Plus

In the highly competitive Indian market, the S-Presso VXi Plus competes with several other popular cars in its segment.

• Renault Kwid: Another mini-SUV inspired hatchback.
• Maruti Celerio: A slightly larger hatchback from Maruti's own stable.
• Tata Punch (base variants): Offers a more robust SUV-like feel, though typically priced higher.
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (base variants): Known for its premium interior and features.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good and the not-so-good about the Maruti S-Presso VXi Plus to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages

• Fuel Efficiency: The K10C engine is incredibly economical, helping you save on fuel costs.
• Compact Size & Maneuverability: Easy to drive and park in congested city areas.
• SUV-like Stance: Offers a commanding driving position and better road visibility compared to regular hatchbacks.
• AGS Automatic Option: Makes driving in traffic very comfortable and reduces driver fatigue.
• Low Maintenance & Maruti Service Network: Maruti Suzuki cars are known for their affordable spare parts and wide service network, ensuring peace of mind.
• Feature Rich (for its segment): The VXi Plus variant offers a good infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.

Disadvantages

• Safety Rating: The Global NCAP rating is a concern for some buyers looking for maximum safety.
• Interior Quality: While practical, some plastics and materials might feel basic compared to rivals.
• Engine Refinement: The 1.0-litre engine, while peppy, can feel a bit noisy at higher RPMs.
• Limited Features: Lacks some modern features like rear power windows, auto climate control, or a reverse camera (though parking sensors are present).
• Highway Stability: Its tall boy design and light weight might feel a bit less planted at very high highway speeds compared to heavier cars.

Conclusion

The Maruti S-Presso VXi Plus makes a strong case for itself as an affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical city car. Its distinctive mini-SUV styling, comfortable high seating position, and the convenience of the AGS automatic option make it quite appealing for first-time buyers or those looking for a secondary city runabout. While its safety rating is a point of consideration, its strong points like low running costs, Maruti Suzuki's trusted service, and compact dimensions for urban navigation are hard to ignore.

If you are in the market for a budget-friendly car that's easy to drive, light on the pocket, and offers a good set of features for everyday use, the Maruti S-Presso VXi Plus is definitely worth a test drive. Experience its unique charm and see if it aligns with your driving needs and preferences. Happy car hunting!