Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI (O) CNG

Buying a new car in India is a big decision. You juggle so many thoughts: Will it fit my budget? Is it safe enough for my family? What about monthly maintenance costs? Does it have the latest features? And, most importantly, can I trust the company's service network?

If these questions are buzzing in your head, especially if you are looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable city car, then you are in the right place. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a popular choice that often ticks many of these boxes for Indian buyers: the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI (O) CNG.

This compact micro-SUV styled hatchback has been a consistent performer for Maruti Suzuki. But how does its CNG avatar, specifically the VXI (O) variant, stand up to real-world expectations? Let's find out!

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI (O) CNG is Maruti's proven K-series engine, specifically tuned for dual-fuel operation.

• Engine Type: 1.0L K10C Dual Jet, Dual VVT Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 998cc
• Maximum Power (Petrol Mode): 68 hp (at 5500 rpm)
• Maximum Power (CNG Mode): 56 hp (at 5300 rpm)
• Peak Torque (Petrol Mode): 89 Nm (at 3500 rpm)
• Peak Torque (CNG Mode): 82 Nm (at 3400 rpm)
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI Certified): A stellar 32.73 km/kg in CNG mode.

This engine offers a good balance of performance and efficiency, especially for city commutes.

Design Overview

Exterior

The S-Presso proudly flaunts its 'micro-SUV' design, which gives it a distinct presence on the road.

• Upright Stance: It features a tall, boxy design resembling a small SUV.
• High Ground Clearance: A key highlight, making it suitable for tackling Indian roads.
• Front Fascia: A muscular grille with chrome accents (in higher variants), prominent headlamps, and a chunky bumper design.
• Wheel Size: It rides on 14-inch steel wheels, giving it a good road presence.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted with a functional and youthful cabin.

• Dashboard Design: A unique centrally mounted digital instrument cluster and infotainment system take center stage.
• Colour Scheme: A dark grey theme with contrasting orange accents (depending on variant) adds a youthful touch.
• Comfort: While compact, the tallboy design offers decent headroom. Seats are comfortable for short to medium drives.
• Storage: Practical storage spaces are available for small items.

Key Features

The VXI (O) CNG variant of the S-Presso comes equipped with essential features for a comfortable driving experience.

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio Infotainment: Touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: Clear display for speed, fuel level, and other vital information.
• Steering Mounted Audio and Voice Controls: For convenience and safety.
• Front Power Windows:

USB and AUX Connectivity:No Sunroof, 360-degree Camera, Wireless Charging, or Automatic Climate Control: It is important to note that these premium features are not available in the S-Presso, keeping its budget-friendly positioning in mind.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso?

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso offers a commendable 180 mm of ground clearance, which is a significant advantage for navigating uneven roads and tackling speed breakers commonly found in India.

What is the Boot Space of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI (O) CNG?

In its petrol variant, the S-Presso offers a decent 240 litres of boot space. However, in the CNG variant, the boot space is significantly compromised due to the placement of the CNG tank. You can expect a luggage capacity of around 150-170 litres approximately, which is sufficient for small bags or a couple of backpacks, but large luggage might be a challenge.

What are the Dimensions of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso?

The compact dimensions make the S-Presso easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spots.

• Length: 3565 mm
• Width: 1520 mm
• Height: 1567 mm
• Wheelbase: 2380 mm

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is primarily available with a 1.0-litre K10C Dual Jet, Dual VVT petrol engine.

• Petrol Only: Available with both a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
• CNG + Petrol: The S-Presso VXI (O) CNG variant we are discussing only comes with a 5-speed Manual Transmission. It operates on CNG by default and can switch to petrol when CNG runs out or when selected.

Safety Features

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

• Dual Front Airbags (Driver and Passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• High-Speed Alert System
• Seatbelt Reminder
• Engine Immobilizer

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial for modern buyers.

It is important to note that the Global NCAP rating was conducted under an older testing protocol. We await a Bharat NCAP rating for the updated model.

Rivals of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI (O) CNG

The S-Presso VXI (O) CNG faces competition from several cars in the entry-level hatchback and micro-SUV segment, especially those offering CNG options.

• Renault Kwid (Petrol)
• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 CNG
• Tata Tiago NRG iCNG (A segment above but a strong CNG contender)
• Hyundai Exter CNG (Another strong contender with SUV styling)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI (O) CNG

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: With over 32 km/kg, it offers incredibly low running costs.
• Maruti's Reliable Network: Widespread service centers and easy availability of spare parts.
• Affordable Pricing: One of the most budget-friendly CNG cars in the market.
• Compact for City Driving: Easy to maneuver in heavy traffic and park in tight spaces.
• High Ground Clearance: Handles rough patches and speed breakers with ease.
• Proven K-Series Engine: Known for its reliability and decent performance for city use.
• Micro-SUV Styling: Stands out from conventional hatchbacks.

Cons of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI (O) CNG

• Compromised Boot Space: The CNG tank takes up most of the boot, severely limiting luggage capacity.
• Basic Safety Rating: The 1-star Global NCAP rating (under old protocol) might be a concern for some buyers.
• Limited Premium Features: Lacks features like automatic climate control, rear power windows, or a reverse camera (available as accessory).
• Design is Not for Everyone: The boxy, upright styling might not appeal to all tastes.

Engine Performance on CNG: While adequate, the power delivery is noticeably lower in CNG mode compared to petrol.Road Noise: Cabin insulation could be better, with some road and engine noise seeping in at higher speeds.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI (O) CNG emerges as a highly practical and pocket-friendly option for Indian car buyers. It is undeniably a strong contender for those prioritizing extremely low running costs, ease of driving in urban environments, and the peace of mind that comes with Maruti's extensive service network.

While it may not boast the highest safety ratings or the most luxurious features, it delivers precisely what it promises: an affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable city car with a distinct micro-SUV appeal. If you are a first-time car buyer, a daily city commuter, or simply someone who wants to minimize their fuel expenses without compromising on reliability, the S-Presso VXI (O) CNG is definitely worth considering. It is a smart choice for the smart Indian buyer looking for maximum value.