Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O)

Hey car buyers. Are you looking for a new car that fits your budget without compromising on safety, features, or easy maintenance? These are big questions everyone asks when buying a car in India. You want a vehicle that offers good mileage, comes with the latest tech, and has reliable company service. Well, today we are going to take a close look at a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for you: the new Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O). Let us dive in and see what makes this micro-SUV inspired hatchback a popular choice.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The S-Presso VXi Plus (O) is powered by Maruti Suzukis reliable and fuel-efficient K10C petrol engine. This is the same engine found in many other popular Maruti cars, known for its smooth performance and impressive mileage.

• Engine Type: K10C Petrol engine
• Displacement: 998 cc
• Max Power: 68 bhp at 5500 rpm
• Max Torque: 89 Nm at 3500 rpm
• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI): Around 24.76 kmpl (manual) and 25.3 kmpl (AGS/AMT)

Design Overview

The S-Presso stands out with its unique design, often called a micro-SUV. It tries to blend the compact size of a hatchback with the upright stance of an SUV. Let us break it down.

Exterior

• SUV Inspired Stance: High bonnet line, chunky bumpers, and higher ground clearance give it a rugged look.
• Headlamps: Large, rectangular headlamps integrated well with the grille.
• Wheels: Steel wheels with wheel covers for the VXi Plus (O) variant.
• Colours: Available in vibrant colours that add to its youthful appeal.

Interior

• Dashboard: A unique central instrument cluster and infotainment system arrangement.
• Seating: High seating position offers good visibility, making it easy to drive in city traffic.
• Cabin Space: Surprisingly spacious for a car of its size, especially headroom.
• Practicality: Decent storage spaces for small items.

Key Features

The VXi Plus (O) variant is the top-end model, offering a good set of features for its price point.

• Infotainment: 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen system.
• Connectivity: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Steering: Steering-mounted audio and call controls.
• ORVMs: Electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors.
• Power Windows: Front power windows.
• Digital Cluster: Central digital instrument cluster.
• Keyless Entry: Remote central locking.

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

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O)?

• The S-Presso VXi Plus (O) offers a healthy 180 mm of ground clearance, which is quite good for tackling Indian roads and small bumps.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O)?

• The car provides a decent 240 litres of boot space, which is enough for your weekly groceries or a couple of small travel bags.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O)?

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

Powertrain Options

The S-Presso VXi Plus (O) comes with two transmission choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT): For those who enjoy precise gear shifts.
• 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift) / AMT: Offers clutch-free driving convenience, ideal for city traffic.

Safety Features

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

• Dual Front Airbags (standard across variants)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Speed Alert System
• Seatbelt Reminder (Driver and Co-driver)

NCAP Rating Table

The safety rating is a crucial point for many buyers. Here is a look at the S-Presso's crash test ratings.

It is important to note that the S-Presso improved its Global NCAP rating from zero stars for adult safety to one star after standardising dual airbags and other structural improvements. However, it still falls behind some rivals in terms of overall crash protection.

Rivals of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O)

The S-Presso faces competition from several cars in the compact hatchback segment.

• Renault Kwid: Its direct rival with similar micro-SUV styling and features.
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio: An in-house alternative offering similar engines and features.
• Tata Tiago: Known for its robust build and safety features.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages

• Fuel Efficiency: The K10C engine is incredibly fuel-efficient, saving you money on petrol.
• Compact Size: Easy to drive and park in congested city conditions.
• High Seating Position: Offers a commanding view of the road, similar to an SUV.
• Affordable Maintenance: Maruti Suzukis widespread service network and economical spare parts.
• Touchscreen Infotainment: The 7-inch SmartPlay Studio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a great feature at this price.
• Good Ground Clearance: Helps in navigating rough patches and speed breakers without worry.

Disadvantages

• Safety Rating: While improved, the Global NCAP rating is still a concern for some buyers.
• Design: The unique design might not appeal to everyone.
• Limited Features: Lacks some modern features like automatic climate control or a rear wiper/washer (in lower variants).
• Build Quality: Interior plastics feel a bit basic compared to some rivals.
• Highway Stability: Can feel a bit light at higher speeds.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O) is a car designed for those seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-drive vehicle for city commutes. It offers the peace of mind of Maruti Suzukis service network, decent features for its price, and a commanding driving position thanks to its micro-SUV design. While its safety rating is a point to consider, the S-Presso makes a strong case for itself as a practical and economical urban car. If your priorities are mileage, ease of driving, and low running costs, the S-Presso VXi Plus (O) could be a smart choice for your garage. Always take a test drive to see if it fits your personal driving style and needs.