Hey there, car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new car that perfectly balances your budget, offers peace of mind with decent safety, keeps monthly maintenance low, packs in the latest features, and comes with a reliable service network? These are some of the biggest questions that cross our minds when looking for our next set of wheels in India. And today, we are diving deep into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for first-time buyers and those looking for a convenient city commuter: the new Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O) AT.

Maruti Suzuki has always been a household name in India, known for its practical, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain cars. The S-Presso, positioned as a 'micro-SUV', is their take on a compact, tall-riding hatchback designed for our urban jungle. Let us find out if this automatic variant of the S-Presso lives up to its promise.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O) AT is the peppy and efficient K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT petrol engine. This is the same modern engine found in cars like the Celerio and WagonR, known for its refinement and fuel efficiency.

• Engine Type: 1.0-litre K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT Petrol
• Maximum Power: 68 PS at 5500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 89 Nm at 3500 rpm
• Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 25.30 kmpl (ARAI claimed for AT variant)

Design Overview

The S-Presso has a distinct look that aims to mimic a compact SUV, appealing to those who desire a more commanding road presence without the bulk.

Exterior Design

The S-Presso VXi Plus (O) AT boasts an upright and boxy design with a high bonnet line, giving it that SUV-like stance. It features a chrome-accented front grille, stylish headlamps, and body-colored bumpers. The tallboy design ensures good headroom, and the relatively high ground clearance adds to its rugged appeal, making it suitable for varying road conditions.

Interior Design

Step inside, and you are greeted by a dual-tone interior theme. The highlight is the centrally mounted digital instrument cluster and the 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system. While the overall plastic quality is functional rather than premium, the layout is practical. The seating is comfortable for four adults, though the rear might feel a bit snug for taller passengers on longer journeys. The cabin feels airy thanks to the large windows.

Key Features

The VXi Plus (O) AT variant, being one of the top trims, comes packed with several convenient features:

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio Infotainment System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Digital instrument cluster
• Steering-mounted audio and call controls
• Front power windows
• Remote central locking
• Manual air conditioning (not automatic climate control)
• Internally adjustable ORVMs

Please note that features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging are generally not available in this segment or on the S-Presso.

Ground Clearance

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso offers a generous ground clearance of 180 mm, which is quite impressive for a car of its size. This helps it tackle speed breakers and uneven roads with ease.

Boot Space

The S-Presso provides a decent boot space of 240 litres, which is adequate for your weekend luggage or a couple of travel bags. The rear seats can also be folded for additional cargo capacity when needed.

Dimensions

Here are the key dimensions of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso:

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

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso primarily comes with the 1.0-litre K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT petrol engine. For transmission, you have two choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
• 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift) - This is the automatic option in the VXi Plus (O) AT variant.

A CNG option is also available in select manual variants for even lower running costs.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has made efforts to enhance the safety quotient of its cars. The S-Presso VXi Plus (O) AT comes with:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Speed Alert System
• Seat Belt Reminder
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist (standard on AGS variants)

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial aspect for modern car buyers. Here is what you need to know about the S-Presso's NCAP ratings:

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

In the highly competitive Indian market, the S-Presso faces competition from several popular models:

• Renault Kwid
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio
• Tata Tiago

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Every car has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a balanced look at the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O) AT:

Pros

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The K10C engine with AGS delivers impressive mileage, a big plus for daily commutes.
• Easy to Drive: Compact dimensions, light steering, and the convenience of AGS make it a breeze to drive in city traffic.
• Peppy Engine: The 1.0-litre engine feels spirited enough for city drives and occasional highway runs.
• High Ground Clearance: Tackles broken roads and speed breakers confidently.
• Maruti Suzuki Service Network: Extensive service network across India ensures peace of mind and easy maintenance.
• Affordable Automatic Option: One of the most budget-friendly automatic cars available.

Cons

• Perceived Build Quality: Some buyers might find the overall build quality and interior plastics a bit basic.
• Dated Global NCAP Rating: The 0-star rating from 2020, though for an older version, still raises concerns for safety-conscious buyers.
• Limited Rear Seat Space: While adequate for short trips, rear legroom might feel cramped for taller passengers on longer journeys.
• No Rear Power Windows: Even on the top VXi Plus variant, rear passengers still need to manually roll down windows.
• High Speed Stability: The tallboy design can lead to some body roll and feel a bit unsettled at higher speeds.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus (O) AT emerges as a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking an automatic car for urban commutes. Its strengths lie in its exceptional fuel efficiency, easy drivability, Maruti's widespread service network, and the sheer convenience of the AGS transmission. While the safety rating and interior quality might be points of consideration for some, the inclusion of ESP and dual airbags does improve its safety credentials over previous versions. If you are looking for a compact, tall-riding, and very economical automatic car that is hassle-free to own and operate in India, the S-Presso VXi Plus (O) AT is definitely worth considering. It is a practical choice that offers great value for money in its segment. Do take a test drive to experience it yourself!