Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: In India’s price-sensitive small car market, being different takes some doing. The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso addresses this issue in a manner of its own – by marrying entry-level hatchback size and mechanicals in an SUV-themed design.
What this formula yields is something that’s hard to label and categorize, a “micro-SUV” that is either a genius pivot to shifting consumer tastes or marketing slight of hand, depending on your perspective.
Boxy Boldness
You notice that instantly in the S-Presso’s unique shape. A tall, boxy shape and upright stance are reminiscent of bigger SUVs despite modest dimensions of little more than 3.5 meters.
It’s unmistakably an SUV treatment with the high set bonnet, square wheel arches and decent ground clearance (180mm); enough that you’ll never confuse this for a small hatch.
This approach results in polarising aesthetics – some see the proportions as awkwardly top-heavy as a result, while others will like the Whizz’s character and road presence that’s seldom seen for this amount of money.
WILD DESIGN Its design surely does what it’s supposed to- be radically different from the rest of Maruti’s small car portfolio by being something funky and not just cheap.
Functional Minimalism
Inside, the cabin’s focus on practicality is enhanced by a centrally mounted digital gauge cluster that sits atop the dashboard.
This perhaps odd location is a bit of a distraction at first, but a habit quickly sets in and you no longer notice it.
Round air vents and orange accents liven up what is a fairly functional, durableite, as opposed to fancy party feeling design.
The high seating, which makes it somewhat easier to see out of when you’re in city traffic, provides one true SUV item.
There’s plenty of headroom thanks to the tall roof, while numerous shoulder spaces are here to remind people of the car’s narrow body.
Rear accommodations are acceptable for medium-sized adults on shorter trips, although the flat floor helps the middle perch distract from overall elbow and knee room limitations.
In-cabin storage retreats to efficient door pockets, a smallish glovebox and a clever use of little cubbyholes.
The boot is quite functional at 270 litres, but it’s difficult to load heavy items without lifting them high over a pronounced lip — a trade-off not uncommon in small, high-stance sedans.
Familiar Mechanicals
At the heart of the S-Presso rests Maruti’s tried-and-tested 1.0-litre K10 engine that makes around 67 horsepower – numbers that may sound humble on paper but those that go well with the vehicle’s light-weight body.
The engine-transmission garner good urban performance and acceptable real-world fuel efficiency of nearly 20 km/l.
Also on offer are a slick 5-speed manual and an AMT (automated manual transmission) that Maruti calls Auto Gear Shift.
The former eradicates any sort of clutch work even though there is a tad bit of lag when shifting, but that’s not a crime anymore in a car that’s going to travel around in traffic most of the time anyway.
S-Presso’s tall body and skinny track result in some natural handling concessions, significant body roll in corners and vulnerability to crosswinds on the motorway.
The light-weight steering is helpful around town, but is a bit numb at higher speeds.
Ride quality is a little on the soft side, but it’s a good decision considering the markets that concerned Indian terrains and the vehicle’s intended use.
Strengths and Limitations
Pros:
Unique SUV-inspired design that separates itself from traditional hatchbacks
High-ride seat for visibility and entry/exit
Easy ground clearance to glide over any road surface confidently
Excellent fuel economy decreases the cost of operation
Smartphone connectivity with user-friendly infotainment
Small size ideal for city driving and parking
Cons:
The handling was top-heavy and rolled heavily in corners
Limited motorway stability, especially in winds from the side
Interior materials that indicate budget placement
Tall-and-skinny cabin leaves a lot to be desired in the shoulder room department
Not all looks are for everyone.
Minimal sound deadening; lots of road and wind noise
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: Final Assessment
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso gets the formula right by knowing its audience well – first-time customers looking for an affordable means of commute, that doesn’t feel dated but modern and not budget.
The SUV-inspired look helps with this image as it is viewed as tough and statusy even though it’s actually very similar mechanically to garden variety small cars.
And for inner-city types tackling rough streets and wanting to punch through the crowd, the S-Presso presents nicely in a package which takes the budget end of the hatchback template to new levels.
It’s much like modern India’s automotive scene – humble transport cloaked in world-class quality offered at an attainable price.