In a market flooded with hatchbacks and compact SUVs, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso stands out as a quirky, bold, and practical offering that has carved a niche of its own. Launched in 2019, the S-Presso was Maruti Suzuki’s answer to customers looking for a compact car with SUV-like stance and features — without burning a hole in their pocket. Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes this “mini SUV” a popular choice among Indian car buyers.
Bold Design with SUV Inspirations
At first glance, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso doesn’t look like your average hatchback. It borrows design cues from SUVs, most notably the high stance, tall-boy design, and upright nose. The front fascia is dominated by a bold grille flanked by squarish headlamps, giving it a distinct road presence despite its compact dimensions.
The higher ground clearance (180mm) and upright driving position further add to the SUV feel, making it a favorite among first-time car buyers who want something different from the typical low-slung hatchback. While its boxy shape may not appeal to everyone, it’s a deliberate move to prioritize space and practicality.
Spacious Interiors and Practical Layout
Step inside the S-Presso, and you’ll be surprised by the amount of space it offers. Thanks to its tall design and smart packaging, headroom and legroom are generous for both front and rear passengers. It can comfortably seat four adults, and five if needed for short distances.
The interiors are quirky and modern, with the center-mounted digital speedometer and infotainment system catching your eye instantly. Maruti calls this layout “Mini Inspired,” and it does give the cabin a playful vibe. The top variants come equipped with a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity, along with steering-mounted controls.
Peppy Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso comes with a 1.0-liter K10C DualJet petrol engine that delivers around 66 bhp and 89 Nm of torque. It’s a tried-and-tested engine from Maruti that’s known for its peppy performance and excellent fuel economy. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on highways, the engine offers enough grunt for most daily driving needs.
The car is available with both a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT (Auto Gear Shift) option, giving buyers flexibility based on their driving preferences. The AMT version is particularly popular among urban users looking for convenience in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
One of the biggest selling points of the S-Presso is its fuel efficiency. The car delivers an impressive mileage of around 25.30 km/l for the AMT variant and 24.76 km/l for the manual (as per ARAI figures), making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.
Safety Features and Build
In recent years, Maruti Suzuki has taken safety more seriously, and the S-Presso benefits from this shift. It comes with standard safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a seatbelt reminder, and a high-speed alert system.
In 2022, the S-Presso also received some structural updates that improved its crash safety performance. While it may not be the sturdiest vehicle in the market, it meets all required Indian crash test norms and offers decent protection for its segment.
Affordable Ownership and Maintenance
Another big plus for the S-Presso is the low cost of ownership. Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network, affordable spare parts, and high reliability ensure that maintenance costs remain minimal. For first-time car buyers or budget-conscious families, this is a huge advantage.
Additionally, the car’s pricing is very competitive. With a price range starting from around ₹4.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and going up to ₹6.10 lakh for the top-end AMT variant, it offers a lot of value for the money.
Who Should Buy the S-Presso?
If you’re looking for:
- A compact car with high ground clearance
- Easy drivability in city traffic
- Excellent mileage and low maintenance
- SUV-inspired design in a hatchback form
- Budget-friendly pricing
…then the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is certainly worth considering. It especially appeals to first-time buyers, students, small families, and those seeking a second car for city use.
Final Verdict
The S-Presso may not be a conventional beauty, but it delivers on key fronts — practicality, performance, affordability, and fuel efficiency. It’s a no-nonsense car built for Indian conditions, and it does its job exceptionally well. With continuous updates, including improved safety features and the inclusion of the K10C engine, Maruti has shown that it’s committed to keeping the S-Presso relevant and competitive.