Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso remains one of India's most accessible entry-level cars, blending tiny, city-friendly dimensions with a high-riding, micro-SUV stance. In its latest configuration, Maruti Suzuki has streamlined the lineup around their 'Optional' safety suffixes while shaking up the spec sheet with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) across all versions. Interestingly, the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) versions now boast a slightly higher claimed fuel efficiency figure than their pure manual counterparts. If you are planning a purchase or sorting through finances, you can easily map out custom EMI plans or calculate local on-road taxation frameworks using selectcar.in/emi.

Maruti refers to the S-Presso as a 'Micro-SUV,' a design aesthetic driven primarily by its tall proportions. Sitting squarely in the A-segment hatch category, its overall length and width are narrower than key competitors like the Renault Kwid and Maruti Celerio, though it compensates with a tall cabin height that easily towers over both. It features an aggressive 180 mm ground clearance, giving it an advantage over standard hatchbacks like the Wagon R or Celerio when navigating deep potholes, though it sits marginally lower than the Kwid, with the tightest wheelbase among its peers. The entry-level trims feature basic black plastic bumpers, door handles, and mirror caps on small 13-inch steel wheels. Stepping up to VXi brings body-colored bumpers and full wheel covers over larger 14-inch steel wheels, while the top-spec VXi+ finalizes the look with body-colored side mirrors and door handles.

Inside, the S-Presso uses its upright profile to deliver surprising passenger comfort within a tiny footprint. The signature centrally mounted digital instrument cluster dominates the dashboard layout, and front headroom is exceptional due to the tall roofline. Boot capacity trails behind primary segment rivals, though the top variant includes a rear parcel tray. The base package is thoroughly stripped down - power steering and air conditioning are completely missing on the entry-level variant. Front power windows and internally adjustable ORVMs arrive only at the VXi level, while the top VXi+ adds electrically adjustable mirrors.

The S-Presso is powered by Maruti's refined and peppy 1.0L K-Series Next-Gen Naturally Aspirated Engine, producing 67 PS and 89 Nm of peak torque in petrol guise, delivering quick off-the-line performance well-suited for tight city lanes. It pairs with a traditional 5-speed manual or a convenient 5-speed AMT (available on VXi and VXi+ trims), with the AMT carrying a ₹50,000 premium. A factory-fitted Bi-Fuel CNG option is also offered, producing 57 PS and 82 Nm, restricted to the manual LXi and VXi variants, carrying a premium of roughly ₹90,000 to ₹92,000.

Fuel thriftiness is the S-Presso's defining trait. In petrol guise, its incredibly light kerb weight allows it to outpace segment rivals in real-world efficiency. Crucially, the AMT versions squeeze out slightly better fuel economy than the manual due to optimized electronic shift mapping. The bi-fuel CNG version delivers excellent economy as well, though it ranks slightly lower than alternative CNG models in Maruti's own stable.

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (VXi+)
• Steering-mounted audio and phone controls (VXi+)
• 2-DIN integrated audio with USB, Aux, and Bluetooth (VXi)
• Two front door speakers (VXi)
• Rear parcel tray (top variant)

Maruti Suzuki has quietly upgraded the base structural safety baseline of the micro-hatchback. The base STD(O) trim comes standard with dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), rear parking sensors, an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, and an Idle Start-Stop system. Upgrading to the VXi adds speed-sensing automatic door locks and remote central locking, and selecting the AMT automatic on either VXi or VXi+ trims automatically bundles in Hill Hold Assist to stop the car from rolling back on inclines.

The STD (O) (~₹4.27 Lakh ex-showroom) should be skipped entirely - despite standard ESC, it lacks both power steering and an air conditioner, making it relevant only for bare-minimum commercial use. The LXi (O) (+₹73,000 over STD (O)) offers poor value, adding just manual AC and power steering for a steep premium while still lacking central locking, an audio system, or power windows. The VXi (O) (+₹22,000 over LXi (O), AMT adds ₹50k, CNG adds ~₹90k) is the top recommended variant and the uncontested sweet spot, adding remote central locking, a basic Bluetooth music system, front power windows, internally adjustable mirrors, body-colored bumpers, and full wheel covers - it's also the default choice for CNG buyers and the entry point for AMT buyers. The VXi+ (O) (+₹29,000 over VXi (O)) is an optional lifestyle upgrade, adding the 7-inch touchscreen, steering-mounted buttons, electrically adjustable mirrors, and body-colored door handles - worthwhile if you want factory touchscreen connectivity, though skippable to save cash otherwise.

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso continues to serve as one of the most accessible entry points into car ownership, now backed by a genuinely improved safety baseline and its distinctive tall micro-SUV stance. To see specific localized on-road quotes, current dealer schemes, and available paint schemes in your region, head to selectcar.in to research further.

Best Variant to Buy: VXi (O) (Manual, AMT, or CNG)
Best For: First-time buyers and city commuters wanting a compact, tall-riding hatchback on a tight budget.
Verdict Rating: 7.6 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐