TorqPulse Review
The Maruti Suzuki S‑Presso
The S-Presso makes a compelling case in India’s entry-level hatchback space. With its upright silhouette, “mini-SUV” character, a one‐litre petrol engine and commendable fuel economy, it appeals to young buyers, first-time car owners and urban commuters alike. At TorqPulse we explore the full specification sheet, pricing structure and the value this car delivers in today’s market.
Overview
Built on the HEARTECT platform, the S-Presso is designed to offer a lighter and more rigid chassis structure.
Under the hood, it features a 998 cc three-cylinder petrol engine (K10C) that delivers adequate performance for everyday driving.
Buyers have the choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox or an AMT (Auto Gear Shift) unit, while factory-fitted CNG variants broaden the appeal to budget-conscious, fuel-efficient users.
Its compact footprint makes it ideal for city traffic and parking, while its tall ride height gives a slightly elevated driving position compared to conventional hatchbacks.
Technical Specifications
Category Details
Model Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
Engine Type K10C petrol (998 cc)
Cylinders 3
Power Output Approx. 66 bhp (≈ 67 PS) @ ~5500 rpm
Torque Output Approx. 89 Nm @ ~3500 rpm
Transmission Options 5-speed Manual / AMT (AGS)
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Fuel Efficiency (Petrol Manual) Around 24.12 km / litre
Fuel Efficiency (Petrol AMT) Up to ~25.30 km / litre
Fuel Efficiency (CNG) Around 32.73 km / kg
Length ~ 3 565 mm
Width ~ 1 520 mm
Height ~ 1 549-1 567 mm (varies by variant)
Wheelbase ~ 2 380 mm
Boot Capacity ~ 239 litres
Platform HEARTECT
*Note: Figures vary by variant and region.
Pricing in India
Here are the current ex-showroom starting prices* for the S-Presso in India:
Variant Powertrain Price*
STD (Petrol Manual) 998 cc Petrol Manual Around ₹ 3.49 lakh
LXi (Petrol Manual) 998 cc Petrol Manual Around ₹ 3.79-4.29 lakh
VXi (Petrol Manual) 998 cc Petrol Manual Around ₹ 4.30 lakh
VXi Opt AGS 998 cc Petrol AMT Around ₹ 4.75 lakh
VXi Plus Manual 998 cc Petrol Manual Around ₹ 4.80 lakh
VXi S CNG 998 cc CNG Manual Around ₹ 4.62-5.12 lakh
VXi Plus Opt AGS 998 cc Petrol AMT Around ₹ 5.25 lakh
*Ex-showroom price; actual on-road cost will vary by city, road tax, insurance and dealer charges.
What Works
Affordability: The S-Presso offers a new-car ownership proposition at the lower end of the market.
Compact and city-friendly: Easy to maneuver and park in congested urban areas.
Tall ride height: Better view of the road and ease over uneven surfaces.
Fuel economy: Strong numbers for petrol and CNG versions make it attractive for commuters and cost-sensitive buyers.
Maruti service network: With wide after-sales coverage and parts availability, ownership experience is reassuring.
What to Keep in Mind
Performance limitations: The small engine means the S-Presso is best suited for city driving. On highways or when fully loaded performance may feel modest.
Build & features trade-offs: At this price point compromises are visible in material quality, refinement and rear-seat comfort.
Safety ratings: Earlier crash-test results for Indian spec S-Presso were poor and this is something prospective buyers must note.
On-road cost variation: In metros like Delhi the difference between ex-showroom and on-road price can be substantial.
Variant selection matters: Features, convenience, finish vary considerably across trims—choose based on your priorities.
TorqPulse Verdict
For the TorqPulse reader seeking a budget-new car oriented to city use, the S-Presso is a strong contender. It blends practicality, economy and compact dimensions with a tall-boy styling that sets it apart from traditional hatchbacks. If most of your driving is in urban or peri-urban zones, parking is a concern and you care about low running costs, this car ticks many boxes.
However, if you often travel on highways, need higher performance or want premium features and comfort, it may be worth stretching to the next segment. But as an entry-level proposition in today’s market the S-Presso delivers reliable value—precisely why at TorqPulse we believe it remains one of the most dependable small cars in its class.
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