Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by SUVs of all sizes, Maruti Suzuki took a bold step in September 2019 by introducing the S-Presso, a vehicle.
that created its own niche in the Indian market. Positioned as a micro-SUV, the S-Presso blends the compact dimensions and affordability of a hatchback with the elevated stance and rugged styling cues of an SUV.
This innovative approach has allowed Maruti Suzuki to offer budget-conscious buyers a taste of SUV-like experience without the associated premium price tag.
As we approach 2025, the S-Presso continues to be a significant player in Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio, offering a unique value proposition in a segment where competition has intensified with entrants like the Renault Kwid, Tata Punch, and Hyundai Exter.
The continued relevance of the S-Presso speaks to Maruti Suzuki’s understanding of the Indian consumer’s desire for vehicles that offer perceived status along with practical functionality.
Design Philosophy: SUV Styling in a Compact Package
Exterior Design Elements
The S-Presso’s exterior design is perhaps its most distinctive feature, immediately setting it apart from conventional hatchbacks. The front fascia makes a bold statement with its upright stance and SUV-inspired toothed grille that dominates the face.
Positioned high on either side are large, squared-off headlamps that enhance the vehicle’s commanding presence despite its compact dimensions.
The side profile further emphasizes the S-Presso’s SUV aspirations with its tall body, high ground clearance of 180mm, and pronounced wheel arches with body cladding.
The sharply raked A-pillar combined with a blacked-out B-pillar creates a sporty silhouette, while the high beltline adds to the sense of robustness. Available in multiple color options including Solid Fire Red, Solid Sizzle Orange, Bluish Black, Metallic Granite Grey, Metallic Silky Silver, Pearl Starry Blue, and Solid White, the S-Presso offers ample opportunity for personalization.
At the rear, the design is relatively simple yet cohesive, featuring signature C-shaped tail lamps that add a touch of character. The slightly raised rear bumper with integrated reflectors completes the SUV-inspired look, creating a balanced overall appearance that successfully translates SUV design cues to a vehicle measuring just 3565mm in length.
Interior Design and Ergonomics
Step inside the S-Presso, and you’re greeted by a cabin that continues the vehicle’s theme of being unconventional yet practical. The most striking interior feature is the dynamic center console with a circular design element that houses the digital instrument cluster.
This motorcycle-inspired layout not only saves dashboard space but also creates a distinctive visual identity that distinguishes the S-Presso from its competitors.
The elevated seating position provides a commanding view of the road ahead, delivering on the SUV promise despite the vehicle’s compact footprint.
This higher H-point not only enhances visibility but also makes ingress and egress easier, particularly for elderly passengers—a thoughtful touch that reflects Maruti Suzuki’s understanding of Indian family needs.
The cabin adopts a predominantly black color scheme with accents that vary depending on the exterior color chosen. Models with the Solid Sizzle Orange exterior feature orange highlights around the outboard AC vents, while other colors receive silver accents, adding a touch of visual interest to the otherwise straightforward interior design.
Dimensions and Practicality: Making the Most of Limited Space
Despite its compact external dimensions (3565mm length, 1520mm width, 1553-1564mm height, and 2380mm wheelbase), the S-Presso makes efficient use of interior space through its tall body design.
The high roof and upright seating position translate to generous headroom for both front and rear passengers, creating an airy atmosphere that belies the vehicle’s small footprint.
In terms of practicality, the S-Presso offers reasonably good front seat comfort with adequate thigh support and acceptable side bolstering.
The rear bench can accommodate two adults comfortably, though fitting three abreast would be a squeeze due to limited shoulder room. The absence of a rear center headrest might also be a concern for some buyers with safety in mind.
Storage solutions in the cabin are thoughtfully distributed, particularly in the front section. Front door pockets can accommodate 1-liter bottles, while the dashboard features a tray for small items like phones or wallets.
Additional storage includes a reasonably sized glovebox, two cupholders in the center console, and a tray below the climate control panel. Rear passengers aren’t as well served, with only a shared bottle holder behind the handbrake, lacking dedicated door pockets or seatback storage.
The boot capacity of 270 liters (240 liters in CNG variants) is respectable for a vehicle in this segment, sufficient for accommodating two medium and two small suitcases.
While the rear seats do fold down to expand cargo capacity, they don’t offer a 60:40 split, limiting flexibility somewhat compared to some competitors.
Powertrain and Performance: Efficient Mobility
Engine Specifications
At the heart of the S-Presso lies Maruti Suzuki’s proven K10C 1.0-liter, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. This powerplant produces 67PS (65.71 bhp)
at 5600rpm and 89Nm of torque at 3400rpm in its petrol-only guise. When equipped with the factory-fitted CNG option, the output drops slightly to 57PS in CNG mode while delivering 82Nm of torque.
The engine comes paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), branded as Auto Gear Shift (AGS) by Maruti Suzuki. The CNG variant is exclusively offered with the 5-speed manual transmission, targeting buyers who prioritize running costs above convenience.
Driving Dynamics
Despite being a budget-oriented vehicle, the S-Presso delivers a surprisingly engaging driving experience in urban environments. The three-cylinder engine is remarkably refined for its category,
with vibrations well controlled except when driving at very low speeds in higher gears. Power delivery is smooth and progressive, making the vehicle feel peppy and responsive in city traffic conditions.
The compact dimensions and tight turning radius of 4.5 meters make the S-Presso exceptionally maneuverable in congested urban environments—a crucial advantage in India’s crowded cities. The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility, further enhancing the ease of navigating through traffic.
Where the S-Presso shows its limitations is in highway driving scenarios. At higher speeds, the light steering wheel lacks the weight and feedback necessary for confident handling, and the tall body can feel somewhat susceptible to crosswinds.
The suspension setup, consisting of MacPherson struts with coil springs at the front and a torsion beam with coil springs at the rear, manages a reasonable compromise between comfort and stability, absorbing minor road imperfections adequately while maintaining composure over most surfaces encountered in daily driving.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the S-Presso’s strongest selling points is its impressive fuel efficiency. The petrol variants deliver between 24.12-25.3 km per liter under standardized testing conditions, though real-world figures typically range from 18-22 km/l depending on driving conditions and habits.
The CNG version pushes efficiency even further, offering approximately 31.2 km per kg, making it one of the most economical vehicles to run in the Indian market.
This exceptional fuel economy, combined with the 27-liter fuel tank (reduced capacity in CNG variants due to the cylinder installation), provides a practical range of 500-600 kilometers on a full tank for petrol models, addressing range anxiety concerns for those who occasionally undertake longer journeys.
Features and Technology: Modern Essentials
Infotainment and Connectivity
The feature set of the S-Presso varies significantly across its trim levels, with the top-spec VXi+ (O) variant offering the most comprehensive equipment list. At the center of the infotainment experience in this variant is a 7-inch touchscreen system with Maruti’s SmartPlay Studio interface. While the user interface might appear somewhat dated by current standards, it offers the essential connectivity options including wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The system is complemented by steering-mounted audio and voice controls in higher trims, allowing drivers to manage basic functions without removing their hands from the wheel.
The standard audio setup includes two speakers, which deliver acceptable but not outstanding sound quality—appropriate for the vehicle’s positioning and price point.
Comfort and Convenience Features
In terms of comfort features, the S-Presso offers manual air conditioning across most variants, with the base STD (O) trim being the exception.
The air conditioning system is notably effective, capable of rapidly cooling the cabin even in severe Indian summer conditions—a crucial consideration for many buyers.
Other convenience features include front power windows (rear windows are manually operated across all variants), central locking with keyless entry, and electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors on the top trim.
The absence of rear power windows, push-button start, and rear AC vents even in the highest specification might disappoint some buyers expecting these features given the increasing competition in this segment.
Idle Start-Stop System
A noteworthy feature in the S-Presso’s technology arsenal is the Idle Start-Stop System (ISS), which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stationary for more than a few seconds and instantly restarts it when the clutch is depressed. This technology,
more commonly found in higher-priced vehicles, helps improve fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic conditions typical of Indian cities while also reducing unnecessary emissions
Safety Features: Basic Protection
Safety equipment in the S-Presso has evolved since its initial launch, though it still lags behind some competitors in terms of comprehensive protection.
Standard across all variants are dual front airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), rear parking sensors, and a high-speed alert system.
Higher variants add Electronic Stability Program (ESP), but this is limited to the AMT versions only. Similarly, hill-hold assist is exclusive to the automated transmission variants.
All versions feature a seat belt reminder system with an audible warning for both front and rear occupants, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, and child-proof rear door locks.
The S-Presso is built on Maruti Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, which is designed to efficiently absorb and disperse crash energy. However,
the absence of features like six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a rearview camera—even as options on higher trims—represents an area where the S-Presso could improve to meet evolving consumer expectations regarding safety.
Variant Structure and Value Proposition
The 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is offered in four primary variants: STD (O), LXi (O), VXi (O), and VXi+ (O). The CNG option is available with the mid-spec LXi (O) and VXi (O) trims, while the AMT transmission is exclusive to the VXi (O) and VXi+ (O) variants.
The base STD (O) variant is quite spartan, featuring halogen headlamps, 13-inch steel wheels, and minimal comfort features—lacking even basic amenities like manual air conditioning or power steering. The LXi (O) adds these essential comfort features, making it the entry point for most practical buyers.
The VXi (O) represents a significant step up with body-colored bumpers, 14-inch steel wheels with covers, a roof antenna, basic Bluetooth connectivity, two speakers, front power windows, and manually adjustable outside mirrors.
The range-topping VXi+ (O) completes the package with body-colored door handles and mirrors, the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and electrically adjustable outside mirrors.
This structured approach to the variant lineup allows Maruti Suzuki to cover a wide price range, making the S-Presso accessible to various buyer segments while providing clear upgrade paths for those willing to spend more for additional features.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Purchase
The ownership experience of any Maruti Suzuki vehicle is significantly enhanced by the company’s extensive sales and service network—the largest in India.
With over 2,500 service centers across the country, S-Presso owners enjoy unparalleled access to maintenance and repair facilities, a critical advantage especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
Maintenance costs for the S-Presso are typically low, thanks to the simple mechanical layout and widespread availability of parts. Regular service intervals are set at 10,000 kilometers or one year, whichever comes first, with the first three services often covered under the standard warranty package.
The robust resale value, a traditional strength of Maruti Suzuki vehicles, further enhances the S-Presso’s ownership proposition. Even after several years of use, Maruti products typically retain a higher percentage of their original value compared to many competitors, reducing the effective cost of ownership over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Conclusion: The Mini-SUV Alternative
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso represents a clever market positioning strategy that capitalizes on the growing SUV trend while maintaining the affordability and efficiency that have been hallmarks of the brand.
By offering SUV-inspired styling and an elevated driving position in a package that remains fundamentally economical to purchase and operate, Maruti Suzuki has created a product that resonates with value-conscious Indian consumers.
While it may not satisfy buyers seeking comprehensive feature lists or class-leading safety equipment, the S-Presso excels in its core mission of providing practical, efficient transportation with a dash of SUV appeal. Its continued presence in Maruti Suzuki’s lineup, with periodic updates keeping it relevant in an increasingly competitive market, speaks to the success of this approach.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve with stricter emission norms and changing consumer preferences, the S-Presso’s formula of blending aspirational styling with pragmatic engineering seems likely to remain relevant,
potentially paving the way for future iterations that might incorporate electrification or other advanced technologies while maintaining the accessibility that has made it a success story in Maruti Suzuki’s extensive portfolio.