Pioneering the Micro SUV Segment in India – Maruti Launches the S-presso

Maruti Launches the S-presso
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Price, Specifications, Variants Details
Maruti Launches the S-presso
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Price, Specifications, Variants Details

Maruti Suzuki are making some big introductions and re-introductions in their 2019 line up. With cars like the face lifted Ertiga and the new XL6, there is already quite some commotion and with the launch of the much awaited Maruti Suzuki S-presso, the market is abuzz with excitement.

How much?

Priced between Rs 3.69 lakh and Rs 4.91 lakh (ex-showroom), the S-Presso introduces the market with a newly crafted segment called “Micro SUV”. The company has made their tiny big offering available in four variants – Standard, LXi, VXi and VXi+. However, with no other contenders in the debutant segment, the S-Presso will take on the likes of Renault Kwid facelift, Datsun Redi-Go and Maruti Suzuki Alto K10.

Frame

It is the seventh addition to the Maruti Suzuki India family, after WagonR, Swift, Dzire, Ertiga, Ignis and Baleno, to be based on the Heartect platform and comes with a fairly high ground clearance.

The Heartec platform is made from high tensile steel, strengthened by an impact absorbing structure and keeps the car light weight and well balanced. The company offers six colour options to choose from – Solid Superior White, Solid Fire red, Pearl starry blue, Solid sizzle orange, Metallic silky silver and Metallic graphite grey.

Technical specifications of the S-Presso are discussed below:

  • Exterior

Dimensional figures place the S-presso at 3,565mm in length, 1,520mm in width, 1,564/1,549mm variations in height across two models, and a wheelbase of 2,380mm. With its high, upright stance, decent ground clearance and bold design the car truly gives off SUV like vibes. The fascia – inspired by the Vitara Brezza, gets squared headlights and a slim grille with chrome inserts. The S-presso also features a muscular dual tone bumper which further solidifies the SUV image. The rear section features rectangular tail lamps and a dual-tone bumper with integrated reflectors further adding to that image. The boxy, tall boy S-presso is a one of its kind car – well atleast till other manufacturers decide to mimic Maruti’s bold move and come up with “Micro SUVs” of their own. The car also claims to offer the best-in-class turning radius of 4.5-metres.

  • Interior

The cabin gets a dual colour treatment with the interior dressed all in black and details that are highlighted by orange – such as inserts on the dashboard and side AC vents, door handles and more. The seats get red coloured pattern stitching and non-adjustable headrests both in the front and back. Its list of Features includes a centrally mounted instrument cluster with a digital speedometer, touchscreen infotainment system with Maruti Smart Play studio and support for android and apple car play, first in class- dual front airbags, USB and a 12-volt charging switch along with steering mounted controls.

  • Engine

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 67bhp/90Nm. This engine comes in two variants and with the option of a five-speed manual or a five-speed AGS( Auto gear shift) transmission units. The Standard and LXi variants return a fuel efficiency of 21.4kmpl, whereas the VXi and the VXi+ variants in both manual and AGS version return a fuel efficiency of 21.7kmpl.

  • Verdict

So what will decide whether the S-presso leads among its segment and scores big with the Indian car buyers, or drowns in the ocean of makes, models, line-ups and options that the market is? It is arguably a unique car with signature Maruti styling and a lot of features now standard on most cars, but the big question is if it will sell the desired numbers and sustain the scrutiny of India’s better educated and opinionated present day car buyers. Though everything about the car is fresh and new, it is the overall package that matters most to the average car buyer, and while a large percentage of small car buyers can be expected to show genuine interest and might even consider buying one, the same cannot be said about the majority of Indian buyers.

More would become clear with the commencement of bookings, and the company’s excitement and fears will arrive at their final destination once the figures of demand come in. Till then there’s still a lot more coming, and one can only keep their eyes on so many things.

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