The Maruti S-Presso, Renault Kwid’s first direct rival, has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 3.7 lakhs, ex-sh. For all practical reasons, the S-Presso can be considered as a spiritual successor to the Alto in this crossover-obsessed world. Thus, it is going to be one of the most important products for Maruti in long term.
The S-Presso opts for high ground clearance and high seat position but has resorted to a mundanely boxy styling. The front fascia with its large headlamps and interesting grille design is easily the best angle of the car.
The lack of pronounced contours and crease lines on sheet metal panels suggest that Maruti’s design team was given a strict cost target. The rear fascia features simple combination lamps, and a prominent black diffuser to mask the visual bulk. Watch the first TVC video of Maruti S Presso mini SUV featuring bollywood actor Varun Dhawan.
Inside, the Maruti S-Presso appears to have enough room to seat 5 passengers. The luggage space is decent too. The dashboard design reminds us of the Mini with a circular center console. Maruti has located the digital instrument console in the middle, just above the touchscreen infotainment system. This particular example, being a fully loaded variant, comes with multi-function steering with voice command function.
Other things that caught our eyes are dual front airbags (lower variants get only driver airbag), integrated head restraints, body-coloured accents on the center console and AC vents, similar accents on seat fabric and front power windows.
Maruti has omitted tilt steering even on the top-end variant. ABS, seat belt reminder for front passenger, reverse parking sensor and speed alert system are available as standard fitments.
The Maruti S-Presso is powered by a familiar K10B 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine which produces 67 hp and 90 Nm of torque. The motor will be compatible with the upcoming BS-VI emission norms right from the beginning. Both 5-MT and AMT will be on offer.
Underpinned by Suzuki’s modular Heartect platform, the Maruti S-Presso is marginally lighter than the smaller and aging Alto. So, expect the micro-crossover to offer impressive ARAI certified fuel economy. We expect Maruti S-Presso to undercut its primary rival in terms of pricing.
