Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is powered by the proven 1.0-litre K10C DualJet petrol engine. This 3-cylinder engine produces 67 PS (66 bhp) of power at 5500 rpm and 89 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm. It is available with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift) automated manual transmission. A factory-fitted S-CNG variant is also offered, which produces 57 PS of power at 5300 rpm and 82 Nm of torque at 3400 rpm in CNG mode.

The engine delivers peppy performance, making it agile and easy to drive in city traffic. The K10C DualJet engine is known for its refinement and impressive fuel efficiency. The petrol manual variant returns an ARAI-certified mileage of 24.76 kmpl, while the AMT variant offers 25.3 kmpl. The CNG variant boasts an excellent mileage of 32.73 km/kg, making it a highly economical choice for daily commutes. The AMT unit provides convenience in traffic, though shifts can be noticeable. The powertrain is well-suited for its urban-centric role, offering a good balance of performance and economy.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso offers a ride and handling package tailored for urban Indian conditions. Its high ground clearance of 180 mm is a significant advantage, allowing it to tackle broken roads, speed breakers, and uneven surfaces with relative ease, minimizing the risk of underbody scrapes. The suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, is tuned for comfort, absorbing most undulations and bumps effectively to provide a decent ride quality.

Handling is nimble and agile, making the S-Presso easy to maneuver in congested city traffic and tight parking spots. The steering is light at low speeds, aiding in effortless navigation. While it is not designed for spirited driving, it feels stable and composed at moderate highway speeds. Body roll is present due to its tall boy design but is manageable. Panic braking performance is adequate, with front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes providing sufficient stopping power. Overall, the S-Presso offers a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride for its segment, particularly suited for daily urban commutes and occasional highway trips.

The interior of the 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso features a distinctive, centrally mounted digital instrument cluster, a design choice reminiscent of some premium compact cars. The cabin layout is straightforward, prioritizing functionality and ease of use. While soft-touch plastics are absent, the material quality is acceptable for the segment, with consistent fit and finish. Higher variants receive silver or body-colored embellishments around the central console and side AC vents, adding a touch of flair.

Cabin room is surprisingly generous for its compact footprint. The high roofline and large glass area contribute to an airy feel, and there is ample space between the front seats. Rear-seat headroom and knee-room are sufficient for average-sized adults, though seating three abreast might be a squeeze. Front seats are high-set, offering a commanding view of the road, a preferred trait for many Indian drivers. Storage spaces are practical, including front door bottle holders, a shelf above the glove box, and a central console utility space. Boot capacity stands at 240 litres, capable of accommodating a few medium-sized bags, with the rear seat backrest folding down for increased cargo volume.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso varies by variant. Higher trims are equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration. This system is part of Maruti Suzuki's SmartPlay Studio, offering a user-friendly interface and basic connectivity features.

Lower variants come with a more basic audio system or no infotainment unit at all. The central digital instrument cluster displays essential driving information, including the speedometer, fuel consumption data, and distance to empty. Steering-mounted audio controls are available on the top-spec VXi+ trim, enhancing convenience and driver focus. While the S-Presso's infotainment setup is not feature-laden compared to higher segments, it provides the necessary connectivity and entertainment options for its target audience. Wireless phone charging is expected on top variants, adding to the modern amenities.

The exterior design of the 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso retains its unique "tall-boy" stance and SUV-inspired styling, aimed at providing a robust and confident road presence. The front fascia features an upright, bold grille with chrome accents (on higher variants), flanked by twin-chamber headlamps and signature C-shaped taillamps. The design is distinct, setting it apart from conventional hatchbacks.

The S-Presso's profile is characterized by its high ground clearance of 180 mm, which is beneficial for navigating varied Indian road conditions. Side body cladding further enhances its rugged appeal. New dual-tone alloy wheels are expected on top variants, adding to the visual appeal. The rear features updated LED-styled taillamps and a revised bumper design. Overall, the S-Presso's design is polarizing but functional, prioritizing practicality and a pseudo-SUV aesthetic over sleek lines. Dimensions are compact, with a length of 3565 mm, a width of 1520 mm, and a height ranging from 1549-1564 mm, built on a 2380 mm wheelbase.

Safety is a crucial aspect for any vehicle, and the 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso comes with essential safety features. The S-Presso received a 1-star safety rating from Global NCAP (under stricter revised criteria in 2022) for adult occupant protection and a 0-star rating for child occupant protection. This rating highlighted concerns regarding driver's chest protection, marginal passenger chest protection, and unstable body-shell integrity in frontal collisions. However, it offers good head and neck protection for front occupants.

Despite the GNCAP rating, the 2025 model is equipped with several safety features. Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Higher variants add Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Assist (for AGS variants), enhancing vehicle stability and control. Other features include a speed alert system, seatbelt reminders for all rows, and an engine immobilizer. While it meets Indian safety regulations, buyers prioritizing higher crash test ratings might consider alternatives.

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso faces stiff competition in the entry-level hatchback and micro-SUV segments in India, primarily from other budget-friendly, fuel-efficient models.

Its closest rival is the Renault Kwid, which also adopts an SUV-inspired design and offers a similar value proposition. The Kwid often boasts a slightly more spacious boot and a more conventional interior layout, along with a 1.0-litre engine and AMT options. The choice between the S-Presso and Kwid often comes down to personal design preference, perceived build quality, and specific feature sets offered at similar price points. Both prioritize affordability and city usability, with the Kwid sometimes offering marginally better ride comfort.

Another significant competitor from Maruti Suzuki's own stable is the Maruti Alto K10. The Alto K10 is a more traditional hatchback, sharing the same K10C engine and offering similar fuel efficiency. It is generally more compact and slightly more affordable than the S-Presso, appealing to buyers on an even tighter budget who prioritize absolute ease of parking and lower running costs. While the Alto K10 lacks the S-Presso's SUV-like stance and higher ground clearance, it offers a proven, reliable package.

The Maruti WagonR also presents a strong alternative, especially for buyers needing more cabin space and practicality. The WagonR, while slightly more expensive, offers significantly more boot space and better rear-seat comfort due to its taller and wider dimensions. It also shares the same K10C engine, ensuring similar fuel efficiency, and provides an optional larger 1.2-litre engine for better performance. The WagonR appeals to families needing more versatility than the S-Presso can offer.

The S-Presso differentiates itself with its unique styling and higher ground clearance, appealing to those who desire an SUV-like appearance in a compact and affordable package. Its strong fuel efficiency, especially the CNG variant, remains a major draw.

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso continues to be a relevant and practical choice in the Indian entry-level automotive market. It effectively caters to buyers seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-drive city car with the added benefit of a commanding driving position and high ground clearance. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating congested urban environments and tight parking spaces, while the proven K10C engine delivers reliable performance and excellent mileage, particularly in its CNG avatar.

While its safety rating is a point of consideration, the S-Presso offers essential safety features for its segment. For first-time car owners, those with limited budgets, or individuals primarily using a vehicle for city commutes, the S-Presso presents a compelling value-for-money proposition. Among its variants, the VXi+ (O) AMT offers the best balance of convenience, features (including the touchscreen infotainment), and fuel efficiency, making it the recommended pick for those prioritizing ease of driving in urban traffic. The CNG variants are ideal for buyers with very high daily running, maximizing fuel cost savings.