Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Let us forget for a second this whole gambit about miniature SUVs. The concept applies to design and not function, and in this case the two do not intersect. Let us call the S-Presso, a small car with a design that maximises on practicality without adding to its footprint. It’s a brilliant approach if you ask me, and that’s what my report this month will focus on. You still have the convenience of a small car without having to sacrifice on practicality. For me, a small car must be easy to manoeuvre at low speed, in tight spots. On that score, the S-Presso is the undisputed king with a turning radius of 4.5 meters. That’s not just best in class, but it also beats the standard Alto by a hair’s breadth of .1m. Manoeuvrability aside, the design of the S-Presso with a wide windscreen, high-placed seats, narrow A-pillars and flat bonnet line gives an incredibly wide field of view from the cockpit. An incredible asset when you’re trying to navigate your way through traffic, especially for novice drivers. However, my favourite thing about the S-Presso is its ability to be both frugal and fun to drive. Powered by the 65bhp, 90Nm, K10b motor, the S-Presso is one of the most sedate and easy to drive cars. On top of that its ability to return a consistant 18kmpl in bumper to bumper traffic is incredible. The K10b’s most significant advantage however, is its range. If you are in a hurry the S-Presso is more than happy to perform. Its 763kg kerb weight puts it at 40kg less than even the Alto K10. This permits some properly quick getaways with power continuing well past the highway speed limit. In corners, the HEARTECT platform’s rigidity stands out. During the ICOTY test drives, I was lucky enough to find myself behind the wheel of the SPresso with an empty BIC ahead of me. I am thrilled to report that even when far outside its comfort zone and pushed to its limits, the S-Presso showed almost no flex from the chassis. Body roll however was predictably present and noticeable. In my books, the above mentioned is what makes the S-Presso the car to have in its segment and not its likeness to an SUV. I look forward to getting to know it further over the months to come.