Here on home soil, the government has implemented a state of emergency which has resulted in just about all events being cancelled, including the media launch of what seems to be a very important car for Suzuki, the S-Presso. Thankfully we live in modern times and the launch took place via Facebook live, here is what you need to know.
What is an S-Presso?
Well, I will tell you what an espresso is. It’s coffee in its purest form and I can currently do with a few considering the current global situation. The Suzuki S-Presso is, however, a new car that according to the brand, includes all the key elements that customers love about Suzuki in one package. The car competes with the likes of the Renault Kwid and as the Kwid sold in South Africa is also produced in India.
The design
The S-Presso features a bold design and a tall stance. The front end features a unique design with a four-slot grille with a large S emblem that has been placed high, just below the bonnet line. Large headlights flank the grille with the lower part of the bumper being finished in black plastic. Down the side, the S-Presso features a stylistic design thanks to prominent wheel arches in the front and rear. The lower doors feature black cladding with silver detailing elements to give a more rugged impression, the 180mm ground clearance also adds to the overall appeal. Suzuki engineers have placed the wheels at the far corners of the car which results in a 2.38m wheelbase.
The rear sees a small integrated spoiler mounted to the rear hatch while the rear lights with their C-design have been moved above the shoulder line to reinforce the design theme. The lower bumper, like the front, also features black plastic elements which blend neatly into the painted body. The Suzuki S-Presso can be ordered in six exterior colours and there is even a special edition model called the S-Edition model which highlights all of the S-Presso’s most prominent features.
The interior
The interior of the S-Presso follows the funky design of the exterior with a large rounded design element in the centre of the facia. Here, you will find a 7.0-inch colour infotainment display on the GL+ and S-Edition variants. The system supports USB and auxiliary ports, Bluetooth connectivity as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Just above the screen is a digital instrument cluster flanked by two air vents, I will admit though that the circular console looks familiar, I’ve seen it before on another mini car. Nevertheless, the interior is neatly designed and can also be customized for added individuality. All versions of the S-Presso are very well equipped and feature electric windows for the front occupants, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, power steering and a multi-information display and top tier models get a reverse camera. Suzuki has learnt from its competitors and has, from the start, added airbags, ABS and EBD for added safety.
S-Presso power
The Suzuki S-Presso is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine that develops 50 kW/90 N.m of torque, much like the Renault Kwid, however, the Suzuki makes use of multi-point fuel injection and four valves per cylinder which allows it to develop peak torque at 3 500rpm. Suzuki claims the average fuel consumption to be less than 5L/100km which is a good thing as the S-Presso is fitted with a 27-litre fuel tank. The vehicle is offered with either a five-speed manual or an AMT (automated manual transmission). If the AMT is anything like the ones found in its competitors, the manual transmission would be the on to opt for. The S-Presso is fitted with 14-inch wheels that feature plastic wheel covers.
Verdict
Small Suzuki cars have always been rather good, characterful and with their latest crop, the brand seems to be on a high with local sales figures on the up. The S-Presso has opened up a new avenue for the brand, adding to the impressive Ignis and Vitara. The other impressive thing about the newcomer is the price, with a starting price of R134 900 with free insurance added in the Suzuki S-Presso becomes an appealing proposition within the segment.
Warranty
The new Suzuki S-Presso is sold with a five-year/200 000 km warranty, two-year/30 000 km service plan and one-year free insurance.
Price
S-Presso 1.0 GL MT – R134 900
S-Presso 1.0 GL+ MT – R139 900
S-Presso 1.0 S-Edition MT – R147 900
S-Presso 1.0 GL+ AMT – R152 900
S-Presso 1.0 S-Edition AMT – R160 900
