Suzuki S-Presso is SA’s new price buster
A car worth looking at is the new Suzuki S-Presso which was launched just a week before the doors closed, but luckily Autodealer had time to put the car through its paces
The Coronavirus lockdown is busy infecting everybody’s budget, so when SA regains its freedom again, some will most probably be forced to downgrade as far as wheels are concerned.
A car worth looking at is the new Suzuki S-Presso which was launched just a week before the doors closed, but luckily Autodealer had time to put the car through its paces.
Here’s what the little hatch offers:
Feature loaded
The S-Presso range starts at R134 900 for the base GL model, making it the most affordable new car you can currently buy – or rather, when trade commences again.
It’s a direct rival to the Datsun Go and the Renault Kwid, and like them, the S-Presso is big on gadgets despite being light on the pocket.
Thankfully Suzuki also fitted the car with the necessary safety features right from the start, with ABS, EBD, dual front airbags and reverse sensors being standard equipment.
You also get an air-con, electric front windows, remote central locking and an audio system.
That’s a whole lot for what is the cheapest new car on the market.
One derivative up and an extra R5 000, and the gadgets now really comes into play with a big, 7-inch touch screen infotainment system which is linked to a rear-view camera and is Apple CarPlay and Android compatible.
At R139 900, the GL+ model also has a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, but no steering wheel audio controls.
The third derivative, the S-Presso S-Edition, gains extra trim outside in the form of faux kid plates, black wrapping around the wheel arches and doors, as well as chrome grill garnish.
For that and a few extra cosmetic additions inside the cabin, you will pay an extra R8 000 because the S-Edition is priced at R147 900.
The drivetrain
Drivetrain first and gadgets second.
That’s how it should be because nifty features means nothing when placed on top of a useless engine, rudimentary transmission and the most basic of suspensions.
Suzuki did well in this department too, fitting the S-Presso with the same three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine which does duty in the award-winning Celerio.
Its outputs of 50kW and 90Nm don’t sound like much, but with its curb weight of only 770kg, are adequate for the job at hand.
The five-speed manual transmission is also a good match as far as gear ratios are concerned, and is easy to operate.
The suspension is better than those of similar cars, making for a stable commute in town and also on the highway if you keep to the national speed limit of 120km/h.
However, here it needs to be pointed out that the steering needs constant input from the driver, which will be tiring when doing long distances. But keep in mind cars such as the S-Presso and its rivals are intended for urban use and not long cross-country trips.
Mini Renegade
With the most important aspects of anything motorised covered, let’s address the styling and the cabin.
The S-Presso almost looks like a mini Jeep Renegade and you will either love it or hate it.
The S-Edition with its faux skid plates, especially, looks like it’s a compact crossover.
It sits quite high above the tar, so will probably negotiate washed out dirt roads better than most pavement jumpers.
The driver’s seat is also higher than on a normal hatch, making getting in behind the steering wheel easy.
Once inside, you are met with a centralised instrument panel in the shape of a big circle right above the centre console.
Here, again, you will love it, or hate it.
Shoulder room inside the S-Presso is tight with the rear bench only big enough for two adults, but legroom as well as boot space are more generous compared to most compact hatches, which is surprising given the short platform.
Overall, the S-Presso’s interior is also of a better fit and finish compared to rivals.
Verdict
Given the S-Presso’s low price, one would expect the most rudimentary drivetrain, but it proved to be fairly drivable.
Perhaps it is becausee Suzuki has so much experience in building Kei category cars (max length of 3.4m and max hight of 1.48m) for its home market in Japan.
The GL+ model, especially, is great value for money because it comes with everything besides the kitchen sink.
Suzuki is also so confident in its latest car that it covers it with a five-year/200 000km mechanical warranty, and gives buyers a two-year/30 000km service plan, as well as three-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
Suzuki is even offering to pay your first year’s insurance for you which, if you’re a young person, can be a massive saving.
And at 4.9-litres to 100km it’s super-light on fuel too!
So, while not a motoring revelation, there’s very little reason not to buy the S-Presso.
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