Suzuki has updated its popular entry-level car, the S-Presso. Here are five things worth knowing about South Africa’s most affordable car.
1. The new Dualjet engine uses even less fuel
The most significant upgrade to the S-Presso is the introduction of the Dualjet 1,0-litre K10C engine across the range. This engine helps owners to get the most out of every drop of fuel. Here are the key facts:
- Dualjet technology: Two injectors per cylinder optimises fuel flow and combustion.
- Fuel consumption: The manual version achieves 4,6 litres per 100 km, while the automatic (AMT) version uses just 4,4 litres per 100 km, according to Suzuki.
- Stop-start technology: All versions come with this feature to minimise fuel consumption. This makes city driving in the S-Presso more economical, while limiting air pollution.
- It’s no slouch: The S-Presso weighs less than 800kg, so it requires very little power to make it go. Its maximum engine output of 49kW and 89Nm seems underwhelming, but the S-Presso is anything but lazy or slow.
2. ESP is now standard across the range
The Suzuki S-Presso has more safety features than you might expect from a car at this price point:
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP): Now standard across the range, this feature helps maintain control during skids. Because nobody wants to slide off the road and end up in a ditch.
- ISOFIX anchors: This improves child safety with top and lower child restraint anchors.
- Hill Hold Control: This is available on the automatic model versions, preventing the car from rolling back on inclines.
- Additional safety features: Two airbags, ABS brakes, childproof rear door locks, and rear ultrasonic park sensors are all standard.
- HEARTECT platform: The S-Presso uses Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform. It uses high tensile steel, energy dispersing impact channels and clever design to offer a rigid safety cell at the lowest possible vehicle weight.
3. The S-Presso received stylish and practical design updates
The S-Presso’s appearance gets an upgrade with the new model:
- Alloy wheels: The GL+ and S-Edition models now sport stylish 14” alloy wheels. The GL model has steel wheels with full wheel covers. (All versions have a full-sized spare wheel.)
- Exterior kit: The S-Edition features a new exterior body kit with silver-coloured bumper inserts and detailing.
- Body-coloured elements: All models come with body-coloured bumpers and door handles. You will even find some cheerful body-coloured accents inside.
4. Upgrades to infotainment and interior
The S-Presso’s cabin is surprisingly spacious, as well as comfortable and high-tech:
- Infotainment systems: The GL+ includes a 7” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The S-Edition takes it up a notch with a 9” high-resolution screen and a reverse camera.
- Standard interior features: All versions have Bluetooth connectivity, steering-mounted controls, central locking, front electric windows, air conditioning, and power steering. Strangely enough, there are no vanity mirrors for the driver or front passenger.
- Plenty of space: The rear seats offer a surprising amount of legroom and the boot is spacious for a car in this class.
5. Pricing starts at less than R180 000
Buyers can choose from five model derivatives, including both manual and automatic options:
- 1.0 GL Manual – R178 900
- 1.0 GL Auto (AMT) – R189 900
- 1.0 GL+ Manual – R192 900
- 1.0 GL+ Auto (AMT) – R203 900
- 1.0 S-Edition Manual – R205 900
- 1.0 S-Edition Auto (AMT) – R219 900
The S-Presso is available in six vibrant colours including white, Granite Grey Metallic, Fire Red, Silky Silver Metallic, Starry Blue Pearl, and Sizzle Orange.
With its upgraded features, the Suzuki S-Presso continues to offer excellent value for money to South Africa’s cash-poor motorists.
Each S-Presso includes a two-year / 30 000 km service plan and five-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty.
