Small cars just pop in vibrant hues, and I originally had my heart set on a blue one.
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There’s plain cheap and there’s cheap and cheerful. S-Presso had me confused between the two.
Just to give you some context – I’ve got an old MG410 whose papers will expire in 2024, and a shiny new Jimny as a replacement. I’m living up where the snow blankets everything for a solid two months each year. Toss in my gigs as a cyclist and an outdoor gear reviewer, and it’s clear that 4WD is more than just a luxury; it’s a necessity. But, let’s face it, the Jimny isn’t flawless – no car is. So, enter the S-Presso, the little guy that’s become my daily go-getter. The one where 4WD capabilities not as essential as a good cup of coffee in the morning.
My take on the S-Presso comes straight from the viewpoint of a remote/rural Indian customer and someone perched high in the Himalayas. It’s in this context that I’ll be structuring most of this ownership review.
The small car market in India is jam-packed, and every manufacturer seems to have thrown their hat in the ring. Maruti, in particular, is like a buffet of options. The sub-6L (ex-showroom) segment is bursting at the seams with choices. You’ve got the Alto 800, K10, S-Presso, Wagon R, Kwid, base versions of Ignis, Punch, Exter, i10, Tiago, Magnite, and the list goes on. This overwhelming variety had me in a constant state of indecision, ping-ponging between the Magnite, Exter, Kwid, and the K10. But a simple test drive convinced me that the light weight coupled with an excellent engine means that the Maruti twins K-10 and S-Presso tower above the rest.
Right off the bat, let’s ditch the whole SUV daydream for the S-Presso. What it really is—a nifty, elevated Alto K10 on stilts. Picture it as a raised hatchback, the “ugly betty” of the car world. Yet, in the charming chaos of rural India, that unconventional look works in its favor.
While the official review has delved into the features and whatnot, here’s my personal S-Presso scoop:
- The VVT Twin-injector K10C engine is a champ. I’d go so far as to call it the best 1.0L naturally aspirated engine in India by a long shot. It’s eager, revs happily, and the power kicks in from the get-go. It’s like a pint-sized pup with no clue about its size. Rev it up to 6K (according to the seat of my pants), and you’ve got a robust power band to play with. It does get vocal up top, but hey, I like that!
- The visible flat bonnet. It’s a blessing. Easier to size up and plant your wheels exactly where you want them.
- Better approach and break-over angles than the Ignis (thanks to a smaller overhang, length and wheelbase). Beats the Exter too—despite its SUV dreams. The Exter’s quick to kiss the ground with its chin.
- The AC is a boss. Smaller size, bigger chill. Works like a charm.
- Important perks over the Alto K10? extra ground clearence, shorter front overhang, bonnet view, rear windows that roll all the way down, a tad more storage and backseat space, a sky’s-the-limit headroom, and 14-inch rims. Those 5J rims can handle rubber from 145mm to 185mm (max), so 165 sits right in the middle. Underrubbered but not too under-rubbered.
- Now, the VXI+ version, especially with those December discounts, slides in at less than the base Ignis. For that tag, you’re scoring treats like a decent stereo, auto start-stop, and a mileage claim that’s on the friendlier side. Quick disclaimer: The Ignis is the better all-around superstar. More stable, less body roll, fewer vibes, a quieter cabin, better highway manners and a more refined engine. If you want a do-it-all ride, Ignis is the better pick. Although, it might be gearing up for a heart transplant with the new Swift 1.2 engine soon. But me? I’ve already got a Jimny, so my needs were a tad more niche.
I’ve got a solid rapport with my local Maruti/Nexa dealership. So, when they wanted to offload a VXI+ version before the year-end, my ears perked up. I had initially set my sights on the VXI, figuring it’s what I could roll with. But then, this VXI+ deal popped up—on-road costs, accessories, extended warranty (Team-BHP recommends getting it, and I agree), and a tire swap, all bundled under 6L. That matched my max budget for a compact car, so I didn’t waste a second. Booked it right away.
The whole PDI and money transfer dance was handled by my buddy “G” in Jammu. Next thing I know, the car’s at his doorstep the next day, flaunting temporary plates. Why? Well, I split my time between J&K and Himachal Pradesh, and I was dead set on having HP plates on this ride. J&K plates? Let’s just say they’re a cop magnet beyond the state borders.
Now, the color—fiery red! Small cars just pop in vibrant hues, and I originally had my heart set on a blue one. I was hoping they’d offer the Alto K10 blue for the S-Presso. Sadly, the S-Presso blue is this matte finish that just doesn’t jive with my eyes. Silver and gray? Not enough road contrast for my aging eyes (can’t make out the bonnet line as clearly anymore). And black? A nightmare to maintain. Orange? A bit too, well, orange for my taste. So, it really boiled down to white or red. Luckily, they had red in stock, and that sealed the deal.
My buddy G, another Gypsy/Jimny aficionado and owner, has been tearing it up in the city with the S-Presso. He calls it a hoot, christening it the baby Jimny. He’s even tossing around the idea of getting a bumper sticker that says, “Badi hokar main Jimny banoongi,” paying homage to those tiny Tata Aces dreaming of becoming trucks.
Already on the mod squad, huh? G’s swapped out the stock shoes for Continental Comfort Contact CC6, kept the size in check (stock). Tossed in some aftermarket mats, slapped on a leather steering cover, and cranked up the volume on the horn. Dude’s all in.
Now, the headlights? That’s the next frontier. G’s holding off till I swing by and take the wheel for a spin. LED or top-notch halogens, that’s the dilemma. But here’s the twist. Yellow light’s the mountain MVP, especially with fog, rain, and snow playing tag up there. Choices, choices. We’ll see where the headlight saga takes us.
Ah, the bitter pills in the S-Presso experience, and surprisingly, they didn’t demand a hefty wallet sacrifice (shame on you, Maruti).
- No Day/Night IRVM: Maruti, you missed a trick here. But hey, thanks to the wisdom of a forum threadthere’s a workaround. Ordered the part, problem soon to be history.
- No Rear Defogger: Safety first, right? It baffles me too. But fear not, the trusty AC with vents pointed at the rear glass steps up to the plate. The S-Presso’s compact size works its magic here.
- El Cheapo Tyres: MRF, we need to talk. Those stock tires are noisy and don’t quite ace the braking game, all in the name of fuel efficiency. But before you dive into the world of sound deadening, here’s an idea: switch up those tires. Your ears and brakes will thank you.
- Rear Headrests That Are a Joke: Seriously, Maruti? The rear headrests are like a bad punchline. Solution? I’m on a mission to snag the export S-Presso rear seat. Work in progress, folks. I’ll spill the tea when (or if) it happens.
I will pick up the car from his place soon, drive it to the mountains and have more to share.
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