After weeks of spy-shots, Maruti Suzuki has launched its much awaited mini-SUV, the S-PRESSO, today. Not to be confused with a morning cup at your local dealership, the S-PRESSO is Maruti Suzuki’s offering for the highly competitive and popular segment. Aimed at the youth of the country, it has been designed and conceptualised in India. Built on the fifth generation of the HEARTECT platform, it promises to be strong, rigid and safe while boasting of more than ten safety features.
Powered by a BS6 compliant, 1.0-litre K10 engine with a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.7 kpl, the S-PRESSO makes a bold statement, in design as well as technology. It makes 67 bhp and 9.17 kgm, and is available with Auto-Gear Shift (AGS) or a manual transmission, which promises to be smooth. It is designed to be compact in dimensions, yet provide a solid road presence with its SUV looks. The intentionally boxy design is aimed at providing a chunky appearance, with squared wheel arches and a high front facade. Inside, the centre console is inspired by a sports watch, and steering mounted controls for the infotainment will appeal to the target market. When it comes to safety, the car boasts of features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belts with pre-tensioners, seat belt reminders, rear parking assist, high speed warning and parking sensors.
The car will be sold throughout the country via the Maruti Suzuki ARENA showrooms, with introductory prices of Rs 3.69 lakh for the STD, Rs 4.05 lakh for the VXI, Rs 4.48 lakh for the VXI+, Rs 4.67 lakh for the VXI (AGS) and Rs 4.91 lakh for the VXI+(AGS), all ex-showroom. We will be driving it later this week, so watch this space for our first impressions.
