By Staff Reporter

There’s a new hatch in town and it comes with the title of being the cheapest new car in Mzansi with a starting price of R134,900. The Indian made S-Presso is the latest car from Suzuki and joins the range as the entry level car in the local line-up. We met the S-Presso in India and we were generally impressed with built quality and interior space. We like the quirky looks but know that the buying public will either like it or hate it. Notwithstanding, we predict that the S-Presso will do well locally and will give budget kings Renault Kwid and Datsun Go a run for their money.

Looks

The front is dominated by a four-slot grille with large S-emblem which is flanked by squared-off halogen headlamps that spot a different housing for the integrated indicators and main headlamps. Finishing off the front look is a uniquely styled bumper which is split into an upper bumper which matches the body paint and a lower bumper in black. Suzuki says this is not only a visual trick but the S-Presso has a ground clearance of 180mm on all models, thanks in part to its the 14” steel wheels.

Viewed from the side, the S-Presso has strong lines on the shoulders and wheel archers. At the back, and as in the front, a dual colour bumper is offered together with a small roof spoiler and square shaped tail-lights.

All S-Presso models also feature colour-coded door handles and side mirrors, with the choice of six exterior colours: Sizzle Orange, Pearl Starry Blue, Fire Red, Metallic Granite Grey, Metallic Silky Silver and White.

Interior

The inside of the S-Presso is dominated by a large circular centre console which houses a digital speedometer and trip computer, the radio or infotainment system and the centrally mounted electric window and hazard switches. The circular design has been replicated in the air conditioning unit mounted below the circular console, the 12V plug and the side-mounted air vents.

Although a low budget car, the S-Presso is not shor of interior features with electric windows for the front occupants, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, power steering and a multi-information display, which includes information such as distance to empty, trip duration and distance travelled.

The GL+ model adds with a full colour touchscreen infotainment system that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems. This full colour infotainment system also offers USB and auxiliary ports, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard and will display the image from the in-built reverse camera on the screen.

In terms of practicality, the S-Presso offers 239l of boot space and a foldable rear bench seat, and parcel tray as standard, with extra storage spaces available in the front and rear console pockets, the door pockets with integrated bottle holders and the large glove box.

Choice

The Suzuki S-Presso is offered in three grades, ie GL, GL+ and S-Edition. The S-Edition offers silver highlights in the four-slot grille, silver front and rear skid plates and prominent side cladding over the wheel arches and on the lower sections of the doors. The protective side cladding on the doors is further emphasised by a large silver panel insert, which visually connects the front and rear silver skid plates.

All S-Presso models can be customised with personalised exterior options, such as colour coded front grille, rear spoiler and side cladding options. Buyers can even opt for omplementary colour options to pair unique colour combinations and express their individuality. Interior accessories can also be added to either colour match the exterior, or highlight interior elements with complementary colour options for the dashboard garnish, air conditioning louvers and door panel accessories.

Safety

All models in the new S-Presso range feature two airbags as standard and is fitted with and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with emergency brake-force distribution (EBD).

All S-Presso models feature reverse parking sensors as standard, while GL+ and S-Edition models will further complement this system with an in-built reverse camera.

Suzuki has not made an announcement about crash tests for the car.

Engine and power

The S-Presso is powered by a familiar three-cylinder engine that offers 50kW of power and 90Nm of torque and is shared with the Suzuki Celerio. Suzuki claims a fuel consumption of less than 5 litres per 100km.

The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or the loathed five-speed utomated manual transmission (AMT).

Pricing

The new Suzuki S-Presso is priced as follows:

Suzuki S-Presso GL                            R134,900

Suzuki S-Presso GL+ MT                  R139,900

Suzuki S-Presso GL+ AMT                R152,900

Suzuki S-Presso S-Edition MT           R147,900

Suzuki S-Presso S-Edition AMT        R160,900

The prices include a promotional 1-yearar comprehensive insurance package, a 5-yr / 200,000km promotional warranty and a 2-yr / 30,000km service plan.