Maruti Suzuki has redefined affordability in the Indian automobile market with the S-Presso, now officially India’s cheapest car. The S-Presso, known for its compact design, fuel efficiency, and urban-friendly dimensions, has consistently appealed to first-time buyers and city dwellers. With the new pricing strategy, it has become even more accessible, making car ownership easier for a broader segment of buyers.
In this blog, we take an in-depth look at the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, including its price, features, mileage, safety, and why it has emerged as the most budget-friendly car in India.
Price and Variants
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso now holds the title of India’s cheapest car, with its base variant priced extremely competitively.
- Starting Price: Around ₹3.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Variants: Available in multiple trims, including Std, Lxi, Vxi, and Vxi+.
- Transmission Options: 5-speed manual and AMT (Auto Gear Shift) for city convenience.
This pricing positions the S-Presso as a perfect entry-level vehicle for first-time car buyers, students, and budget-conscious families.
Design and Exterior Features
Despite its low price, the S-Presso offers a bold and modern design that stands out in city traffic.
- Compact Yet Tall Design: Tall-boy stance provides better visibility and easy maneuverability in tight city streets.
- Front Fascia: Hexagonal grille, large headlights, and rugged bumper design give it a confident look.
- Side Profile: Tall doors, stylish black cladding, and 14-inch wheels enhance urban appeal.
- Rear Design: Wide tailgate and functional taillights make it practical for loading and unloading luggage.
- Colours: Multiple vibrant color options cater to younger buyers looking for style on a budget.
The S-Presso’s design combines urban practicality with fun styling, making it appealing to a wide audience.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin of the S-Presso is designed to maximize space and practicality despite its compact footprint:
- Seating: Comfortable upright seating for five passengers with adequate legroom and headroom.
- Infotainment: Optional touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity on higher trims.
- Storage: Multiple storage compartments, cup holders, and a spacious glovebox for convenience.
- Air Conditioning: Manual AC with adjustable vents ensures comfort in hot Indian summers.
- Dashboard Layout: Simple, functional, and easy-to-use controls, ideal for new drivers.
The interior offers good ergonomics and functionality, ensuring that budget constraints don’t compromise comfort.
Engine and Mileage
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, making it a practical choice for daily commuting:
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine.
- Power Output: Approximately 68 PS and 90 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual and AMT options.
- Mileage: Claimed fuel efficiency of ~22–23 km/l, making it one of the most economical cars for city driving.
This combination of low running cost, compact design, and easy handling makes it ideal for city traffic and congested roads.
Safety Features
Even as the cheapest car in India, Maruti Suzuki has not compromised on safety:
- Driver Airbag: Standard in all variants, ensuring basic protection.
- Passenger Airbag: Available in higher trims for enhanced safety.
- ABS with EBD: Standard across variants to ensure safe braking.
- Seatbelt Reminder: For both driver and front passenger.
- Child Safety Features: ISOFIX child seat anchors available on select trims.
The S-Presso demonstrates that affordable cars can also prioritize safety, making it a practical option for families.
Why the S-Presso is India’s Cheapest Car
Several factors contribute to the S-Presso claiming the title of India’s most affordable car:
- Compact Design: Smaller footprint reduces production costs while maintaining usability.
- Simplified Features: Base variants focus on essentials, keeping costs low without compromising quality.
- Mass Production: Maruti Suzuki’s scale allows efficient manufacturing and distribution.
- Fuel Efficiency: Low running costs further increase affordability for first-time buyers.
- Market Positioning: Specifically designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable city car.
By balancing cost, features, and practicality, Maruti Suzuki has created a value-for-money urban car that meets the needs of India’s first-time buyers.
Target Audience
The S-Presso is ideal for:
- First-Time Car Buyers: Affordable pricing and easy handling make it a perfect entry-level car.
- Students and Young Professionals: Compact size and fuel efficiency suit urban commuting.
- Small Families: Adequate space, safety features, and practicality for daily use.
- Budget-Conscious Urban Drivers: Low running costs and reliability make it highly economical.
Its combination of style, safety, and affordability ensures it appeals to a broad segment of buyers.
Comparison with Rivals
In the entry-level hatchback segment, the S-Presso competes with:
- Renault Kwid: Similar pricing but slightly smaller engine output.
- Datsun GO: Competitive pricing but less fuel-efficient.
- Tata Tiago Base Variant: Slightly higher starting price but offers more features.
By positioning itself as the cheapest option without cutting essentials, the S-Presso gains an edge among budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is now officially India’s cheapest car, providing a compelling combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, safety, and practical design. With a starting price of ₹3.99 lakh, it opens the doors of car ownership to a wider audience, especially first-time buyers and urban commuters.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the S-Presso does not compromise on style, comfort, or basic safety features, making it one of the most practical choices in its segment. Its compact dimensions, easy maneuverability, and low running costs further enhance its appeal, ensuring that the S-Presso continues to dominate the entry-level car market in India.
For anyone looking for a budget-friendly, reliable, and stylish city car, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso offers unmatched value and remains the most accessible way to own a car in India.