Updated Suzuki S-Presso now on sale in SA

Suzuki’s latest monthly sales show it’s a manufacturer that’s top of mind for many customers. It was the third best-seller during the month of November, with a total of 4,287 cars sold.

The company makes some good small cars, and the S-Presso is one of them, with 122 new units finding homes in November. The model, which is available in GL, GL+ and S-grade models, has received a specification update, including a more frugal new engine and stop/start technology fitted to all models. I drove it in Cape Town last week at the launch.

The unmistakable styling of a tall-box gains 14-inch alloy wheels for both the GL+ and S-Edition models, but the entry-level GL retains steel wheels with full wheel covers. The S-Edition benefits from a new exterior upgrade that includes silver coloured bumper inserts and detailing on the front bumper.

Inside there’s plenty of space for such a small car, with upright seating and a steering wheel with no adjustability. Four adults can travel in comfort, but the boot is small. The cabin feels modern and the S-Presso GL+ model is now equipped with a touch-operated seven-inch digital infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and digital vehicle. Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel controls are standard, too.  

The top-range S-Edition gets a larger, nine-inch infotainment system with a higher resolution, and also broadcasts images from the newly fitted reverse camera. Range-wide convenience functions include central locking, front electric windows, air conditioning and power steering.

On the road, the S-Presso need not be confined to city streets, where its minuscule dimensions are best used. The new 1.0l three-cylinder with two injectors per cylinder is a sprightly little heart that’s also good on highways.

It outputs 49kW and 89Nm, 1kW and 1Nm down on the previous motor but fuel consumption has dropped.

The outputs give it enough tractability for hushed, urban zipping at slow speeds. Driving the model fitted with a five-speed manual transmission with a light clutch made sense. Alternatively, all three models can be specified with a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).

Using its light clutch to keep the power band below 3,000rpm, it operates quietly and efficiently. Suzuki claims 4.6l/100km on this particular model and a lower 4.4l/100km for the AMT. Stop/start technology is now standard fitment across the range and it helps in the pursuit of low fuel consumption. 

You’d say the S-Presso would struggle once you’re out of town and in the mountains, but it doesn’t really. It climbed those steep Cape hills noisily as expected of budget hatches, but with heart.

There’s not too much body lean and there are good ABS-equipped brakes and fair grip down twisty roads. It’s only the gawky seating position that’s affected by a fixed steering wheel position that limits more dynamic play.

Two airbags, electronic stability program and Isofix child restraint seat anchors are standard across the range, and the AMT models come with Hill Hold Control.

With a starting price of R162,900 for the 1.0 GL 5MT, it is the cheapest car to buy in SA. Not only this, it’s somewhat of an SUV, proven with a little off-road drive at the launch. The little car used its ample ride height to scamper through a gravel road with grassy patches, holes, rocks and some light beach sand.

All models are available in a choice of six colours, including white, Granite Grey Metallic, Fire Red, Silky Silver Metallic, Starry Blue Pearl and Sizzle Orange. All Suzuki S-Presso models are sold with a two-year/30,000km service plan and five-year/200,000km mechanical warranty.

Pricing

Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL 5MT   —   R162,900

Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL 5 AMT —   R176,900

Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL+ 5MT —   R169,900

Suzuki S-Presso 1.5 GL+ 5 AMT — 183,900 

Suzuki S-Presso 1.5 S-Edition 5MT — R185,900

Suzuki S-Presso 1.5 S-Edition 5 AMT -R199,900