5 Reasons why the Suzuki S-Presso with AGS will sell like hotcakes!

Ever since the Suzuki S-Presso was introduced, it caught a lot of people's attention, including myself. Why not? It was a super compact, boxy, no-frills hatchback that had a weird quirk, and a ground clearance of 180mm which puts it in comparison with many small crossovers in the market. Apart from all the features, it was also extremely affordable. It was almost the perfect first car for anyone looking to upgrade from a motorcycle. However, there was one glaring feature that customers have been clamoring for from the brand: an automatic transmission.

Standard or manual transmission systems have fallen out of favor for the past decade and car buyers, for convenience, as well as improvements in the technology are now looking at automatic transmission options even in basic cars. Drivers and purists may decry this trend but the reality is that everyone tends to flow towards the path of least resistance, and that's the omission of the clutch pedal and driving automatics.

While Suzuki Philippines has resisted the urge to bring in their AGS or Auto Gear Shift system, which is already available in their Dzire sedan and Celerio hatchback, it seems like they can't deny the fans any longer, releasing the Suzuki S-Presso with the automatic system to little fanfare a few weeks ago. While the announcement was watered down a bit, the brand knows that this will bring a whole new set of customers to the door, and here are 5 reasons why the Suzuki S-Presso will sell really well.

Auto Gear Shift

Suzuki Auto Gear Shift is a technology introduced by Suzuki Motor Corporation that allows for automatic gear shifting in their vehicles. AGS technology provides the convenience of an automatic transmission while retaining the fuel efficiency and driving performance of a manual transmission. For years, since the Suzuki S-Presso was first introduced here, sharp-eyed customers in the local market know that the model is available in other locales with AGS. 

With Suzuki AGS, the S-Presso clutch operation is automated, allowing the driver to shift gears without having to use a clutch pedal. This is achieved through an electronic control unit that determines the optimal gear shift points based on factors such as vehicle speed, engine speed, and throttle position. The AGS system also features a manual mode that allows the driver to manually shift gears if desired. This means that the transmission is still similar to a manual or standard transmission 

One of the key benefits of Suzuki AGS technology is its fuel efficiency. By eliminating the need for a manual clutch pedal, the system can optimize the engine's performance to provide better fuel economy. Additionally, the system is lightweight and compact, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and improve its handling and agility.

Cheap and Cheery

When it comes to buying a car, affordability is a top priority for many people. That's the main reason why the S-Presso has always been on top of the minds of many first car buyers. In the Philippines, there are several options for budget-friendly vehicles, but nothing comes close to the budget champ, Suzuki S-Presso.

Starting at just Php 620,000, the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso is the most affordable brand-new car available in the local market. It is a mini subcompact car that offers a surprising amount of interior space, with seating for up to five people. Instead of having to buy a second-hand car with dubious maintenance records, buyers can have the peace of mind of knowing that a brand-new car is within their budgets. The Suzuki S-Presso is the very definition of cheap and cheery, and buyers can remain cheery because of the included 3-year, 100,000 km warranty afforded to it!

Creature Comforts

I've said earlier that the Suzuki S-Presso is the next logical step for a growing family. Motorcycles might be a much cheaper way to get from point A to point B, but exposure to the elements and having no way to safely transport the kids is a real concern. The Suzuki S-Presso might not be the most luxurious way to get around town, but it certainly isn't no slouch and has a lot more toys and features to even more expensive cars from more than a decade ago. 

Features such as Air-conditioning, Front Automatic Window Controls, Digital Meter Cluster, 12V power socket and USB ports were all available with the S-Presso when it was first introduced, but the current year model now has even more niceties. The steering wheel now has Hands Free Bluetooth Controls and Audio Controls, the touchscreen infotainment system now has a better display as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto plus a microphone closer to the driver for better hands-free calls, and instead of manual stalks to control the side-mirrors, the new Spresso now has electronic switches to adjust the mirrors.

If you ask your titos and titas about these features they'd say that it would be from a top of the line compact sedan or SUV from their era. The Suzuki S-Presso is a car for the 2020s and compared to older cars and motorcycles, you'll find relative luxury inside.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the new Suzuki S-Presso now comes with a complete suite. Even my current car doesn't have half of the features available here. Dual airbags were already available as well as Anti-lock brakes but the new model ups the ante with even more features that can impress even the most picky of buyers at this price point.

The AGS model of the Suzuki S-Presso now has Hill-Hold assist that keeps the car from rolling backwards for a few seconds when stopped on an incline. Another appreciated feature is the presence of backup sensors. The Suzuki S-Presso is easy enough to park, thanks to the large windows and diminuitive size, but the presence of additional parking aids is always welcome. 

Then of course, there's HEARTECT. Electronic Stability Control makes sure that S-Presso stays pliant on the road even when it gets slippery and dicey. The body is also made of high-tensile strength steel that protects the occupants in the event of a collision from any direction. The Suzuki S-Presso may be a small cute vehicle, but it certainly has your and your family's back in terms of safety. 

Performance

A car is only as good as the way and drives, and when push comes to shove, the Suzuki S-Presso is one of the most balanced vehicles in the market. Under the hood lies a 1-liter, 3-cylinder DUALJET engine, the K10C which is an upgraded version of the previous K10B engine. This version has Dual Variable Valve Timing that albeit has the same power increases operating efficiency even further.

Based on my judgement from the previous engine's performance this can only mean good things for the new model. Paired with the AGS it can certainly drive all the way up to Baguio at any given moment even with passengers and luggage on board. 

Fuel efficiency has also been a strong suit of the Suzuki S-Presso. Based on my previous tests with the manual variant, I can easily get 12 km/l in the city and 20 km/l on the highway without even trying to be economical. This is important because of fluctuating fuel prices, and considering the price of the S-Presso, the amount of saving you can get from driving this car is will be much more significant, even when compared to a hybrid.

The new Suzuki S-Presso with AGS is now available at all dealerships. Make sure to visit our Suzuki S-Presso Page to get the best possible prices!

Also read: Braveheart: 2021 Suzuki S-Presso MT Road Test