Suzuki S-Presso AGS: how roomy is its cabin?

Suzuki launched the S-Presso AGS in early 2023, and the compact car has become a hit among beginner drivers as well as seasoned veterans who want an affordable vehicle to get around.

Granted that the Suzuki S-Presso AGS is a small city car, some buyers are interested in knowing just how they — and their daily carry items — would fit inside the vehicle. Luckily, Zigwheels Philipines was able to review the tiny hatchback in January, and here are our thoughts about its surprisingly roomy cabin.

SUV-like seating

Just to be clear, it is the seating position and not the actual seats that are sport utility vehicle (SUV)-like.

For those who drive — or have driven — sedans, the usual sitting position is slightly laid back with the legs extending forward and one’s back somewhat leaning, well, backward. While this is considered by many as a relaxed sitting position, the space one’s legs and back take consumes space in the cabin.

To solve this problem, Suzuki positioned the front seats a little higher than usual. Like typical crossovers, the driver sits upright in the S-Presso AGS, thus taking less leg space and maximizing the compact room of the vehicle.

The upright position also gives the driver a better view of the road ahead. The view is not hindered by the dashboard or the hood and instead gives way to an improved perspective when sitting behind the wheel.

During my time driving the vehicle, my legs did not feel fatigued. My back did not hurt, but some lumbar support might be wanted in longer driving situations.

Further, the elevated seats give additional legroom to the rear passengers. They can extend their legs forward thanks to the added clearance for their feet. The said space brought by the elevated seats can also accommodate various small items like bags and pouches.

Space-saving dashboard

Suzuki did what it could to save space when designing the S-Presso AGS, and one place where apparent adjustments were made was on the dashboard.

Unlike other hatchbacks, the Suzuki S-Presso AGS has an integrated display system, which combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system in one panel. Like a Mini, the display screen of the vehicle is seated in a circular platform right in the middle of the dash.

The upper part is where one can check the car’s speed, engaged gear, and other relevant driving information. Below, one may browse through various entertainment applications like the radio and music player.

If we have any gripe with the central display, it would be that it is not Apple Carplay- or Android Auto-ready, but that might be asking too much.

Suzuki also installed an additional cubby to hold wallets and smartphones on top of the glove box compartment of the S-Presso AGS’ dashboard. Likewise, the air conditioning vents have been positioned in places that do not take up additional real estate space from the dash.

Spacious 2nd-row seating

While bigger and wider drivers might have to fully push the seats back, a typical Filipino with a height of five feet and seven inches —  like me —  can give passengers at the back some decent space.

Using my normal driving position, my wife and little one were able to enjoy the second-row seating of the Suzuki S-Presso AGS. A little bonus is that the door cards have some pockets to hold beverages and other items, which is something I wouldn’t expect from a small car.

While the second-row seats are designed pretty much like a bench, they still offer acceptable cushioning. There’s no pull-down armrest, but for a car that costs a little over P650,000, that is passable.

Decent luggage space

The last thing you can expect to find in a compact car is a luggage compartment, which is something that the Suzuki S-Presso AGS has.

With the hatch lifted, the boot area can cater to 239 liters of cargo. For those who do not want prying eyes to see what they are packing, an included tonneau cover is available. Here (photo above) you can see some camping chairs, but the boot can still hold some duffel bags and other small items.

The luggage area is also deep, which adds to its carrying capacity and capabilities.

Final thoughts

The Suzuki S-Presso AGS is an affordable compact car but it can accommodate the needs of many Filipino car buyers. The cabin of the compact hatchback has been designed to maximize space and provide enough room for its occupants without sacrificing the comfort and convenience of its owners.

It is priced at P674,000.

Also read:

Suzuki S-Presso vs. Toyota Wigo: Which compact car reigns supreme?

Through the years: Suzuki Dzire

Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT