Suzuki S-Presso

The interior of the 2023 S-Presso is much different from other Suzuki cars. Suzuki has tried to balance utility with in-class premium bits in the S-Presso. For years, the company was more focused on keeping everything downright practical to keep production costs and the asking price low. This is probably the first time that the company has thought out of the box. The cabin looks quite modern and the dashboard is dominated by the center console. It comprises of a round-styled, centrally stacked digital instrument panel. According to Suzuki, the console’s styling has been inspired by digital sports watches. The looks lend a youthful feel as the car is largely targeted at young buyers.

A lot of hard plastics have been abundantly used in the cabin. But the plastics have a built-to-last feel. The fit and finish of the cabin is much better than other Suzuki cars and the panel gaps are mostly consistent throughout. 

Like all hatchbacks, the two front seats have the most legroom. Overall, the S-Presso has more space than other compact hatchbacks. The door and window controls are places the central console. That leaves the door cards rather plain. The thin plastics at the lower end should have been better. The slimmer doors also creates more elbow room.

Passengers of the rear seat will appreciate the space at the back. The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso is a four-passenger car but a fifth traveler can still squeeze in. There’s enough legroom on the rear seat. The seats are soft and supportive and offer a nice view of the road ahead. The windows are larger than most of its rivals.  

Comfort and entertainment

The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates the S-Presso’s dashboard. It supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sound system is rather basic. The instrument panel has large analog meters that are easy to read. There are not many cubby holes or storage spaces. The manual air-conditioning system cools the car pretty fast. Suzuki should think about automatic climate control as that’s becoming the norm across all segments. 

While the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso stands out because of its unique looks, the car doesn’t look much attractive. The bright colors do attract eyes, when on the move. The entire shape of the S-Presso is boxy, Suzuki has tried to forge a sports utility vehicle (SUV) design on a hatchback. It even calls the S-Presso a mini-SUV. The front fascia is dominated by the grille and squared-off headlights. The bumper comes with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs). This makes the car look a bit more modern. From the profile, it’s evident that Suzuki’s designers have tried to imitate the tall SUV stance for this hatchback. The S-Presso’s proportions are quite similar to the original tall-boy design. The rear is somewhat flat. There aren’t too many design bits here. All lights are on the S-Presso are halogen.

What are the dimensions of the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso?

The subcompact hatchback measures 3,565mm in length, 1,520mm in breadth, and 1,565mm in height. The wheelbase is of 2,380mm. 

What is the ground clearance of the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso?

The car has a ground clearance of 180mm. The tall stance of the car make the ground clearance look bigger. 

Suzuki is known to make some of the most fuel-efficient cars in every segment, and the 2023 S-Presso is no different. In city conditions, the car returns a mileage of about 18kmpl, which is the highest in the segment. On highways, the fuel efficiency increases to 21kmpl.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso?

The Suzuki S-Presso comes with a 27-liter fuel tank  

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso comes with a commanding driving position, something that most of its rivals lack. The driving posture is straight-up. It’s an easy to drive car. The powertrain is refined and the 1.0-liter engine is perfect for the hatchback. The S-Presso is a great car on urban roads. With its petite shape, the easy makes its way through traffic. The turning radius is small and turning and negotiating corners is easy. On an open stretch, the S-Presso is less than impressive. A bit of wind noise enters the cabin. The India-made 165/70R14 ‘ecotred’ tires are quiet and gripping. The car has a bit of a body roll since it’s much taller than its proportionate width. 

What are the wheel options of the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso?

All S-Presso models comes with standard 14-inch steel wheels.

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso GL is hauled by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder, 1.0-liter petrol engine that produces 67PS maximum power at 6,000rpm and 90Nm peak torque at 3,500rpm. The motor is mated to a five-speed manual transmission (MT). The car is mounted on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform. The company claims that the new platform gives the vehicle a more rigid structure that helps to spread the force of impact during a crash. The S-Presso does feel stronger than earlier Suzuki models. Suspension duties are handled by MacPherson front struts and torsion-beam at the back. The suspension is on the stiffer side but that lends a reassuring drive on the highway. 

In April 2023, Suzuki introduced a new transmission option for the S-Presso, called the Auto Gear Shift (AGS). The company plans to add the AGS option to all its future cars and some of its existing models. The transmission is perfectly in sync with the engine and change in gears is seamless, particularly during acceleration. The 1.0-liter engine isn’t the best in business and takes time to rev. But once it does, the S-Presso gives a well-balanced ride. 

Is the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso available in diesel?

No. The car is available only with a 1.0-liter petrol engine. 

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso mounted on the HEARTECT platform. It ensures maximum in-cabin protection in the event of a collision by efficiently absorbing and dispersing the crash energy. The platform is manufactured with high-tensile steel that makes the car light and at the same time offer the best safety. That aside, the car comes with a number of driver-assist features and safety equipment like antilock braking, engine immobilizer, stability control, and rear parking sensors. Absence of speed-sensing door locks is a major miss. Suzuki should also consider adding cruise control and the push-start option.

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso got a one-star rating in the global NCAP test for adult protection and zero stars of child safety protection. That’s a sore point for the otherwise extremely practical car. 

How many airbags does the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso have? 

The car comes with airbags for the driver and front-passenger only. 

How many cameras does the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso have?

The subcompact hatchback doesn’t have a camera.

Value for money

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso is spacious, has a SUV-like stance, and is decently equipped. While the list of features could have been improved, the car is in no way less-equipped. Suzuki makes some of the most affordable, mass-market cars anywhere in the world. At a starting price of ₱620,000, the S-Presso is a steal. The S-Presso is ideal for those wanting to buy their first car. 

Warranty

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso is available with a three-year/100,000km warranty, whichever is earlier. Suzuki will replace the specific defective parts only as presented in the company’s catalogue. The company is also offering a one-year, free periodic maintenance service (PMS) with all models of the S-Presso.

Are original spare parts of the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso available in the Philippines?

All original spare parts of the Suzuki S-Presso are available at the company’s dealerships and workshops. Like all Suzuki cars, spare parts of the S-Presso are inexpensive and widely available. This entails a low cost of ownership.  

2023 Suzuki S-Presso vs Toyota Wigo

The Toyota Wigo is a direct rival of the Suzuki S-Presso. Both are popular cars in the entry-level hatchback segment. Both are hauled by a three-cylinder, 1-liter engine. The power output of the Toyota Wigo E is marginally lower than the S-Presso AGS, while the torque is similar. The S-Presso scores over Toyota in pricing, while the latter comes with more features and safety equipment. Dimension-wise the Toyota Wigo is bigger than its Japanese cousin, with 3,760mm in length. On the other hand, the S-Presso’s ground clearance is higher at 180mm, compared to that of the Toyota Wigo.

2023 Suzuki S-Presso vs Honda Brio

The 2023 Honda Brio is the newest entry-level hatchback from the Minato-headquartered company. Honda has always tried to come up with a bit more premium car in each segment, be it in terms of features or the powertrain. The Honda Brio is an attractive and compact car that comes with impressive features. The 2023 Brio uses the G-CON body which Honda claims to ensure better safety and performance. The 1.2-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine produces 89PS maximum power and 110Nm peak torque. Comfort-wise Honda Brio is a better car than the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso. Price of the Honda Brio entry-level model starts at ₱735,000.     

2023 Suzuki S-Presso vs Chevrolet Spark

The 2023 Chevrolet Spark is the American automobile manufacturer’s entry vehicle in the booming Philippines subcompact hatchback segment. The car comes with a refreshing interior and exterior. At its price range, the Chevrolet Spark makes for a compelling choice for those looking for a new, daily commuting car. The signature almond-shaped headlights lend the car a unique look. The 1.4-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine is among the most powerful in the entry-level segment. The cabin is spacious and the Spark comes with a decent set of features. Its price start at ₱694,888. 

Is the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso worth buying?

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso is definitely worth buying. It’s one of the most easy to drive, city-focused cars in the Philippines market. The peppy 1.0-liter powertrain, agile handling, and high ground clearance make the car easy to navigate through packed streets. Being of compact dimensions, parking the S-Presso is no worry at all. The design may seem a bit awkward with the boxy shape, but that also creates better cabin space in the S-Presso compared to most of its rivals. The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso may not be the most powerful car in its segment, but it certainly counts among the more practical and affordable options. The mileage and low cost of maintenance make the S-Presso a great hatchback.