The Maruti Suzuki S‑Presso has quickly become one of India’s quirkiest and most practical city cars, and the 2025 version reinforces its appeal with fresh styling, improved cabin ergonomics, and enhanced safety. Built on the proven Heartect platform, the updated S‑Presso combines a tall-boy SUV stance, spacious interior despite its compact footprint, and lightweight agility. With mileage figures exceeding 20 km/l in real-world use and ownership costs among the lowest in the hatchback segment, the 2025 model continues to suit budget-conscious buyers without compromising visibility or convenience.
Exterior Styling & Presence
Bold Mini‑SUV Looks
Maruti positions the S‑Presso as a micro‑SUV—its tall stance, flared wheel arches, black body cladding, and high ground clearance enable it to stand out among small city cars. The raised ride height gives commanding visibility during traffic navigation.
Refreshed Design Tweaks
The facelift adds a new chrome-coated hexagonal grille, sportier bumpers with skid-plate inserts, and projector headlamps combined with LED daytime running lamps (in higher trims). Updated wheel covers, sleek foglamp housings, and dual-tone paint options elevate visual appeal.
Interior Layout & Comfort
Spacious Cabin in a Compact Package
Despite its short length, the S‑Presso’s high roofline ensures generous headroom and upright seats. Front passengers enjoy ample knee clearance, and the rear seat provides usable space for two adults. Large windows aid visibility and create an airy cabin feel.
Practical Features Inside
The dashboard follows a functional layout: a floating 7‑inch touchscreen infotainment system, semi-digital instrument cluster, roof-mounted AC vents, and multiple cubby spaces. Even the base trim includes power steering, front power windows, and manual AC — enough to support a comfortable daily commute.
Engine, Transmission & Performance
Frugal 1.0‑Litre Engine
Power comes from a 1.0‑litre three-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering approximately 67 PS and 90 Nm torque. While not designed for high-speed performance, it accelerates steadily in city conditions and handles uphill starts with confidence.
Gearbox Options
Buyers can choose between a 5‑speed manual gearbox or AMT automatic. The AMT is tuned for smooth low-speed shifts, making it ideal for crowded city driving. Manual versions offer better engagement and marginally improved fuel economy at highway speeds.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Fuel Economy That Counts
One of the S‑Presso’s strongest points is mileage. In real-world driving, it delivers around 20–22 km/l in city traffic and around 23–25 km/l on highways. Its small fuel tank (~27 litres) still allows extended range due to lightweight construction and efficient engine tuning.
Economical Ownership
Maintenance costs are minimal, thanks to widespread service centres and low-cost spare parts. Insurance is affordable due to its small engine size and lower repair statistics. Annual servicing intervals and simple mechanical layout translate to budget-friendly upkeep.
Features & Tech
Modern Infotainment and Connectivity
Higher trims come with a 7‑inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice assist, and USB/AUX support. Base trims receive a basic stereo with Bluetooth and AUX only.
Safety Enhancements
Standard across all variants are dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminders, child seat anchors (ISOFIX), and rear parking sensors. Top variants may add a rearview camera, speed alert system, and engine immobiliser for added security.
Seating, Ergonomics & Space Utility
Comfortable Seating Posture
Seats maintain an upright posture that eases ingress and egress—especially useful for city stops. The steering adjusts for tilt only, and the compact driver’s seat gives good forward visibility even in traffic.
Practical Storage Solutions
Useful cabin storage includes a bottle slot in each door, glovebox, open cubby below the center console, and a fabric-lined shelf above the dashboard. The boot offers around 240 litres, enough for grocery runs or daily luggage.
On-Road Behavior & Ride Quality
City‑Focus Ride and Handling
With its high ground clearance and short turning radius, the S‑Presso navigates pothole-pocked roads and sharp turns with ease. The suspension setup trades firmness for no bottoming even under load, making it stable on uneven roads.
Highway Comfort
While long-distance comfort is modest due to seat firmness and wind noise at higher speeds, the car remains stable up to 100 km/h. AMT models show a bit more dash refinement, but dynamic feedback remains best suited for city usage.
Variants and Price
Trim Structure
Maruti offers trims under four broad themes: Standard, LXI, VXI, and ZXI (both MT and AMT). Each higher trim brings additional features like touchscreen infotainment, alloy-like covers, roof rails, prep for navigation lights, and optional dual-tone roof schemes.
Price Range
The 2025 S‑Presso is expected to start around ₹4.60 lakh for the base model and go up to ₹6.00 lakh ex-showroom for the fully-featured ZXI AMT variants. The compact pricing positions it favorably against rivals such as the Renault Kwid, Maruti Alto K10, and Celerio.
Competitors & Market Standing
Comparison with Segment Peers
While the Kwid also targets a similar segment, the S‑Presso offers better ground clearance, a more stable ride, and more space for taller passengers. Compared to Alto and Celerio, the S‑Presso feels bolder and slightly more SUV-like.
Who It Appeals To
It is ideal for buyers who prioritise visibility, low running cost, and ease of maneuverability. The styling appeals to millennials or first-time buyers who appreciate compact cars with a raised stance and youthful image.
Strengths & Limitations
Advantages
- Excellent fuel economy for both city and highway use
- Tall, airy cabin optimized for space in a small footprint
- SUV‑inspired styling that stands out
- Low maintenance and ownership expense
- Automated options for urban driving ease
Trade-Offs
- Powertrain lacks performance punch during highways or overtakes
- Rear seat bench can feel tight during longer trips
- NVH levels rise at speeds beyond 100 km/h
- AMT jerkiness can annoy if gear timing isn’t smooth
Final Verdict
The 2025 Maruti Suzuki S‑Presso continues to be a smart, budget-friendly city car with SUV-inspired ergonomics and standout mileage. Its tall driver seating, pliable ride height and compact size make it ideal for navigating busy urban streets. While it may lack outright power or plush comfort, it delivers practical features, excellent economy, and easy usability. For first-time buyers, city commuters, and small families seeking fuss-free mobility with fashionable flair, the S‑Presso is a compelling choice in today’s small-car market.