Suzuki S-Presso has had its critics; safety concerns have been plentiful
Prashirwin Naidu
In December 2022, I attended the launch of the new and upgraded S-Presso in Cape Town. During the presentation, it's said to have been improved, given a higher ground clearance, revised cabin and more added spec features.
Exterior styling, the S-Presso has an 181 mm ground clearance and comes in the form of new 14-inch alloy wheels fitted to the GL+ and flagship S-Edition models. Meanwhile, the entry-level GL model continues to make do with steel wheels clad with full plastic wheel covers. For peace of mind, all models have a full-sized spare wheel. The S-Edition model sports an upgraded body kit with silver-coloured bumper inserts and new silver detailing on the front bumper.
Interior upgrades include the addition of Suzuki's seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system on S-Presso GL+ models. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel controls for hands-free phone use. Inside the range-topping S-Edition, one will find an even larger nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a reverse camera.
All model variants offer steering-mounted controls, central locking, front electric windows, air conditioning and power steering.
The motor incorporates a 1.0l three-cylinder “Dualjet” petrol engine, pushing out 49kW/89Nm. Equipped with two fuel injectors per cylinder and bolstered by stop-start technology.
We drove the S-Presso in the 1.5 S-Edition 5MT guise in Cape Town's beautiful mountain passes, and the sights were lovely; however, the drive was peculiar. At high altitudes and winds, I noticed that the little S-Presso felt flimsy and not so sturdy, coupled with the small 14-inch wheels, making it feel fragile. The clutch was light, and I felt the car did feel asthmatic going up those hills; performance felt subpar.
Fuel consumption was decent, between 5.1l-5.5l/ 100km from in and around city driving to highway cruising. Suzuki claims that the fuel consumption for the manual versions of the S-Presso is 4.6l/100km and that those with the automated manual gearbox can achieve 4.4l/100km.
While its three-star Global NCAP rating remains a topic of much debate, safety is still one of my qualms about the S-Presso; however, the fuel frugality and affordability may attract those buyers looking for something that won't put a dent in the wallet.
Some safety features include an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), two airbags, ISOFIX child restraint anchors, Hill Hold Control added to AMT models, ABS brakes, rear park sensors, and a childproof back door locker.
One can choose from six stylish colours: White, Granite Grey Metallic, Fire Red, Silky Silver Metallic, Starry Blue Pearl, and Orange.
There are seven model grades of the Suzuki S-Presso, which the range includes manual and AMT versions:
Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL 5MT — R162,900
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
All S-Presso models have a 2-year/30,000 km Service Plan and a 5-year/200,000 km promotional mechanical warranty.
Also worth a look: the Suzuki Swift and the Suzuki Starts 2025 with Record-Breaking Sales in South Afric.
FAQ
Q: What does the Suzuki S-Presso cost in South Africa?
The Suzuki S-Presso starts from around R189,900 for the entry-level GL model, while the mid-spec GL+ will set you back approximately R209,900, and the range-topping S-Edition comes in at roughly R229,900.
Q: Is the Suzuki S-Presso safe to drive?
The S-Presso has faced significant safety criticism, particularly regarding its lightweight construction and how it feels at higher speeds and in windy conditions, making it feel somewhat flimsy and unstable compared to more robust competitors.
Q: What engine does the Suzuki S-Presso have?
The S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder Dualjet petrol engine that produces 49kW and 89Nm of torque, featuring dual fuel injectors per cylinder and stop-start technology for improved fuel efficiency.
Q: How much fuel does the Suzuki S-Presso use?
The S-Presso achieves a fuel consumption figure of between 5.1 to 5.5 litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions, making it quite economical for daily commuting and city driving.
Q: Is the Suzuki S-Presso worth buying in 2024?
The S-Presso is worth considering if you prioritise affordability and fuel economy over performance and refinement, but the safety concerns and lacklustre driving dynamics make it a compromise choice rather than an outstanding buy.
Should You Buy It?
The Suzuki S-Presso at R189,900 is one of the most affordable new cars in South Africa, but you get what you pay for. While it offers decent fuel economy and basic modern features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the concerning build quality, poor high-speed stability, and underwhelming performance make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly. If your budget absolutely maxes out at R230,000 and you need something new with a warranty, the S-Presso will do the job, but consider stretching your budget slightly for alternatives like the Renault Kwid or looking at quality used options instead. The S-Presso feels more like transport than a proper car, and the safety concerns are genuinely worrying for South African driving conditions.
