Maruti Suzuki S-Presso vs Rivals: Specification Comparison

Maruti Suzuki has finally launched the S-Presso, its first mini-cross hatchback. Currently, the mini-cross hatchback segment is dominated by the S-Presso’s primary rival, the Renault Kwid. Considering the fact that Maruti Suzuki has priced the S-Presso attractively, should you need consider the newcomer or chug on with the tried-and-tested Renault offering. The S-Presso also takes on the Datsun redi-GO. Can Maruti top the sales chart here? Let’s find out.

Dimensions:

*With roof rails.
^With 13-inch wheels.
~With 14-inch wheels.

Longest: Renault Kwid
Widest: Renault Kwid
Tallest: Maruti S-Presso
Wheelbase: Renault Kwid

Sizewise, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is a tad smaller than the Renault Kwid, the largest car here. It is shorter than the Renault by a full 114mm and narrower by 59mm. Even the wheelbase is smaller by 42mm. That said, the S-Presso is the tallest of the lot and is the only model to come with 14-inch wheels. The Datsun redi-GO is the smallest of the lot and lags behind its competitors by a huge margin in all aspects. 

The S-Presso’s boot is smaller than the Renault Kwid’s by 30 litres. However, it betters the redi-GO’s boot by 52 litres.  

Features and Equipment:

The S-Presso comes loaded with features. It is the only car in this bunch to come with steering mounted audio controls. Other features include power steering, touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital instrument display, multi-info display, manual HVAC as well as remote locking. These features can be found in the Renault Kwid as well. That said, the S-Presso and Kwid miss out on a tachometer, a feature that’s found in the redi-GO. However, the Datsun is the least equipped here. While it comes with basics like power steering, manual HVAC, a tachometer and a multi-info display, it misses out on a touchscreen infotainment system with USB and AUX-in functionality. 

Safety Features:

The S-Presso is the only car in its segment to come with dual airbags. Other standard safety features include ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, driver and co-driver seatbelt warning and high-speed alert. These safety features are found in the Kwid and redi-GO as well. That said, the Renault Kwid is the only car in this test to come with a rear parking camera. 

Powertrain Options:

The Kwid and redi-GO can also be had with an entry-level 0.8-litre petrol engine that develops 54PS and 72Nm. Transmission options for this engine is limited to a 5-speed manual only.   

Prices and Verdict:

Prices for the S-Presso start from Rs 3.69 lakh (ex-showroom), making it cheaper than the Kwid 1.0 and redi-GO 1.0 by Rs 52,000 and Rs 21,000 respectively. Considering the fact that it’s feature loaded and comes with a BS6-compliant engine, the S-Presso makes a strong case for itself. Yes, the top-spec variant is more expensive than the Kwid and Datsun redi-GO. However, the S-Presso has the added advantage of Maruti’s widespread after-sales network. Stay tuned to ZigWheels until we test three cars back to back give you a proper verdict.