I grew up in the 80s, with Volkswagen the only make that my dad bought for the family’s cars – pre-owned or new.
My first car was a VW Jumbo golf. Over the next three decades, prices for vehicles that we could buy as entry-level in the past half-century have sky-rocketed. Let’s face it, few people can afford to buy new entry-level vehicles these days, mostly priced over R200 000, for their student children or their own retirement.
This is where Suzuki has filled the void, in my household as well. They are now one of THE manufacturers to consider for affordable entry- and mid-level cars, with the same bells-and-whistles, if not more, of pricier cars.
When I test drove, and bought, a Suzuki Baleno, I described it as champagne on a beer budget. So, to continue with this analogy, I would say the S-Presso is espresso on an instant coffee budget.
If you google “what is the most affordable new car in SA” Suzuki’s S-Presso and Celerio take the two top spots (according to Cars.co.za)
All models in the S-Presso range are under R200 000. Even though its boxy, square-nose exterior is one that you will probably either love or hate, the features it offers as standard might just make you fall in love with it, through rose-tinted glasses – even the model in the pumpkin orange livery.
The range now also offers the top-of-the-line S-edition (in manual and automatic). The manual version was test driven for this week’s column.
The Suzuki S-Presso was upgraded at the end of last year. Its facelift was mostly in its interior and includes an upgraded infotainment touchscreen with the top model (S-edition) sporting a bigger screen. It also boasts a new, more economical, engine and the exterior features alloy wheels on all models.
As far as safety features are concerned, there are now also two airbags, and Suzuki has fitted Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) to the entire range. The AMT models now have Hill Hold Control as standard. This prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when pulling away from standstill on an incline. All S-Presso models are fitted with an immobiliser, childproof rear door locks and ABS brakes, as well as rear ultrasonic park sensors.
Another important part of the upgrade is Suzuki’s globally popular K-Series of engines, the new 1.0 Dualjet engine. While power and torque are basically unchanged from before (49 kW at 5 500 rpm and 89 Nm at 3 500 rpm), Suzuki says fuel consumption has dropped to be on par with its Celerio model (which also features this engine). Fuel consumption is stated in the manual version as 4.6 litres per 100km in the combined cycle, and 4.4 litres per 100km in the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) version. Also improving the fuel consumption is the fact that all models in the range are fitted with Stop-Start technology, which switches off the engine when stationary and restarts it in less than a second.
The interior is very well equipped. The infotainment system in all models incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring. The GL+ has a seven inch screen, while the S-Edition has a nine inch screen and a reverse camera.
This system allows for touch input, and it has Bluetooth and steering wheel controls for hands-free cell phone use. It also has central locking, front electric windows, air conditioning and power steering as standard.
While a touchscreen is very impressive on a car of this size, I struggle a bit with the phone connection, even in my own private vehicle, the Suzuki Baleno.
While all worked well in the showroom when I took ownership of the car, eight months later I am still struggling to make or receive calls. No doubt a trip back to the showroom will help me sort this out in no time.
The rear legroom is quite spacious, and so is the boot for a vehicle of this size – perfect for driving around the city and short weekend trips.
The handling is what one can expect for a city slicker, and its acceleration is quite good.
High ground clearance and low weight keeps you very focused in windy conditions on the open road. Despite this, I found the handling when cornering quite good, which can be attributed to the ESP.
Will I buy this for my student daughter who has to travel almost 1 000 km to visit us during university holidays? Definitely not for travelling on the open road over such a long distance. For this I would rather look at the new Swift which ranges between R200 000 and R255 000, or the Baleno – if her exam results were particularly good!
The S-Presso line-up are:
S-Presso 1.0 GL Manual: R169 900
S-Presso 1.0 GL Automated Manual Transmission (AMT): R183 900
S-Presso 1.0 GL+ Manual: R178 900
S-Presso 1.0 GL+ Automated Manual Transmission (AMT): R192 900
S-Presso 1.0 GL+ S-Edition Manual: R194 900
S-Presso 1.0 GL+ S-Edition Automated Manual Transmission (AMT): R208 900
The S-Presso is available in a choice of six colours: White, Granite Grey Metallic, Fire Red, Silky Silver Metallic, Starry Blue Pearl and Sizzle Orange.
All S-Presso models are sold with a two-year/30 000km Service Plan and five-year/ 200 000km promotional mechanical warranty.
