Of course, that price point is reserved exclusively for the entry-level S-Presso 1.0 GL but the entire range nonetheless retains its value-for-money principles from when it first arrived on our shores just over two years ago.
First and foremost with affordable cars is fuel economy. Buyers in the entry-level segment are typically most concerned with efficiency when it comes to the statistical side of their purchase. The newcomer may have lost a kW but boasts improved fuel consumption from its predecessor. 4,6 L/100 km is achievable from the manual version while the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) derivative manages a claimed 4,4 L/100 km.
Glancing down at the onboard telemetry was not chief on the agenda when traversing along roads snaking their way around the southernmost tip of Africa. An unusual route for press drives happening in the Mother City, with launches normally opting for the serene Winelands a stonesthrow out of the CBD although this route did demonstrate the small Suzuki in load-shedding suburban traffic and along some winding Cape roads.
Air abundant at sea level and tackling the single-lane roads ahead, the quirky-styled entry-level SUV was faultless and managed to get up to the speed limit with ease. In numbers, the S-Presso boasts a total output of 49 kW at 5 500 r/min and 89 Nm at 3 500 r/min. Paltry numbers is a fair argument, but the adverse of that would be its inconsequential weight. Less than 800 kg to give an idea of the feathery stature. And paired with a passenger and some luggage would put that closer to 950 kg but not once did the little 1,0-litre 3-cylinder motor detest what was thrown at it – even when tackling dirt roads easily conquered by the 181 mm of ground clearance.
Inside, the lineup has also been given a minor update. Chief amongst these are infotainment systems which incorporate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring. The GL+ gets a 7-inch sized screen while the S-Edition boasts a 9-inch alternative in addition to a reverse camera.
Expectedly, for a brand new car that costs R162 900 there are compromises the buyer will have to make, but none that make it an unattractive deal. The steering is extremely light and the column itself is non-adjustable at all. For quick pull-aways from perpendicular intersections, the mini SUV has a tendency of requiring the driver to manually recentre the steering wheel. Forget this and the S-Presso begins to dart for the pavement or bushy verge adjacent to the road.
Build quality is as expected for a sub R200 000 new vehicle but what remains with the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso is South Africa’s most affordable car and while this title alone makes it an attractive offering, so too does the overall experience when behind the wheel.
Suzuki S-Presso Fast Facts:
Engine: front-mounted, naturally aspirated, 1,0-litre 3-cylinder
Transmission: five-speed manual
Power: 49 kW @ 5 500 r/min
Torque: 89 Nm @ 3 500 r/min
Driven wheels: Front
Fuel consumption: 4,6 L/100km (combined)
Ground clearance: 181 mm
Rivals: Renault Kwid
Keyword: 2023 Suzuki S-Presso review