My Maruti S-Presso: Updates and upgrades at the 1000 km mark

Fuel efficiency wise it is an absolute star, averaging between 22 to 23 kmpl over the last thousand kilometers.

BHPian antihero recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

1000 km up:

In a plot twist dictated by the weather gods - read no snow, the S-Presso has taken the reins in Jammu and Kashmir, outshining the Jimny. While the Jimny reigns supreme in the realm of snow-covered terrains and challenging off-road adventures, the S-Presso emerges as the everyday champion, ready for any task.

Do not be deceived by mere ground clearance and power figures; the S-Presso is no lightweight. It matches, and often surpasses, the capabilities of soft SUVs like the Mahindra XUV or Hyundai Creta on rugged roads. Its compact size and truncated overhangs provide an unmatched agility—a worker bee tirelessly buzzing through tasks, as brilliantly articulated by @shankar.balan.

The tiny gear knob, a charming throwback, snugly fits in your palm, reminiscent of classic jeeps. The gearbox operates with the smoothness of butter, and the clutch demands minimal effort, even in the chaos of bumper-to-bumper traffic.

While the gear slots lack the mechanical thump, the manual transmission remains the undisputed choice for rural roads. The soft clutch, effortless gear shifts, and a sense of control make it the preferred option, especially when the road demands finesse. In icy conditions, second gear and clutch finesse become your allies, showcasing the importance of a manual gearbox in such scenarios.

However, a perplexing issue arises: the dwindling emphasis on fog lamps. In a car tailored for tier B and rural areas, fog lamps are not an indulgence but a necessity. Incorporating spaces for fog lamps, coupled with high-quality accessories akin to those on the Jimny, could have been a game-changer.

The order of the day is a genuine Maruti accessory boot mat—a game-changer when transporting rural essentails like sacks. The surprisingly capacious boot effortlessly swallows four duffel bags. Next on the agenda: carrying my bicycles, an experiment that promises interesting outcomes.

The S-Presso is the Goldilocks of cars—just right for two, manageable for four, and accommodating five only in emergencies. Loading it up with passengers doesn't faze it, showcasing consistent traction and engine performance.

For highway cruising at around 80, the stock 165 profile tires are more than sufficient. Kudos to the Continental CC6 tires for their whisper-quiet performance, a marked improvement over the stock MRF tires.

Winter brings its own set of grievances: the absence of a rear defogger and wiper. These are not optional but crucial safety features. Meanwhile, the inside rearview mirror (IRVM) is undergoing an upgrade tomorrow.

Headlights have undergone a Philips halogen transformation—a modest improvement but not quite reaching the desired level. Contemplations are underway for a bolder move with a 100W (50x2) LED setup for that extra oomph.

Now, let's talk fuel economy—an absolute star, averaging between 22 to 23 kmpl over the last thousand kilometers. After the first service, hitting the ARAI-specified 24-25 kmpl? Consider it done. Credit to my sedate driving style, but the S-Presso's ability to stretch a tank of fuel is nothing short of remarkable.

Longest drive yet 300+ km.

Seats, a mixed bag of comfort. I prefer them firm for those marathon drives, and the S-Presso seats held up for a good 200 (4/5 hours) kilometers before needing a break. Standard fare for budget hatchbacks.

Radio tuning is a delight with that elongated antenna. AIR on FM or AM, the S-Presso delivers. Android Auto's temperament depends on your phone model. Pixels and iPhones revel in seamless performance, but glitches may surface with Redmi and Samsung phones.

Here's to a thousand kilometers of quirks, surprises, and a whole lot of S-Presso adventures. A toast to the little car that not only can but excels!

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