I hit a bit of a low point in terms of mileage - clocked in at a "disappointing" 22.3 Km/L for a 200 km journey over 5 hours.

BHPian antihero recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So, lately, with the late winter lingering, my trusty Jimny has been getting quite the workout. But now that the weather's warming up again, it's time to awaken the S-Presso from its hibernation.

For the past couple of months, I've been steering clear of toll roads and opting for the scenic route along the B roads instead. You know, those narrow lanes with no divider? Yeah, those. Turns out, they're much friendlier to the S-Presso's modest speed and compact size compared to the fast-paced chaos of toll roads. My cruising speed on these B roads usually hovers around 75-80kmph, with the occasional burst up to a hundred for overtaking. It's at this sweet spot that the S-Presso feels most at ease, I reckon.

And let me tell you, spending more time navigating city streets has really highlighted the S-Presso's strengths as a nifty little urban runabout. The auto stop-start feature has been a godsend at traffic lights, saving me some fuel and hassle. But I gotta say, it's not exactly a champ in bumper-to-bumper traffic, where you're inching along at a snail's pace. Overall, though, I'm pretty impressed with how this pint-sized car handles the urban jungle.

Just hit the 5000+ km milestone and got the S-Presso in for its second inspection. The good news? Still cruising along with zero maintenance costs. Gotta love that about this little car.

Now, Maruti up in Himachal did tempt me with a few packets of wiper washer fluid. But honestly, after giving it a whirl, I'm not exactly singing its praises. Call me old-fashioned, but I reckon sticking to good ol' liquid pH neutral soap might be the smarter move. Plus, it's probably easier on the wallet too.

Well, let me tell you about my last adventure behind the wheel. I hit a bit of a low point in terms of mileage - clocked in at a "disappointing" 22.3 KMPL for a 200 km journey over 5 hours. Ouch, right?

Here's the kicker: I got caught smack dab in the middle of a highway traffic jam from hell. Picture this: me, stuck in bumper-to-bumper chaos, AC cranked to a measly 2 setting, inching along in stop-and-crawl mode for a solid half-hour. Yeah, not exactly the recipe for fuel efficiency greatness, I reckon. But hey, sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches, right? At least I had some good tunes to keep me company while I waited for the traffic gods to smile upon me again.

Alright, buckle up, folks, 'cause here comes my updated list of grievances with the S-Presso:

1. Let's talk about those rubber seals around the doors. Sure, they're decently supple, but when it comes to quality, they're not exactly top-tier. If you're like me and love giving your car a good pressure wash, heed this warning: crack those doors open and give those sills and insides a thorough clean. Trust me, hard water and rust? They're practically best buds.
2. Suspension gripes, anyone? Yep, still dealing with that slightly bouncy, pogo stick-like feel. I'm on the prowl for some stiffer springs and shocks to give this ride a bit more stability.
3. Now, don't even get me started on the phone storage tray in the centre console. Could it BE any smaller? Seriously though, I could do with a tad more space there. On the bright side, though, those door bottle holders? Absolute lifesavers, especially on those sweltering summer drives. And hey, contrary to what the YouTube reviewers might say, they'll snugly hold a good ol' litre bottle without breaking a sweat.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The only silver lining in this whole episode is that the used Maruti S-Presso AMT that I bought from them is in good condition.

BHPian raptor_diwan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Struggles with Maruti True Value: Name Transfers, Insurance Hurdles, and Frustrations

After buying the car, I had trouble changing its name with the inefficient Maruti team. The whole buying experience wasn't good, and dealing with Maruti True Value was a nightmare. The only positive was that the car itself was fine, which stopped me from worrying too much. If the car hadn't been in good condition, considering how frustrated I was, I might have fired it immediately.

Alright, let me get to the part. As you all know how it went during the buying experience. Now, after the purchase, I requested them to do a name transfer ASAP. The manager assured me that I would receive a call from someone. I did get a call from a guy, who requested a few documents, and I sent them immediately via WhatsApp. However, since then, there has been no response from either of them. When I call, they don't pick up, and if I message them on WhatsApp, they read it but don't respond.

The issue is that the car insurance was nearing expiration, and I'm facing a dilemma over renewal. KYC is mandatory (which no one has mentioned), but since the car is still registered under the previous owner, they need to agree to complete the KYC for me. Unaware of this process earlier, I proceeded to renew the insurance on Policy Bazaar and got stuck in the KYC process with no response from Maruti's side or the previous owner's side. There's an unresolved payment refund issue with the previous owner, making them unwilling to cooperate. (KYC can only be done by the person whose name is mentioned on the RC).

Despite repeatedly asking Maruti to change the name before the insurance expiry for a smoother process, they missed doing so. Consequently, I had to cancel the insurance from Policy Bazaar since the pending KYC prevented further progress. They cancelled and refunded the payment. (At least Policy Bazaar customer care seems to be great).

Now that my car insurance has expired, there has been no response over the phone. I sent my dad to their location, and they claimed they couldn't proceed because I didn't answer their call. They assured me to arrange a call from the same guy again. Surprisingly, I received no calls from him, and there were no missed calls in my call log.

After some follow-up, this guy asked me for 5500/- as a charge for name transfer, which I paid immediately and shared the screenshot. He replied with "ok sir," marking the first response from Maruti on WhatsApp. However, I was well aware that a name transfer without active insurance would be problematic, and I conveyed this to him. He assured me that they knew people who could proceed without insurance, claiming they had done name transfers without active insurance a few days back.

Despite patiently waiting for one week, and then two weeks, my car is still standing at home without insurance, and I am unable to use it. After two weeks, there has been no response on WhatsApp or calls as usual.

So, I went straight to the office again and discovered they could not proceed without active insurance. The guy claimed he was not aware that insurance was required for the name transfer. He said he would check and suggested talking to the previous owner to do KYC themselves. I offered to provide my Policy Bazaar ID and asked them to put the insurance, and I would pay for it. However, they couldn't arrange for the KYC with the previous owner.

In my search for a solution, I found an agent who could put insurance on my car without KYC. The agent advised me to complete the name transfer quickly, and later we could change the insurance name and do KYC with my details. Another suggestion Policy Bazaar recommended putting only third-party insurance without KYC. Although I wasn't entirely happy with it, I managed to secure insurance without KYC through the agent, and it now reflects in the portal.

Now, I've shared the insurance copy with them (Truevalue) and have been waiting for two weeks with no response. I reached out again, and although they read the message, there is still no response. I'm contemplating going to their office again, as waiting for their reply has been futile.

This has been an extremely frustrating experience. I acknowledge making a mistake in dealing with True Value. The only silver lining is that the vehicle itself is in good condition. Without that, I can't imagine having to deal with them for service issues as well.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

It should have a sufficient boot space and ingress/egress should be easy. A car with an automatic transmission is preferred.

BHPian ssateesh recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello All,

This ask is for someone in the family. Looking for a car recommendation for a family of two adults and 2 kids with a budget of 4-6 lakhs. The lady of the family is physically handicapped in the leg and so she walks with some struggle. The husband will be the driver.

Requirements:

• Easy ingress/egress comfort is preferred due to the above condition.
• Budget can be stretched to 6 lakhs if we can get a sedan. The car will be registered in Tamil Nadu.
• Automatic is preferred
• Sufficient boot space
• Decent highway manners as occasionally would be used for short highway trips
• Ease of maintenance is preferred as they would not have the time/expertise to deal with service centre issues.

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

WagonR or Ignis are most suited, brand new or used (through one of the organised players).

Ingress and egress will be easy in the WagonR as the door sill isn't wide, and the seat is placed higher up. The car has great space, a good boot and the current gen has a more compliant ride.

6-lakhs doesn't buy you too much of a new car today. A brand new WagonR AMT will require increasing the budget. But if there is a very strict cap on the spend, then go the pre-owned route with Maruti True Value, Cars24, Spinny etc.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say about the matter:

If you are looking for a new car, go for Ignis. Builds on the strengths of WagonR with a better put-together package. You will have to extend your budget by a lakh or so though.

As correctly mentioned above, you don’t get much in a 4-6L budget nowadays. Ideally, if you can consider spending 7-8L, then more options like Exter and C3 open up.

In case you are open to buying used, you’ll have plenty of choices. But make sure whatever you get is fairly new, so that it is E20 petrol compliant. E20 compliance is critical for peaceful long-term ownership.

Here's what BHPian blackwasp had to say about the matter:

I recently picked up an Ignis Zeta AMT for 8L on road in Maharashtra. You can consider that or the WagonR AMT.

IIRC, there’s a provision for exemption on road tax for vehicles owned / for use by physically challenged persons. I’m not aware of TN rules, but here in Maharashtra, it’s very common. In fact, most Maruti Suzuki dealerships are aware of this and do all the work for you. You’ll end up saving a good amount of on-road price.

Here's what BHPian Knightrider had to say about the matter:

I would recommend WagonR or SPresso AMT. Both have easy ingress/egress, good leg space and decent boot space. The seating is upright and higher, giving good visibility all around.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The stock horn is disappointingly low but the new one is fantastic and reminiscent of a Skoda horn but with a sporty twist.

BHPian raptor_diwan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Enhanced Horn Upgrade to the S-Presso

I had been considering upgrading the horn for quite some time now, as the horn on the S-Presso is disappointingly low, hardly commanding any attention.

It lacks the necessary power for highway use. Managed to purchase a replacement for 950 /- at GP Road and got it fitted.

The sound is fantastic, reminiscent of a Skoda horn but with a sporty twist.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

When I started driving home, I got a severe headache within 5 minutes. I felt like I was going to vomit.

BHPian raptor_diwan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Lesson learned: A cheap option is not always the best one

I wanted to tint my car windows and was searching for prices in my area. I contacted Car Spark and received a quote of 4500 for Garware Icecool on the windshield, which reduces heat by 45% and cuts UV by 99%. For the sides and rear glasses, I was quoted 4200 for SP70. I was planning to go ahead with this option but then a friend mentioned someone on GP Road who could do it for half the price and with a branded tint. He convinced me to try it there and arranged for it today.

We went, chose the percentage and brand (Garware), but I didn't personally verify the roll. We left the place for 30 minutes to grab lassi, and when we returned, they had already started the work. We were around the area, as my friend had a shop nearby, so we were chatting. We received a call that it was ready, checked, and everything seemed fine. The price was only 2700 for the front, rear, and side glasses – a seemingly good deal. (Since it's an S-Presso, I thought it might not cost much, considering the smaller area to cover)

Later, I went to my friend's home and stayed there until evening (7:30 PM). When I started driving home, I got a severe headache within 5 minutes. I couldn't find the reason since I was driving on streets, not on the main road. As soon as I reached the main road, all the lights, even the small ones, appeared zigzagging and gave me a tripping feeling. I felt like I was going to vomit, and the lights were not just scattering; they were at their worst. I stopped the car, called my friend, and shared a picture.

This is not a camera error; it exactly captured what I was seeing. Imagine how dangerous it would be to drive in this condition.

Then my friend called the shop, and they said that the soap water used during installation might be causing this. They suggested holding on for two more days in the sun, and it would clear up. Considering the situation, I was tempted to remove the tint myself and drive, as it seemed really dangerous. Everyone inside the car felt like they had consumed magic mushrooms and seeing its effects.

I don't have hope that this will resolve in 2 days even if it dries, but I can't tear it myself; otherwise, I won't be able to get a refund or a replacement from a reputable brand. (Planning to upgrade the brand during replacement)

I plan to check it tomorrow, if not I'll remove it, and ask the seller to show the brand before reapplying. I'll request a replacement. My friend assured me that this shop is well-known to him, and he will ensure a replacement if the issue persists, so I'm trying not to worry.

Update

As they said, the light scattering is reduced, and a very small amount of scattering is found, which I think is normal. They said to keep the car in the sun; it will get normal. It seems to be okay now. Let's see how long it takes.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

On highways, I achieved a fuel efficiency of 22 km/l at speeds of 100-120 km/h and an impressive 25-26 km/l when maintaining 80 km/h, which is pretty good.

BHPian raptor_diwan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

My Journey to Finding the Perfect City Runabout

As many already know, I've been on the hunt for another city runabout, specifically an automatic car. After numerous discussions and considering options like the Kwid, WagonR, Celerio, I ended up with the S-Presso.

I explored multiple options, took numerous test drives, engaged in various discussions, and scoured platforms like Facebook Marketplace, spinny, cars24 and OLX. After a thorough search, I stumbled upon a gem at True Value. Although I had only driven the car once for about 5 km, I was instantly smitten. The car's performance was fantastic, and among all the AMT cars I've tried, its transmission stood out for its smoothness.

When I acquired the car, it had already covered 40,000 km, so here I am, the proud owner of an S-Presso. A big shoutout and thank you to everyone who helped and recommended vehicles along the way!

Buying Experience:

I always encounter some challenges in my car buying experience, whether it's a new or used car.

I was drawn to the S-Presso pre-owned car at Maruti True Value. The impressive test drive, with its smooth transmission and engine performance, convinced us to pay the advance.

However, the delivery faced continuous delays, and amidst my distractions with work and personal commitments, I didn't actively monitor the car delivery date. Instead, I was waiting for Maruti True Value to inform me. Eventually, frustration set in as I discovered that the car was still under the previous owner's loan. The previous owner had purchased a new car from Maruti, exchanging the old one. Maruti True Value needed to settle the remaining balance & get NOC before delivering it to me. The previous owner was located 150 km away from Chennai, which added to the complexity of the process.

They consistently changed the delivery date without providing a proper timeline. Here's how it unfolded:

Every Sunday morning, I would call the salesperson to inquire about the car delivery date. Initially, I would be told it was coming on Tuesday, then on Tuesday, it would be postponed to Friday. On Friday, the explanation would be that Saturday and Sunday were off, with just one document pending, which could be addressed on Monday, promising delivery on Monday afternoon. However, come Monday, the date would shift to Wednesday, and the cycle continued for three weeks.

After enduring three weeks of patience, I reached my limit. I visited the dealership with the intention of canceling the car and seeking a refund. Without any argument, I requested a refund, expressing my disinterest in continuing business with them. Surprisingly, during the cancellation process, the manager spoke to a few people and discovered that the required document had been released. As a result, the car could be delivered promptly. Despite the challenging dealership experience, I decided to accept the car.

While the buying experience was challenging and frustrating, the car ultimately proved to be perfect. Despite the unexpected twists and waiting, I finally got the car I wanted that day.

It's one of the most uneventful deliveries I've ever experienced—no frills. But hey, that doesn't matter. I'm determined to add excitement to the future with this car.

Delivery day: The ribbon is being attached by my mom herself, not by any of the employees.

With siblings

Likes and dislikes of the car

Likes

Front Appearance

The car's front and side appearance grew on me; I love its overall look. Initially, it seemed different when I saw online pictures before the purchase, but over time, I developed a strong liking for it, especially the front design.

AC:

The air conditioning is excellent. Even though I haven't used it beyond the first point (perhaps due to winter), the AC is powerful and quickly blocks my nose.

Size:

I love the compact size of the car. I'm basically driving it like an auto, slipping through gaps like a breeze.

Mileage:

So far, the best!! On the highway, I achieve 22 km/l at speeds of 100-120 km/h and an impressive 25-26 km/l when maintaining 80 km/h, which is pretty good. On ghat roads, the efficiency touches even 35 km/l on display not sure how true it is.

With one full tank, I can cover more than 600 km, even though the fuel tank capacity is only 27. No need to worry about frequent refills.

Dislikes

Rear Appearance

Rear View

The backside is a bit meh, kinda on the shorter side, could've been more impressive, but I guess it is what it is.

The Darn Steering Wheel

The steering wheel in my S-Presso has become a significant source of frustration. It's excessively hard, sluggish, fails to rotate back to the center point smoothly, and driving feels akin to manoeuvring a truck from the '90s. Even within city limits, making small turns requires an unusual amount of effort. After a recent 10-hour highway trip, coupled with navigating ghat roads, I experienced pain in my shoulders and hands. It's evident that the steering needs attention and improvement from Maruti's end.

Headlights

Before buying, after reading several reviews, I noticed that many mentioned the headlights being powerful. However, in all honesty, they don't quite live up to that claim. I drove in pitch darkness, and the high beam was somewhat disappointing. The low beam is decent, but during highway drives, it's a bit challenging. I'm considering replacing the headlights and currently in a dilemma. Let's see if I can find more powerful lights.

Interior storage, practicality & boot space

Never felt cramped, yet never sensed an abundance of space; it's just right for a smooth ride, perhaps for two people—my primary use. I've also embarked on a long two 1000 km round trip within a single month, and I must say the car performs admirably on the highway. There's a slight body roll at times, but with proper handling, it evens out after a few hours of driving.

Driver Seat View

In the initial period without an armrest, I felt a bit tucked in and uncomfortably seated. The absence of a comfortable handrest was noticeable, but after adding one, I now have a comfortable seating position suitable for both long journeys and city traffic drives.

Front Leg room

Rear Seat - Speaking of the back seat, I haven't had the chance to sit there myself during travels. However, friends who've occupied the rear seats mentioned it was comfortable, and a few even managed to catch some good sleep back there. Nevertheless, I primarily use this car as a two-person vehicle, essentially treating it like a two-door car. Most of the time, there's no need for anyone to hop into the back.

Overall View from Rear seat

Rear seat leg room

Glove Box:

The glove box is really small. I can't even fit many things inside, not even a document pouch. There's no good spot on the dashboard to put my phone or even sunglasses. So, what I do is, I keep the glove box open with a yellow cloth inside. That way, I can easily put my phone there. Since the car is not very wide, I can reach the glove box easily and grab my phone while driving without any problems. I just wish there were better places to put stuff in the car.

I used to store my sunglasses on the sun visor.

Boot Space

Narrow Entry to access boot

The 240-liter boot space isn't sufficient for a family on a long trip. Even for a journey with just two people, it fills up fast. I always carry a portable BBQ suitcase and a chimney starter, which already takes up a lot of space. When I add a regular suitcase and other items, the space runs out quickly. I often end up using the rear seat to accommodate some luggage. But, well, you can't expect much more from a compact car and I initially bought it primarily for city driving, but I find myself using it more on the highway than in the city for now.

Continue reading raptor_diwan's ownership review for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

Small cars just pop in vibrant hues, and I originally had my heart set on a blue one.

BHPian antihero recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

There's plain cheap and there's cheap and cheerful. S-Presso had me confused between the two.

Just to give you some context - I've got an old MG410 whose papers will expire in 2024, and a shiny new Jimny as a replacement. I'm living up where the snow blankets everything for a solid two months each year. Toss in my gigs as a cyclist and an outdoor gear reviewer, and it's clear that 4WD is more than just a luxury; it's a necessity. But, let's face it, the Jimny isn't flawless - no car is. So, enter the S-Presso, the little guy that's become my daily go-getter. The one where 4WD capabilities not as essential as a good cup of coffee in the morning.

My take on the S-Presso comes straight from the viewpoint of a remote/rural Indian customer and someone perched high in the Himalayas. It's in this context that I'll be structuring most of this ownership review.

The small car market in India is jam-packed, and every manufacturer seems to have thrown their hat in the ring. Maruti, in particular, is like a buffet of options. The sub-6L (ex-showroom) segment is bursting at the seams with choices. You've got the Alto 800, K10, S-Presso, Wagon R, Kwid, base versions of Ignis, Punch, Exter, i10, Tiago, Magnite, and the list goes on. This overwhelming variety had me in a constant state of indecision, ping-ponging between the Magnite, Exter, Kwid, and the K10. But a simple test drive convinced me that the light weight coupled with an excellent engine means that the Maruti twins K-10 and S-Presso tower above the rest.

Right off the bat, let's ditch the whole SUV daydream for the S-Presso. What it really is—a nifty, elevated Alto K10 on stilts. Picture it as a raised hatchback, the "ugly betty" of the car world. Yet, in the charming chaos of rural India, that unconventional look works in its favor.

While the official review has delved into the features and whatnot, here's my personal S-Presso scoop:

• The VVT Twin-injector K10C engine is a champ. I'd go so far as to call it the best 1.0L naturally aspirated engine in India by a long shot. It's eager, revs happily, and the power kicks in from the get-go. It's like a pint-sized pup with no clue about its size. Rev it up to 6K (according to the seat of my pants), and you've got a robust power band to play with. It does get vocal up top, but hey, I like that!
• The visible flat bonnet. It's a blessing. Easier to size up and plant your wheels exactly where you want them.
• Better approach and break-over angles than the Ignis (thanks to a smaller overhang, length and wheelbase). Beats the Exter too—despite its SUV dreams. The Exter's quick to kiss the ground with its chin.
• The AC is a boss. Smaller size, bigger chill. Works like a charm.
• Important perks over the Alto K10? extra ground clearence, shorter front overhang, bonnet view, rear windows that roll all the way down, a tad more storage and backseat space, a sky's-the-limit headroom, and 14-inch rims. Those 5J rims can handle rubber from 145mm to 185mm (max), so 165 sits right in the middle. Underrubbered but not too under-rubbered.
• Now, the VXI+ version, especially with those December discounts, slides in at less than the base Ignis. For that tag, you're scoring treats like a decent stereo, auto start-stop, and a mileage claim that's on the friendlier side. Quick disclaimer: The Ignis is the better all-around superstar. More stable, less body roll, fewer vibes, a quieter cabin, better highway manners and a more refined engine. If you want a do-it-all ride, Ignis is the better pick. Although, it might be gearing up for a heart transplant with the new Swift 1.2 engine soon. But me? I've already got a Jimny, so my needs were a tad more niche.

I've got a solid rapport with my local Maruti/Nexa dealership. So, when they wanted to offload a VXI+ version before the year-end, my ears perked up. I had initially set my sights on the VXI, figuring it's what I could roll with. But then, this VXI+ deal popped up—on-road costs, accessories, extended warranty (Team-BHP recommends getting it, and I agree), and a tire swap, all bundled under 6L. That matched my max budget for a compact car, so I didn't waste a second. Booked it right away.

The whole PDI and money transfer dance was handled by my buddy "G" in Jammu. Next thing I know, the car's at his doorstep the next day, flaunting temporary plates. Why? Well, I split my time between J&K and Himachal Pradesh, and I was dead set on having HP plates on this ride. J&K plates? Let's just say they're a cop magnet beyond the state borders.

Now, the color—fiery red! Small cars just pop in vibrant hues, and I originally had my heart set on a blue one. I was hoping they'd offer the Alto K10 blue for the S-Presso. Sadly, the S-Presso blue is this matte finish that just doesn't jive with my eyes. Silver and gray? Not enough road contrast for my aging eyes (can't make out the bonnet line as clearly anymore). And black? A nightmare to maintain. Orange? A bit too, well, orange for my taste. So, it really boiled down to white or red. Luckily, they had red in stock, and that sealed the deal.

My buddy G, another Gypsy/Jimny aficionado and owner, has been tearing it up in the city with the S-Presso. He calls it a hoot, christening it the baby Jimny. He's even tossing around the idea of getting a bumper sticker that says, "Badi hokar main Jimny banoongi," paying homage to those tiny Tata Aces dreaming of becoming trucks.

Already on the mod squad, huh? G's swapped out the stock shoes for Continental Comfort Contact CC6, kept the size in check (stock). Tossed in some aftermarket mats, slapped on a leather steering cover, and cranked up the volume on the horn. Dude's all in.

Now, the headlights? That's the next frontier. G's holding off till I swing by and take the wheel for a spin. LED or top-notch halogens, that's the dilemma. But here's the twist. Yellow light's the mountain MVP, especially with fog, rain, and snow playing tag up there. Choices, choices. We'll see where the headlight saga takes us.

Ah, the bitter pills in the S-Presso experience, and surprisingly, they didn't demand a hefty wallet sacrifice (shame on you, Maruti).

• No Day/Night IRVM: Maruti, you missed a trick here. But hey, thanks to the wisdom of a forum thread, there's a workaround. Ordered the part, problem soon to be history.
• No Rear Defogger: Safety first, right? It baffles me too. But fear not, the trusty AC with vents pointed at the rear glass steps up to the plate. The S-Presso's compact size works its magic here.
• El Cheapo Tyres: MRF, we need to talk. Those stock tires are noisy and don't quite ace the braking game, all in the name of fuel efficiency. But before you dive into the world of sound deadening, here's an idea: switch up those tires. Your ears and brakes will thank you.
• Rear Headrests That Are a Joke: Seriously, Maruti? The rear headrests are like a bad punchline. Solution? I'm on a mission to snag the export S-Presso rear seat. Work in progress, folks. I'll spill the tea when (or if) it happens.

I will pick up the car from his place soon, drive it to the mountains and have more to share.

Continue reading on BHPian antihero's Maruti S-Presso for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

So far, I'm getting 15 km/L mileage or above within city limits.

BHPian raptor_diwan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hey everyone!

Thank you so much for all your inputs. After months of searching, facing dislikes, and various stories of people trying to cheat me during the purchase (which I'll cover in a different post), I finally bought a S-presso VXI+ AGS from True Value. It impressed me during the test drive, and it's well-maintained.

It's a 2019 version registered in 2020, with 40k KM on it. It was maintained by a lady doctor, and the condition is perfect. I love it, and I'm already having fun within the city.

The only experience I couldn't find on either Team-BHP or any platform is how the AMT actually feels in a hill station. So, planning a quick hill ride soon and will update. Here are a few pictures of my new car.

There are a few scratches on the side of the car. The front bonnet and trunk have been completely repainted by Maruti True Value free of cost. However, I'll have to take care of the scratches on the side myself, either through insurance or by seeking services outside.

I don't have any plans to repaint it at the moment, as it will primarily be used for city rides, and scratches are inevitable. The existing scratches are not very noticeable unless observed closely.

Impressions:

Transmission was generally smooth, except in heavy traffic where I felt a slight jerk, though not as much as the Kwid. The transmission is smooth overall, and I drive with a light foot, so I haven't experienced much head nodding. However, there were a few instances when I pressed the vehicle for quick acceleration, and it downshifted with a slight delay. I'll need some time to get used to it. ( Gotta be careful during overtakes )

Odor:

The car came with these leather-type seats, thanks to the previous owner. Thinking of ditching them, though. Not a big fan of seat covers. Plus, there's this smell I'm not vibing with; it's giving me a bit of a dizzy spell. Planning to yank off those seat covers soon. Fingers crossed the original seats are okay.

Missing Armrest:

There is no comfortable place to rest my hand on either side. The right side too high near the window, and the side armrest is too low to rest my hand properly on the steering wheel. I need to figure out a solution for this.

AC:

The air conditioning is excellent. Even though I haven't used it beyond the first point (perhaps due to winter), the AC is powerful and quickly blocks my nose.

Size:

I love the compact size of the car. I'm basically driving it like an auto, slipping through gaps like a breeze.

Mileage:

So far, I'm getting 15 km per liter or above within city limits. I'm a light-foot driver, haven't pushed past 70 km/h yet, but I've clocked over 300 km. Not bad on the mileage front.

Lack of Storage:

There is literally no designated space to keep my mobile phone. I'm currently using a cloth in the cup holder to keep my phone. It would have been better if there was a designated space for mobile storage. Fortunately, there is an infotainment system with CarPlay, although it requires a wired connection.

Right now, no big road trips planned, but I'm thinking of taking the car to the hills just once to see how it handles there. Never driven an AMT in hilly areas, so it's a bit of an experiment for me.

Before getting this car, I tried finding info on how AMTs perform in hills online, but came up empty. So, I'm just going to test it out myself.

Just ordered a Zed Black tint sunshade side cover to close off the rear side. No one's gonna be chilling in the back, just a two-seater vibe.

Got to deal with a slacking wiper blade; it's not doing its job right. Time for a switch. And the horn's not winning any awards, so that's on the change list too. Little tweaks here and there to keep the ride smooth.

Also, considering putting some legal tint on the windows. Not really keen on repainting or going all out with a wrap; feels like too much for a daily beater car.

Thinking of adding a TPMS for a heads-up on tire pressure. The key needs a fix, central locking's being a bit stubborn, While I can unlock the car with the central locking, the locking function isn't working properly. I'll have to check this issue during the next service.

Also, I need to replace the mat and plan on a full interior shampoo cleaning to get rid of any odors.

That's the current rundown. Any suggestions on what else I should be looking into or considering for an upgrade or replacement?

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

87,599 units of the S-Presso and Eeco are affected by this recall.

Maruti Suzuki has recalled the S-Presso and Eeco over a steering tie rod issue.

According to the company, 87,599 units of the S-Presso and Eeco manufactured between July 5, 2021 and February 15, 2023, may have a possible defect in a part of the steering tie rod. In rare cases, the part could fail and affect vehicle steerability and handling.

Maruti Suzuki dealerships will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles to bring their cars in for an inspection. The faulty part will be replaced free of cost.

Maruti has stated that the recall is effective from 6.30 pm onwards on July 24, 2023.