Price and Performance
With a starting price of R178,900, the Suzuki S-Presso is as budget-friendly as they come. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a tiny but efficient 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine that churns out 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. Power is delivered via a 5-speed manual gearbox, making it an adequate choice for getting from A to B without drama.
What about fuel economy? Suzuki claims the S-Presso sips just 4.4 litres per 100 km, which, combined with its 27-litre fuel tank, gives it reasonable range for city commutes or short trips.
Sure, the performance stats won’t get your adrenaline pumping, but let’s be honest – at this price point, you’re buying out of necessity, not passion.
Safety Features
The S-Presso surprises by packing in some basic but vital safety features:
- Dual airbags
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
It’s far from a fortress on wheels, but at least Suzuki ensures you’re not compromising entirely on safety.
Creature Comforts
Even the base model S-Presso has some everyday conveniences:
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Front electric windows
This might not seem like much, but for the price, it ticks the essential boxes.
Is the Suzuki S-Presso Worth It?
Let’s be real – the S-Presso is a bare-bones, budget commuter. At R178,900, it’s South Africa’s cheapest new car, but calling it value for money is debatable. Around 350 buyers per month seem to think it’s worth the trade-offs.
However, if you’re willing to stretch your budget slightly, my advice? Consider adding a balloon payment to your financing and upgrade to the Suzuki Swift, priced at R219,000. For that small jump, you get a far superior car in terms of build quality, performance, and overall comfort.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Suzuki S-Presso fills a vital gap for those who need a reliable, brand-new vehicle at the lowest possible cost. It’s not a car that will turn heads or spark joy, but it will get you where you need to go. If affordability is your only priority, the S-Presso may be your best bet.
