Yesterday, as I saw a sports car pass by, I uttered - “that’s unnecessary”. That’s when I remember Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation as they have been introducing affordable yet robust vehicles for decades. As I looked at their current models in the market, the hatchback Suzuki S-Presso has captured my attention because of its low price point in the market. Never have I encountered a vehicle as affordable as it is in the past years. Little that I know, it is indeed the most affordable city car available today in the market. To move forward with my curiosity, I looked at what’s behind its “wow” price tag.

Aesthetic Appearance

The exterior profile of the 2022 S-Presso is decent. It will not tell you that it costs just a little above half a million pesos. The front fascia comes with a four-slot air vent grille that keeps up with the automobile aesthetic modernity. For the wheels, you now have an option to have the S-Presso with alloy wheels. When you get in, you would notice that the cabin comes with the standard style language. The dashboard and the doors are mostly made out of plastic materials, which is acceptable considering the price. And the seats are covered with the standard fabric for all the occupants.

Performance and Safety

The 2022 Suzuki S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission and uses gasoline fuel to run. There is no CVT or automatic transmission available to the 2022 S-Presso, which could be disappointing to some users. Most people who prefer manual transmission are adults, car enthusiasts, and race car drivers. With the size, appearance, price, and engine power the S-Presso has, its potential customers are most likely women, students, first-time car owners, and young adults. And I think that it would be a bit odd to just market the S-Presso with a manual transmission.

On the other hand, its 1.0-liter engine is surprisingly decent and capable to take you around the city. It is not the best that you could get compared to its rivals in the market, but based on the figures on its price tag, you are truly getting your money’s worth. With regards to safety, it could be bothering to think and feel that there is a possibility for you to roll over with the S-Presso because of its height and narrow-body build. Although, of course, that would be the worst-case scenario.

To sum up, the 2022 Suzuki S-Presso comes with features, looks, and overall performance following its selling price in the market. You may find something that would make you realize that it costs more than what you paid for, but it will not make you feel that it is worth under half a million pesos.

Also Read: Will It Be a “Yes” for the 2022 Suzuki S-Presso’s Performance?