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Maruti SPresso- will customers like this shot?

So far, only external pictures of the new and upcoming Maruti Suzuki SPresso have been spied. This new car, born to take on mounting competition from the Renault Kwid, aspires to give Indians an SUV-like car at the price of a hatchback. But will this strategy work? We try to find out.

The front headlamps and the grille unmistakably show design cues from the Vitara Brezza. It comes with a boxy, old school design- a thought process that may be similar to the time when information about bringing the Jimny to India had been circulated. Though the design may come across as a tad boring, it is pretty functional if one looks at the vehicle’s dimensions:

 

Dimensions

Maruti Suzuki SPresso

Length

3665 mm

Width

1520 mm

Height

1549 mm, 1564 mm

Wheelbase

2380 mm

Ground clearance

180 mm

 

The engine used in the new Maruti micro SUV will be a BSVI version of the Alto K10 powertrain, which is BSIV-compliant. Known as the K10B, its power and torque figures will be the same as the K10- 68 bhp and 90 Nm. On the outside, in comparison to the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, this is how the SPresso stacks up:

Dimensions

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Maruti Suzuki SPresso

Length

3545 mm

3665 mm

Width

1515 mm

1520 mm

Height

1475 mm

1564 mm

Wheelbase

2360 mm

2380 mm

Fuel tank

35 litres

27 litres

Ground clearance

160 mm

180 mm

Wheels

R13

R13, R14

 As visible above, the wheelbase of the new SPresso is 20 mm longer than the Alto K10, which automatically translates into greater length, width and height. This is due to the new HEARTECT platform in the SPresso, which has also been seen in the new DZire. A height that is 89 mm greater than the Alto K10 means that passengers will get more headroom. Similarly, a ground clearance of 180 mm brings it at the same level as the Renault Kwid. However, the SPresso is still not quite in the Kwid’s territory in terms of dimensions. See below:

Dimensions

Renault Kwid

Maruti Suzuki SPresso

Length

3679 mm

3665 mm

Width

1579 mm

1520 mm

Height

1478 mm

1564 mm

Wheelbase

2422 mm

2380 mm

Fuel tank

28 litres

27 litres

Ground clearance

180 mm

180 mm

Wheels

R13

R13, R14

Initial verdict

Where it will score

As compared to the Alto K10, the SPresso certainly will have more space. It will now be able to seat 5 passengers with ease. Considering the ground clearance of 180 mm (same as the Kwid), it will be able to conquer most roads in India. Maruti’s K10 engine has been known for its superb power to weight ratio, and being 46 kg lighter, the SPresso will also be able to tread comfortably.

Where it may lose out

The boxy, old school design may not appeal to all. Secondly, it still falls short of the Renault Kwid in terms of length and width, which could further translate into a smaller boot as well. And a fuel tank capacity of just 27 litres? While this was a known issue with the Kwid, Maruti should have at least contemplated a 35 litre fuel tank like the Alto.