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.