Just as Ghanaians once flooded Nigeria in the 90s, leaving with their iconic “ghanamustgo” bags, this SUV has recently taken over our roads. However, unlike our Ghanaian friends, it seems this vehicle has found a permanent home here.
If you reside in Nigeria, especially Lagos, chances are you’re familiar with this SUV. Drumroll, please! The smallest uSUV in Africa is none other than the Suzuki S-Presso. It may be hard to believe, but the Suzuki S-Presso is neither a sedan nor a hatchback—it’s a micro SUV.
Suzuki has a reputation for making small sized cars. Over the years they have made a number of small sized cars that took over the market and maybe this is why they have continued to be daring in their manufacturing and production of small sized vehicles. The size of the S-Presso doesn’t make it any less than the Regular suvs on the road.
But before we dive deeper, let’s take a quick detour and get some titbits. SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle—a car that blends the features of passenger cars with off-road capabilities, such as raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive.
The S-Presso is an SUV with special powers and that’s why it was a go to for a ride hailing company. In Nigeria, not all roads are good but with this vehicle, Suzuki offered a small car that could tackle bad roads. Its compact size allows it to navigate through traffic and tight spaces with ease, making it a hit on Nigerian roads.
Now, onto the specifications. This small guy comes equipped with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder K10B petrol engine, delivering approximately 67 horsepower and 90 Nm of torque. Despite its size, it packs quite a punch!
In terms of dimensions, the S-Presso may be small, but it sure knows how to make a statement. With a length of around 3,565 mm, a width of approximately 1,520 mm, a height of about 1,549 mm and wheelbase, measuring around 2,380 mm. It’s like the S-Presso is saying, “I might look small, but i’ve got a big personality!
But wait, there’s more! Despite its pint-sized stature, the S-Presso boasts impressive fuel efficiency, achieving a mileage of about 21.4 km/l according to ARAI standards. Picture this: with the S-Presso, you get 25 km of highway travel with just 1 litre of petrol, while its competitors offer only about 14 km for the same amount. A full tank of petrol for this SUV costs about 16,470 naira and can take you on two round trips from Lagos to Ibadan.
Now, let’s explore the interior. The cabin welcomes you with ample space for your head and legs, ensuring a comfortable ride. Its modern dashboard features a centrally placed digital speedometer and an infotainment system with a touchscreen, equipped with SmartPlay Studio. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it keeps you connected on the go. Plus, you’ll find plenty of storage options, including a large glovebox and convenient door pockets. However, one downside you might notice is the presence of a manual window roller, which feels out of place in 2024.
Turning to the cons and price, while the S-Presso has its strengths, it’s fair to acknowledge its drawbacks too. Its manual transmission may seem outdated in a market that’s favouring automatics, and safety-conscious drivers should keep speeds below 75 km/hr for optimal safety.
Speaking of safety, the Suzuki failed the Global New Car Assessment test, receiving a 0-star rating for child occupant protection and 1 star for adult occupants. Despite the safety assist technology in the S-Presso, such as dual airbags, ABS, and EBD, the poor rating highlights the need for crucial improvements in the overall protection of the occupants, especially the child occupants. When Suzuki took the test again, the car received a 2-star rating, which is still poor—much like retaking an exam and still scoring below the pass mark.
Additionally, with a price tag of 12 million naira in 2024, some may find it pricey for what it offers. Despite these drawbacks, the decision to purchase the S-Presso ultimately hinges on personal preference, as it offers a mix of features and drawbacks that may vary depending on individual needs and tastes.
So there you have it! The Suzuki S-Presso may be small, but it’s mighty in every way imaginable. With its peppy engine, compact dimensions, and frugal fuel consumption, it’s the perfect companion for any adventure, big or small.