Buying used: Suzuki S-Presso (2020-2025)

The Suzuki S-Presso made everyone take note as a new car, but can it move the needle (again) as a used option in 2026?

Suzuki S-Presso front

Image: CAR magazine

Most South Africans are in a constant pursuit of accessible mobility – a motivation driven by harsh economic realities and escalating costs of living. Suzuki addressed this in 2020 with the introduction of the S-Presso, instantly claiming the title as the country’s most affordable new car and igniting a fierce battle in the budget-hatchback segment. Marketed as a “micro-SUV” owing to its elevated, 181 mm ground clearance and boxy proportions, the S-Presso promised the allure of crossover styling without the associated financial burden. However, beneath the clickbait-worthy price tag (even now on 2026’s used market) and plastic cladding lies a vehicle that demands a critical eye. While it undeniably made – and makes – owning a new car feasible for thousands of South Africans, it also introduced compromises on several fronts.

A rundown on the Suzuki S-Presso

The Suzuki S-Presso leans heavily into the crossover aesthetic. It boasts a bluff front fascia, squared-off wheel arches, and an upright stance that maximises interior volume within a 3 565 mm footprint. The cabin is unapologetically utilitarian and is dominated by a central instrument cluster that houses both the digital speedometer and the infotainment system. While early entry-level, GL derivatives came with just the basic amenities, the GL+ and S-Edition trims introduced items such as a 7.0-inch (later upgraded to a 9.0-inch) touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The cabin material consists of hard plastics, a needed concession to keep the price low.

Power came courtesy of a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine. Producing just 49 kW of power at 5 500 r/min and 89 N.m of torque at 3 500 r/min, the outputs will not win any records. However, propelling a low kerb weight of just 770 kg, the S-Presso feels adequately sprightly in urban environments, though it struggles to maintain momentum above 120 km/h on the motorway. Buyers have the choice of a traditional five-speed manual or a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). The powertrain is efficient, too. The AMT boasts a claimed combined consumption of 4.4 L/100 km, while the manual sits marginally higher at 4.6 L/100 km.

Suzuki S-Presso rear

Image: CAR magazine

In our December 2022 driving impressions on the updated S-Presso, we noted:

“Expectedly, there are compromises the buyer will have to make, but none that make it an unattractive deal. The steering is extremely light and the column itself is non-adjustable at all. For quick pull-aways from perpendicular intersections, the mini SUV has a tendency of requiring the driver to manually re-centre the steering wheel.”

What to look out for when buying a used Suzuki S-Presso

  • Motorway Instability: Due to its tall, narrow body and light weight, the S-Presso is highly susceptible to crosswinds.
  • AMT Jerkiness: The five-speed automated manual transmission can exhibit noticeable hesitation and jerky shifts, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or on inclines.
  • Insufficient Sound Insulation: The cabin lacks substantial sound-deadening materials, resulting in intrusive road, wind, and engine noise.
  • Clutch Wear in Manuals: As a popular first car for new drivers, the manual derivatives often suffer from premature clutch wear.
  • Early Safety Limitations: Models produced prior to the late-2022 update lacked an electronic stability programme (ESP).
Suzuki S-Presso interior

Image: CAR magazine

Which one to get?

If you’re after an S-Presso that’s drivable and easy to live with, the 1.0 GL+ manual is the choice. While the AMT promises automatic convenience, its shift logic may distract from the driving experience. The five-speed manual is light, accurate, and allows the driver to extract maximum performance from the engine. The GL+ specification is mandatory because it provides the essential touchscreen infotainment system. It is also advisable to prioritise models sold from late 2022 onwards, as these updated versions feature the more refined Dualjet K10C engine and, most importantly, ESP.

Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post Buying used: Suzuki S-Presso (2020-2025) appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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