In their own way, ultra-thrifty internal combustion engines (ICE), such as the Suzuki S-Presso, also contribute to the efforts to reduce carbon footprint. Like hybrid/mild hybrid models, the goal is simply to achieve low fuel consumption because it is another form of helping the environment while the world is transitioning to zero-emission.
This is just as well for Suzuki, one of the more recognized global automakers known for making small cars with small displacement engines. In the Philippines, Suzuki has brought the small hatchback S-Presso model with an improved 1.0-liter K10C DualJet gasoline engine generating 66 hp and 89 Nm maximum torque, and the highly anticipated Automatic Gear Shift (AGS) variant.
Suzuki Philippines thought that it was time to put this small hatchback to the public test. A media drive was hosted for participants to take the first dibs, particularly on the featured transmission technology. But more importantly, to determine the car’s fuel consumption, apart from driving performance. Suzuki incorporated an eco-challenge for all participants. The destination was Camp John Hay in Baguio via the entire stretches of Skyway, all the freeways, and the winding roads of Marcos Highway.
Suzuki S-Presso 775 kg light
For the most part, the small hatchback retained the manual version’s exterior elements of a hip, bold, and tall stance. This small hatchback is only 3,565 mm long, 1,520 mm wide, with a wheelbase length of 2,380 mm. Overall weight is around 775 kilograms.
This car shares the same motor with the subcompact hatchback Celerio. It is important to note that the S-Presso is about 50 kg lighter with smaller rims and tires (14-inch 2-toned alloy wheels wrapped in 165/70 R14 rubbers). Hence, power-to-weight ratio-wise, the S-Presso is superior.
Indeed, Suzuki is a genius in creating wonders for extra space. Several overnighter bags can easily fit in the vehicle’s spacious 239-liter rear cargo bay. For two tall occupants, sliding in and out was bliss. At some point, even another tall passenger still managed to squeeze in comfortably. For a small vehicle, there was still enough legroom at the back. But the best part was the upright front seats providing excellent vantage points and less strain on the lower back.
Real-world driving
The initial stretch was entirely Skyways and freeways. To achieve desired results, real-world driving was applied. The car felt stable with acceptable road noise while maintaining below speed limits. One of the initial driving challenges was the lack of a tachometer. Wind and road noise became more noticeable during high speeds, as expected on small frames with less insulation. At this point, the motor was running higher than 3,000 rpm. It went on from the start of TPLEX until the end of the freeway.
During the entire Marcos Highway climb, it was the lower gears that aided in squeezing every available torque. Of course, adjustments were needed during overtakes. Whenever it was clear, the vehicle could surpass and accelerate on accents with the right timing and momentum. A tachometer’s absence was bothersome, but playing around the lower gears compensated for this.
Suzuki S-Presso AGS in action
Suzuki’s state-of-the-art AGS system was introduced locally in the Dzire and lately with the latest generation Celerio. Featuring an Intelligent Shift Control Actuator, it automatically operates the shift and clutch to bring convenience to manual driving. The system was as easy to operate as any auto transmission. But since it runs a conventional manual gearbox with the actuator, the response was different, providing that direct drive feel. It is smooth shifting and still has that stepping-on-the-clutch feel minus the friction.
During the Marcos Highway climb, it was necessary to operate AGS with sequential mode (manual mode) to retain certain gears to squeeze more torque or to engine brake. It was also necessary to eliminate the slight delay in shifting during ascents. More importantly, so as not to lose the momentum. Overall, it does the job with a little getting used to. Judging from the engine’s grunt, it was no less than 3,500 rpm and even up to the higher-end range most of the time. Bottomline, the motor was being pushed to its limits to squeeze every bit of power it had.
Thrifty, no matter what
Apart from the choice to do real-world driving to determine convincing results, the entire 300-km run was occasionally spirited in the constant high-speed limit and high-rpm modes during the climb/overtaking. Still, the vehicle consumed just over 17 liters reaching the refilling station. Not bad at all. Among the group, two cars achieved as low as over 13 liters of fuel consumption, with an eco-driving style strictly applied. So, can the New S-Presso AGS climb up to Baguio? Of course, it certainly can and did so with flying colors. But more impressively, it was ultra-thrifty. (Story and photos by Randy Peregrino)