Re: Maruti S-Presso, the SUV'ish hatchback. EDIT : Launched at Rs. 3.69 lakhs I took a test drive yesterday of the S-Presso AGS in traffic (20 mins to cover 1.5 km). Also took test drive of an Ignis AGS today (15 mins to cover 2 km). Some quick feedback on the S-Presso: The car:
1) Good space inside for everyone, especially the driver. Excellent view from the driver’s seat. My right knee also had lot of space to move about due to the absence of window controls on the door.
2) Internally adjustable ORVMs is a delight - instant changes through a lever, rather than pushing multiple buttons.
3) Car is small, everything is easily within reach inside the car
4) Very easily manoeuvrable in traffic
5) In terms of overall drive comfort, felt a little more comfortable driving the Ignis than the S-Presso. Maybe it was the preset posture.
6) Could easily see the bonnet ends from the driver’s seat - though not sure it was in itself a big help. However it should be of big help for beginners.
7) Engine was very slightly noisier/rougher than Ignis.
8) Handbrake fully down position was a little confusing for me since there is still lot of space below the bottom position. Ignis is also similar. Should easily get used to this.
9) The controls in the middle is fine, seems like an advantage considering the view right in front is better and also the meter readings from the central console are visible in peripheral vision since it is almost 'right there'. While the speedometer reading is very easily visible, the others readings are smaller and I felt needs time to get used to. For example, while the touch screen system showed a low fuel indicator, could not properly make out the low fuel indication on the digital fuel guage. Again should easily get used to this.
10) Plastic quality is decent. However, wish the plastic on the door panel that has significant flex was of a slightly better quality.
11) Elbow hand rest on the door was at a comfortable place. May need to figure out how to clad that area with some softer material to make it even more comfortable. Being able to get an accessory hand-rest fitted for the left hand would make the daily urban crawls even more comfortable.
12) Brake bite was very strong with car stopping abruptly - maybe setting specific to the car (Felt the Ignis to be more 'normal' in its braking behaviour)
13) Need to get used to the rear parking assist sensors. Could not see readings on the display but could hear the beep when close to an obstruction. Maybe it was disconnected from the front display.
14) The touch screen infotainment system does not provide option to display rear parking camera even if fitted as optional extra, the screen will take some getting used to for me. While having no physical buttons is a disadvantage, the buttons on the steering wheel which can be used to change FM channels is a relief.
15) Sound quality is good - I do not have a good enough ear for music quality, and strangely felt that the S-Presso with 2 speakers was slightly better than the Ignis with its 4 (or is it 6, with 2 tweeters) speakers. Did not play around with the controls as I was not really checking this out, and could be mistaken.
16) Dashboard area is very small, may struggle to find a flat place for a mobile phone holder/stand and may have to find a place for it on the windscreen (if needed).
17) Fabric quality of seats was decent, in both vehicles. In my opinion - can easily leave it as is, and not fit seat covers.
18) Ignis with adjustable head rests is a little bit more comfortable, especially at the rear.
19) Panel gap at rear was slightly larger on the S-Presso than the Ignis.
20) Attracts significant attention from other road users.
21) Only one cabin light, seems adequate. AGS
22) My first time driving a AGS, took a little time to adjust, but found it very good in traffic. Towards the end of the 20 mins, I thought my right leg was paining a little, but maybe that was due to my posture. Also did not feel that pain while driving the Ignis - will need some expert advice.
23) The fully drive was at slow speeds, maybe since I am new to automatics, did not perceive any 'head nod' effect and felt comfortable.
24) Creep function is quite strong (stronger than Ignis)
25) Car rolls back when on slopes and removing leg from brake, need to use hand-brake and accelerator. This technique should be easily learned though.
26) Insisting that an accessory kit with DRL + front fender insert + back roof garnish at about 12.5K should be mandatory bought is a pain. (Was told that there are specific instructions from MSIL that these accessories have to be mandatorily provided at extra cost, across all variants!) Experience with Ignis
Ignis felt a little more comfortable from the drivers seat while stationary and in steadily moving traffic. It has the comparative disadvantage of being significantly wider and hence less manoeuvrable in Bangalore traffic. The comparative width is easily perceived while driving - though definitely much better than my Camry (manual transmission) which is even wider. Ignis also does not get the touch-screen music system. Placement of the left foot is better than for S-Presso, felt naturally comfortable in the Ignis while I was searching for better places in the S-Presso. Due to discounts running on the Ignis, price after old car exchange is only about 40K more for Ignis Delta AGS as compared to the S-Presso VXI+ AGS, and brings along many more creature comforts and a better engine. Getting back in the Camry after driving S-Presso yesterday and the Ignis today, both smaller cars felt as significant downgrades. Till the time I started moving and found myself back in heavy traffic - when all the advantages of the smaller cars came gushing back to mind, and the Camry reverted back to being an elephant in my mind.
Currently the lure of decent space with minimal width seems irresistible!
Last edited by manij : 24th October 2019 at 20:13.
Reason: Typo
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