2023 Suzuki S-Presso debuts with tech not equipped on Celerio

When the Suzuki S-Presso arrived in the local market in 2020, the hatchback became one of Suzuki Philippines, Inc.’s (SPH) most sought-after models. In fact, it finished third in the company’s sales rankings with 1,930 units sold in the same year. But Filipino car buyers had always wanted the S-Presso to be made available with an automatic transmission as an option.

Suzuki S-Presso AGS

Coming into 2023, SPH addressed the demand with the introduction of the Suzuki S-Presso AGS. The company also added new technologies that could make the hatchback a more enticing buy. It even has a new amenity that is not available in the model’s larger hatch sibling, the Celerio.

Exterior

But first, let’s talk about the updated S-Presso’s exterior. The GL MT and GL AGS look similar as the variants share exterior bits such as halogen headlamps, black front lower bumper, body-colored bumper, body-colored door handles, black rear bumper, black front grille, 14-inch alloys, and rear combination lamps.

The exterior styling remains familiar

In terms of exterior colors, the two S-Presso variants are also offered with the same four options, namely Fire Red, Sizzle Orange, White, and Metallic Granite Gray.

Interior

Inside, the cabin doesn’t get significant revisions. It is still equipped with a combination of vinyl and fabric seats, the meter display on top of the dashboard, and the controls for the windows and air conditioning on the center console. But it does come with an updated head unit, which we’ll get into later.

The new S-Presso gets an updated head unit

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso AGS also has electronic power adjustment for the side mirrors.

At the back, the hatch offers 239 liters of cargo space. The rear seats can be folded down, allowing more space for bigger items.

Tech & Safety

As mentioned earlier, the new S-Presso is equipped with new technologies including an updated infotainment system, which now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is a significant upgrade over the Weblink connectivity in the Celerio, especially considering that the S-Presso is only the entry-level hatchback of the company.

The interior layout is almost unchanged

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can help drivers stay connected on the go. These connectivity functions should also aid those who always rely on navigation apps such as Waze.

Exclusive to the S-Presso AGS variant is the use of a hill hold control, which helps the driver prevent the hatch from rolling back on a downhill after coming to a stop.

The hatch is now available with a manual and automatic gearbox

Other safety bits that are standard across the two S-Presso variants include SRS front dual airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), a new Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and rear parking sensors.

Engine & Performance

Suzuki introduced the new 1.0-liter K10C gasoline engine to the S-Presso as standard. It is capable of generating 67 horsepower and 90 Nm of torque. The new engine promises improved fuel efficiency thanks to its Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system and Engine Automatic Start Stop (EASS) technology.

It is now powered by the K10C engine

The main feature of the flagship variant is the AGS. This uses an Intelligent Shift Control Actuator to operate the shift and clutch instead of a traditional torque converter found in most automatic transmissions. Like the VVT system and the EASS, the new AGS transmission aims to improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Price

SPH is offering the 2023 Suzuki S-Presso GLS at Php 660,000, which is Php 40,000 more than the hatchback with the 5-speed manual gearbox.

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