What you see here is not the S-Presso. It is something that Maruti Suzuki showcased during the 2018 Auto Expo. Dubbed as the Future S Concept, you have to say that it looks funky. It gave us a pretty good idea of what India’s largest carmaker is working on to lock horns with the Renault Kwid. Well, the time to see Maruti Suzuki’s efforts is almost here. On September 30, 2019, the company will launch the production version of the Future S Concept, and it is called the S-Presso.

Will it give the same kick as the Espresso does? We will have to wait and watch. But considering it is a Maruti Suzuki product, the chances are that it will keep the sales team happy. The S-Presso will find space alongside other models retailed via the Arena range of dealerships. Hierarchy-wise, it will slot between the Alto and the WagonR. That is an extremely tight space.

Maruti Suzuki has seven BS6-ready (Bharat Stage 6) products. The S-Presso is likely to take the eighth spot. Underpinned by the Heartect platform, the new tallboy is expected to house the upgraded version of the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that does duty in the Wagon R. As we have seen before, the BS6-compliant engine is likely to produce the same power and torque – 67hp/90Nm – but will not be as frugal as it can be in BSIV form. As standard, it will come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. However, there will be at least one variant with an AMT (automated manual transmission).

Not too long ago, Maruti Suzuki said that all its small cars would get CNG variants. And the S-Presso will get that option also but likely at a later stage. As far as the list of trim levels goes, the new model will follow the same path as other models do under Maruti Suzuki’s Arena umbrella. To comply with safety norms, the standard list of features will include rear parking sensors, an airbag for the driver, seatbelt reminder for front passengers, ABS with EBD and high-speed warning. Other features such as keyless entry, power steering, front power windows, air conditioning, a music system and a multifunction steering wheel will find space on higher trim levels.

Pricing? That will be on par, if not lower, than the Renault Kwid 1.0L. You have to say a lot depends on how the S-Presso looks. Admittedly, it will not look as attractive as it does in the Concept form. What do you guys think? Will the S-Presso live up to its hype? Or will the refreshed Kwid, which is expected to launch in a few weeks, come out on top?