A double shot of affordability

South Africa's most affordable car has received a modest refresh and is ready to continue bolstering Suzuki's local sales

- Alex Shahini

Cars are expensive, as is cost the ever-increasing of living. Well-equipped small hatchbacks from reputable manufacturers often approach half a bar, while premium sedans and SUVS now easily go over the seven-figure mark. Where does this leave buyers looking for the convenience of accessible private mobility, not gimmicks and flash?

Enter Suzuki and its double shot of affordability and a growing range that caters for entry-level buyers. This brand has gone from strength to strength in its short, but highly lucrative time in the South African market and now regularly features on monthly top-10 sales charts. Starting at R162 900, the Suzuki S-Presso has undergone a mild update to bolster its appeal to budget conscious buyers.

Of course, that price point is reserved exclusively for the entry level S-Presso 1,0 GL, but the entire range retains its value-for-money principles from when it arrived on our shores just over two years ago.

First and foremost is its fuel economy. Buyers in this segment are typically most concerned with efficiency when it comes to their purchase. The incoming version may have lost a kW, but boasts improved fuel consumption. A frugal 4,6 L/100 km is achievable from the manual version, while Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) derivatives claim an even more impressive 4,4 L/100 km.