The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is a compact hatchback with an SUV-inspired stance, combining a high driving position with a city-friendly footprint. Known for its practicality, impressive ground clearance, and budget-friendly ownership costs, it has gained popularity among first-time buyers in the commercial cab segment, particularly in regions with hilly terrain.
Powering the S-Presso is a 1.0-litre petrol engine, available in both standard petrol and factory-fitted CNG versions. The petrol model is available with a choice of a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox, while the CNG variant is paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission.
In this article, we’ll focus on one of the most important factors for car buyers — fuel efficiency. We’ll examine the official ARAI mileage figures for each version and compare them to real-world conditions.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether the petrol or CNG S-Presso offers the better balance between running costs, convenience, and day-to-day usability.
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Maruti S-Presso ARAI Mileage Figures
The mileage of Maruti S-Presso ranges from 24.76 Kmpl to 32.73 Km/Kg. Official ARAI-certified mileage for the Maruti S-Presso across all engine and transmission options is:
| Engine & Transmission | ARAI Mileage (km/l) |
| Petrol – Manual | 24.76 km/l |
| Petrol – Automatic | 25.3 km/l |
| CNG – Manual | 32.73 km/kg |
Maruti S-Presso Real World Mileage vs ARAI Mileage
Though ARAI mileage ratings are achieved under controlled test conditions, real-world driving often delivers lower figures. The Maruti S-Presso petrol manual version returns approximately 19 km/l, compared to its official fuel efficiency of 24.76 km/l.
The petrol automatic version achieves approximately 20 km/l daily, compared to the claimed 25.3 km/l. Meanwhile, the CNG variant delivers a fuel efficiency of nearly 24 km/kg in city traffic, compared to the official 32.73 km/kg.
In real life, several factors cause the difference between ARAI and real-world mileage, such as:
- Driving Style: Sudden acceleration, frequent braking, and high engine revs consume more fuel. Smooth driving with timely gear changes is closer to test conditions, but aggressive driving significantly reduces mileage.
- Traffic Conditions: ARAI tests simulate steady driving, but real-world driving involves stop-and-go traffic, idling at signals, and unpredictable slowdowns, which lower efficiency.
- Load and Accessories: Carrying passengers, luggage, or roof-mounted accessories increases weight and wind resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
- Use of Air Conditioning: Running the AC puts extra load on the engine, which can reduce mileage by a noticeable margin.
- Road and Weather Conditions: Potholes, inclines, rough terrain, or extreme temperatures can make the engine consume more fuel than it would in the smooth, moderate conditions of an ARAI test.
- Tyre Pressure and Maintenance: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, lowering fuel efficiency.
Maruti S-Presso Fuel Efficiency Comparison: Petrol vs CNG
On the mileage front, the Maruti S-Presso’s petrol and CNG options appeal to different kinds of drivers. The petrol variant strikes a balance between performance and fuel consumption, making it suitable for those who value a peppy drive with moderate running costs.
The CNG version, however, is designed to deliver maximum savings for individuals who cover higher daily distances. In everyday city traffic, the difference between the two becomes more noticeable, especially when frequent braking and acceleration are standard.
Maruti S-Presso City Fuel Efficiency Comparison
In urban driving, petrol models offer smooth performance and reasonable mileage, although frequent halts can increase fuel consumption. Automatic petrol versions, equipped with AMT, generally consume more fuel than their manual counterparts.
Meanwhile, the CNG variant proves to be an economical choice for those who regularly navigate through dense traffic and want to keep running costs low without compromising too much on practicality.
The main factors for the disparity are:
- Traffic & Idling: Petrol engines lose efficiency in frequent stop–start flow. CNG, being cleaner-burning and lighter, handles this better.
- Engine Load & Combustion: Petrol engines may experience greater carbon buildup over time, which reduces their efficiency. CNG tends to remain cleaner, delivering steadier performance.
- Vehicle Load & AC Use: Both fuel types see mileage drop when carrying heavy loads with continuous air-conditioning, but petrol’s efficiency tends to be affected more sharply in short city runs.
- Thermal Efficiency: Stop-start driving can cause petrol engines to overheat slightly, reducing their efficiency; CNG engines maintain a more stable running temperature.
- Fuel Characteristics: CNG burns cleaner and at lower temperatures, which makes it more efficient at slow speeds and in traffic congestion.
Maruti S-Presso Highway Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Low acceleration and smoother braking can help stretch fuel efficiency on the highway. Manual petrol variants usually deliver better mileage than AMTs, as they offer a more direct transfer of power.
The CNG version performs well in terms of highway economy, although drivers may notice a slight reduction in power during quick overtakes due to its lower power output. The factors that lead to variance in fuel efficiency are:
- Consistent Speed: Petrol engines perform best around their optimal rpm; the packed CNG combustion benefits more from cruising.
- Driving Style: Smooth acceleration and maintaining constant speeds yield optimal mileage; sudden speed changes or aggressive overtaking reduce fuel efficiency.
- Altitude & Terrain: On steep inclines or hilly terrain, petrol engines typically perform better due to their higher power output, whereas CNG engines can struggle and consume more fuel.
- Fuel Availability & Route Planning: Petrol stations are common on highways, but CNG pumps can be sparse, requiring careful planning of refuelling stops, which can indirectly affect trip efficiency.
Maruti S-Presso Fuel Cost Comparison: Petrol vs CNG
Understanding fuel costs is essential when deciding between the petrol and CNG variants of the Maruti S-Presso. Here’s a breakdown based on a typical monthly running of 1,500 km:
| Aspects | Petrol | CNG |
| Monthly Running Distance | 1500 km | 1500 km |
| Monthly Fuel Use | Approx. 60 liters | Approx. 45 kg |
| Average Monthly Fuel Cost | ₹6,250* | ₹3,281.25* |
| Average Yearly Fuel Cost | ₹75,000* | ₹39,375* |
| 5-Year Fuel Cost | ₹3,75,000* | ₹1,96,875* |
Note: Fuel expenses are approximated using an average petrol price of ₹100/litre and a CNG price of ₹70/kg. Actual fuel expenses will vary depending on region and fluctuations in fuel prices. The CNG model offers significantly lower running costs, resulting in substantial long-term savings, particularly for high-mileage drivers.
Maruti S-Presso Mileage vs Competitors
Knowing how fuel costs differ is key when choosing between the petrol and CNG versions of the Maruti S-Presso. By considering factors such as mileage, along with other practical considerations, it becomes easier to determine which variant best aligns with your driving needs and overall budget.
Here’s a look at official mileage figures for petrol and CNG variants (wherever applicable):
| Model | Petrol Mileage (km/l) | CNG Mileage (km/kg) |
| Maruti S-Presso | 24.76 kmpl | 32.73 km/kg |
| Maruti Ertiga | 24.7 – 25.3 km/l | 32.73 km/kg |
| Maruti Alto K10 | 24.3 – 24.9 km/l | 33.85 km/kg |
| Maruti Ignis | 20.89 km/l | N/A |
| Maruti Celerio | 25.2 – 26.6 km/l | 34.43 km/kg |
The Maruti S-Presso provides a satisfactory mileage range in both petrol and CNG, matching some of the competitors in CNG and staying close to the top performers in petrol.
Summary
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is a compact hatchback with SUV-like styling and a design that suits both city use and rougher roads. It comes in petrol and CNG options, with the petrol variant offering both manual and automatic transmissions, and the CNG model paired with a manual gearbox.
Each fuel type brings its own advantages in terms of performance, convenience, and efficiency. Fuel efficiency differs between ARAI test conditions and real-world driving, where factors such as driving style, traffic patterns, road conditions, load, air conditioning use, and maintenance habits play a significant role.
Petrol, however, remains more convenient due to wider fuel availability and stronger performance in certain driving conditions, making the choice largely dependent on individual driving needs and priorities.
FAQs about Maruti S-Presso Mileage Comparison
Q. Which is better for city driving, petrol or CNG in the Maruti S-Presso?
CNG has cleaner combustion and better efficiency, as well as lower running costs in stop-and-go situations, such as city traffic.
Q. Does CNG affect the performance of the Maruti S-Presso?
Yes, CNG is less powerful than petrol, especially on inclines or when you need to accelerate quickly, but it’s good enough for daily urban driving.
Q. Why is there a difference between ARAI mileage and real-world mileage?
ARAI mileage is tested under ideal conditions, while real-world driving involves traffic, varying road conditions, weather changes and driving habits that reduce efficiency.
Q. Is CNG fuel easily available across India?
While the availability of CNG is growing, it is still not as common as petrol in some areas, so you need to plan more effectively for long-distance trips.
Q. Which variant has lower long-term ownership costs?
CNG typically offers lower fuel expenses over time, making it more cost-effective for high-mileage drivers, while petrol may be more convenient for mixed or occasional use.
