Are you planning to buy your first car? Or perhaps looking for a budget-friendly ride for your daily office commute?
A common dilemma for many buyers is: “Should I buy a second-hand car or go for a brand-new entry-level vehicle?”
If you are considering a used car, pause for a moment. Instead of investing in a 5-10-year-old vehicle with limited life left, you can get a brand-new car that offers peace of mind for the next 15 years. Today, we compare the two leaders of the entry-level segment: the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide.
1. Price: The First Deciding Factor
For entry-level buyers, price is everything. Both cars offer a “Standard” base variant, which is the most affordable entry point into car ownership.
Maruti S-Presso (Base Model): Starts at approx. ₹3.50 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Maruti Alto K10 (Base Model): Starts at approx. ₹3.70 – ₹3.81 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
There is a price difference of roughly ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 between the two.
Note: The “Standard” variants of both cars do not come with AC. This is a crucial point to consider. If you live in a city with hot summers, you might need to upgrade to the LXi variant or install an aftermarket solution.
2. Engine & Performance: Same Heart, Different Feel
Since both cars are from Maruti Suzuki, reliability is top-notch. Interestingly, they share the exact same engine under the hood.
Engine: 1.0L K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT
Power: ~66 BHP
Torque: 89 Nm
On paper, 66 BHP might sound less if compared to bigger 1.2L engines. However, considering the lightweight body of these cars (approx. 730-770 kg), this power is more than enough for peppy city driving. They don’t feel underpowered in daily traffic.
3. Design & Looks: The Real Difference
This is where your personal preference plays the biggest role.
Alto K10: It carries the traditional hatchback silhouette. It’s sleek, sits lower to the ground, and appeals to those who want a conventional “car-like” feel.
S-Presso: Known as a “Micro-SUV,” it offers a tall-boy stance, high ground clearance (180mm), and an upright seating position. If you like a dominating road view, this is the one.
4. Who Should Buy These?
New Learners: The compact size and light controls make them excellent for learning.
Long-Term Keepers: Unlike a used car which you might have to scrap in a few years (especially in regions like Delhi-NCR), these new cars are valid for 15 years.
Verdict: ValueDrive’s Opinion
If you are on a strict budget and want to save that extra ₹25,000, the S-Presso is a fantastic deal. It gives you the same engine and SUV-like feel for less money. However, if you prefer the tried-and-tested hatchback look and slightly better aerodynamics, the Alto K10 remains a legendary choice.