With the new GST rates, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso has overtaken the Alto K10 to become the cheapest car in India, starting at ₹3.50 lakh.
The lower price of the S-Presso is linked to safety upgrades.
While Maruti recently enhanced the safety features of its entry-level cars, the S-Presso did not receive major safety updates.
It comes with two airbags, whereas the Alto K10 and Celerio offer six airbags.
Impact of GST Rate Changes
After a long time, excise duty on small cars has been significantly reduced.
Key changes include:
GST on petrol cars under 4 meters reduced from 28% to 18%
Cess removed
Following these changes, Maruti revised its car prices:
S-Presso: Price reduced by up to ₹1.2 lakh, starting at ₹3.50 lakh
Alto K10: Entry-level variant now starts at ₹3.70 lakh
This makes the S-Presso ₹20,000 cheaper than the Alto K10, which had held the title of India’s cheapest car for over a decade.
Variants and Price Comparison
| Model | Old Price (₹) | New Price (₹) | Price Difference (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Presso STD | 4.27 lakh | 3.50 lakh | 77,000 |
| Alto K10 STD | 4.23 lakh | 3.70 lakh | 53,000 |
| S-Presso LXI | 5.00 lakh | 3.80 lakh | 1,20,000 |
| Alto K10 LXI | 5.00 lakh | 4.00 lakh | 1,00,000 |
Design and Buyer Appeal
The S-Presso has a high-riding crossover/SUV look, but under the hood, it is a hatchback.
Maruti aims to attract young buyers who want to upgrade from two-wheelers to cars but face budget constraints.
The elevated stance and significant price cut may appeal to this segment, though it remains to be seen whether the S-Presso will successfully attract new buyers.
