Maruti Suzuki, India’s biggest car maker, on Monday launched its much-awaited new small hatchback, or Mini SUV S-Presso, as the company dubbed it, with the starting price of Rs 3.69 lakh to boost sales in Asia’s third biggest car market during the festive season and beyond.

PUNE: Maruti Suzuki, India’s biggest car maker, on Monday launched its much-awaited new small hatchback, or Mini SUV S-Presso, as the company dubbed it, with the starting price of Rs 3.69 lakh to boost sales in Asia’s third biggest car market during the festive season and beyond.

The company has invested Rs 640 crore to develop the new hatchback to take on rivals such as Renault Kwid with a starting price of Rs 2.76 lakh, Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 at Rs 3.76 lakh and Datsun Redigo at Rs 3.90 lakh at Delhi showroom.

The hatchback will be retailed countrywide through the ARENA retail network.

The S-Presso is meant to be Maruti Suzuki’s entry-level car into the world of SUVs and will be placed slightly higher than the Maruti Suzuki Alto. It will offer SUV-styling and modern interiors coupled with several features aimed to offer a high-rise seating position to give the passengers of the car the SUV-feel.

There are 6 variants on offer and the top-end model is priced at Rs 4.91 lakh at Delhi showroom. The S-Presso is powered by the BS-6 compliant, 68hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.7 km per litre. Gearbox options for the S-Presso include a 5-speed manual or AMT and four trim levels.

“Today’s global launch of S-Presso stands testament to our commitment to offer best in design, technology and safety to our customers,” Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director and CEO at Maruti Suzuki India, said.