Hot brew, cold climb: Can the Suzuki S-Presso AGS climb Baguio?

A month after Suzuki Philippines introduced the S-Presso AGS to the local market, the company immediately put the hatchback offering through its paces — all the way to one of the country’s known acid tests for vehicles: Baguio City.

Prior to the drive, I had readied myself that it would not be an easy trip for me (given that I am more than six feet in height and weighs above 240 pounds). Passenger weight alone would give the car a hard time in taking it up to the City of Pines — or so I thought.

The media drive to Baguio started at the newly-opened Suzuki Auto dealership in Taguig. Going out of C-5 immediately posed a challenge to participants as the traffic condition was horrendous that time. However, since the Suzuki S-Presso AGS is only 3,565 millimeters (mm) long and 1,520 mm wide, participants were able to bob and weave through it.

I, who started the trip as a passenger, checked out what could immediately be enjoyed inside the vehicle. While it can’t be considered as tech-heavy, it has some pretty decent features to begin with.

For starters, the vehicle comes with an infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity function. It also has power-adjustable side mirrors for convenience to the driver. Aside from that, Suzuki placed the power window buttons of the S-Presso AGS just below the infotainment system (flanking the hazard switch) similar to the nameplate’s manual variety.

Since it is one of the entry models in the Suzuki lineup, it still has knobs for its air-conditioning system, sport fabric seats and lots of hard plastic appointments — which is acceptable given the pricing.

Helping the drivers enjoy an efficient drive from Metro Manila to Baguio was the engine auto stop-start system (EASS) that temporarily shuts off the engine at standstill to cut down fuel consumption. However, it was noticeable that during stop-and-go situations, there are times that the aforementioned system does not engage — probably due to the fact that we need to keep the engine running to jostle for position in traffic against other road users.

Speaking of engine, the three-cylinder, 12-valve K10C mill was not only economical, but it can also dish out enough power for speed and climbing uphills too.

Driving the vehicle from Pampanga (traversing the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) all the way to the end of Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, it showed that despite being a one-liter engine, the vehicle can go 100 kilometers per hour without struggle — add to that the five-speed automated gear shift’s proper ratio that reduces shift shocks.

For comparison, we find that the transmission set-up of the Suzuki S-Presso AGS is more refined compared to the Dzire, which we were able to test a few years back.

Going back on the recent trip, the Suzuki S-Presso AGS’ powertrain that traversed the expressways — which capacity to deliver 67 horsepower and 97 Newton-meters of torque — was able to climb Marcos Highway (though I and my co-driver did not bother to overtake trucks during the ascent for safety reasons).

Additionally, the car helped me shrug off anxiety of not having ample oomph to scale steep uphills from a full stop midway as there were numerous occasions that participants have encountered it (although there have been some instances where the air-conditioning system was turned off — but just to be sure).

Reaching the end of the journey, the vehicle only consumed 15 liters —further proving its fuel efficiency prowess.

So, can the Suzuki S-Presso AGS go all the way to Baguio? Yes, and just like a good cup of joe, it definitely has a potent kick. 

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

Suzuki PH eyes to sell 400 S-Presso AGS units monthly

Suzuki S-Presso AGS: The 4 fervent colors

Incoming Suzuki S-Presso AGS showcased at 2023 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival