The new S-Presso AGS is Suzuki’s SUV-style compact hatchback that comes with bold design and vibrant colors which exude life and positive energy. The vehicle is already a standout with its unique form factor that combines a practical small size and high ground clearance. These make it perfect for the streets of the metropolis or in the laidback roads of the countryside. With the updated version, drivers can enjoy a more convenient, stronger performance and efficient drive from the S-Presso AGS. Now with the new 1.0L K10C engine, it’s equipped with an Engine Auto Stop Start System (EASS) that automatically stops the engine when the vehicle is in idle to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption, this beauty is ready to give an enjoyable ride while saving money.
Another new addition is the Auto Gear Shift (AGS) system. The AGS is the state-of-the-art system developed by Suzuki to enable a manual transmission to do automated gear changes or shifting without the driver needing to step on the clutch pedal and using the shift lever. First introduced in the Dzire, the AGS combines the convenience of automatic transmission and the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission. For the more technically inclined, it is an automated manual gearbox. What this means is it uses a manual’s conventional gears and clutch instead of a torque converter and planetary gears like an automatic. By combining these two, it hopes to offer the fun and exhilaration, the lower cost, and efficiency of manual transmission, but with the convenience of an automatic when in traffic.
The transmission works in two modes: D for automatic Drive mode and M for Manual. In D mode, the transmission works like any automatic, shifting the gears for you as needed. It’s designed to shift up as soon as possible to return the highest fuel efficiency. However, when power is needed, simply apply more pressure on the throttle and it will shift down to the next gear. Flooring it will cause the transmission to shift down two gears. Lifting up will cause it to shift to the highest gear and coast. When in M mode, the transmission will behave like a manual, holding the desired gear until told to shift by an up or down motion on the stick. While there is no clutch pedal, the transmission manages the shifting very well, smoothening out any jolts to return seamless forward motion.  The transmission also retains conventional features like the ability to creep forward slowly when there is no pressure on the throttle, without stalling.
There may be no ‘Park’ on the transmission, but the stick shift can be left in ‘D’ when the vehicle is turned off to simulate it. This way, it doesn’t roll down when on an incline. For safety, the car also has a built-in feature that prevents it from starting when in D or R, thus avoiding any sudden moves.
You may be wondering, “Why install this instead of a conventional automatic?” Thanks to advances in technology, it’s become easier to upgrade a conventional manual. This brings the price of automatic variants down, as well as maintenance costs. It also offers the driver the more connected feel of a manual while still retaining the convenience of an automatic. All in all, it’s introduced to offer the customer more value.
“The new S-Presso AGS will address the demand of our customers who have been waiting for the automatic version for quite some time now. We fully understand why the S-PRESSO has become a status symbol and a bold statement of one’s lifestyle, especially the young generation who  wants to make a mark and fulfill their commitments in life,” said Norihide Takei, Director and General Manager for Suzuki Automobile. The addition of the AGS system imbues even more value of the S-Presso, making it a very compelling choice for those looking for a practical yet fun, easy-to-drive car.