Suzuki Philippines unveiled a much-anticipated variant of its top-selling S-Presso line at a launch event in the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila last Monday.

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso AGS is the much-awaited follow-up model to its successful subcompact. This launch event marked an exciting milestone for Suzuki Philippines, demonstrating the automaker's commitment to understanding and addressing customer needs​

The new S-Presso AGS is a subcompact hatchback, designed with a bold, vibrant aesthetic to make it an instant standout. Whether navigating the bustling streets of Manila or traversing the laidback countryside roads, the 2023 S-Presso AGS turns heads​​.

Under the hood, the S-Presso GL MT and the GL AGS boast the K10C 1.0-liter inline-3 gasoline engine, delivering up to 66 horsepower and 89 Nm of torque to propel the 765 kg body and its occupants. The key differentiator for the AGS version, however, is its Automatic Gear Shift technology.

An innovation from Suzuki, the AGS features an Intelligent Shift Control Actuator that automatically operates the shift and clutch, giving the driver automated gear changes with maximum convenience. It offers the reliability and fuel efficiency of a manual transmission but with the convenience of an automatic​.

With the AGS, the new S-Presso also introduces an engine automatic stop/start feature to improve fuel efficiency further. This technology automatically halts the engine when idle, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption​​. The AGS model also offers hill-hold control, providing an additional safety feature that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on steep inclines​​.

The 2023 S-Presso AGS variant's interior matches its innovative drivetrain with a host of creature comforts. Inside, passengers will find a seven-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, linked to a two-piece speaker system. The vehicle also boasts USB ports, electric front windows, a digital gauge cluster, and a digital multi-information display. Interestingly, while the manual S-Presso version includes an auxiliary audio jack, this feature isn't present in the AGS variant​​.

The 2023 S-Presso AGS also ensures passenger safety with both passive and active safety features. These include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, a seatbelt reminder, and an engine immobilizer. The electronic stability program provides further safety, ensuring traction while accelerating or traversing slippery conditions, and automatically regulating engine output and selectively applying the brakes to maintain control​​.

With its compact exterior dimensions, the 2023 S-Presso AGS offers a surprisingly spacious interior, accommodating up to five occupants comfortably​. Furthermore, the vehicle provides a generous 239L luggage space, allowing for the accommodation of larger items​​.

The arrival of the automatic S-Presso AGS variant will cater to those who are eagerly awaiting an automatic version of the popular car. Its introduction can be seen as a significant step for Suzuki Philippines, as the previous model was warmly received by customers.

As Norihide Takei, director and general manager for Suzuki Automobile, said: "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."

The 2023 Suzuki S-Presso AGS is priced at P660,000, which is a slight increase over the manual variant's P620,000 price tag (which itself gets a P32,000 bump from the outgoing MT version).

However, considering the additional features and convenience that the AGS model provides, it's a compelling proposition for those in the market for a city car that doesn't compromise on style, safety or efficiency​​.