Is the S-Presso really a 'mini SUV' or just clever marketing?

Question

The S-Presso is positioned by Maruti Suzuki as a 'mini SUV' riding on the growing popularity of SUVs in India. Its high ground clearance, upright seating position and boxy design earns this classification. Critics, however, contend that it doesn't offer those key SUV features: a rugged build, all wheel drive, or even serious off road capability. While the S Presso is based on a compact hatchback platform, it is being pitched as an SUV, so the debate is around whether it actually brings any SUV like practicality and versatility or if it’s just a tall hatchback with an SUV like appeal. Some discussion also takes place as to whether this marketing approach sets apart buyers' expectations too far and will lead them to expect more of SUV-like performance and features from what is essentially a city car.

@abhinit-ku · Accepted Answer

In spirit, if not in capability, it's an SUV. Sometimes it’s more about perception than technicalities.

@vivek-kuma · Answer

The higher ground clearance makes it more SUV like in use than a regular hatchback, in Indian road conditions.

@varun-shar · Answer

Clever marketing, however, it is misleading. It gives the wrong expectations to the buyer who might believe they are getting more than they are.

@vibhu-goel · Answer

As far as compact crossovers go, it's as much of a mini-SUV as any other. Anyway, the lines are blurring between categories.

@shinde-vik · Answer

If you ask me, marketing genius. Instead of building an SUV, they've found a way to tap into the SUV craze.

@sana-ifran · Answer

At the price point, it does give you some SUV like benefits, like higher seating and better ground clearance. It's a smart compromise.

@prem-shank · Answer

All it really is, is a tall hatchback with some SUV styling cues. It's stretching the truth to call it a mini-SUV.

Is the S-Presso really a 'mini SUV' or just clever marketing?

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