The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a new entrant in the compact SUV segment from India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki. It blends the practicality of a hatchback with the ruggedness of an SUV, presenting itself as an urban crossover aimed at young and dynamic consumers. Based on the popular Baleno, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx features several upgrades and design elements to give it a unique identity. It is a great option for those looking for a modern, feature-packed vehicle with the reliability and service support that Maruti Suzuki is known for.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Overview
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx, launched in 2023, was designed to cater to the growing demand for compact SUVs in India. Maruti Suzuki, known for producing affordable and reliable cars, crafted the Maruti Suzuki Fronx to sit just below the Vitara Brezza in its lineup. Its modern design, packed with contemporary features, and availability in multiple variants, offers something for everyone. The Fronx is aimed at city-dwellers who want an SUV-like stance but with the easy handling and efficiency of a hatchback.
It’s a compact SUV that’s available in petrol and turbocharged petrol engine options, providing a great balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The Fronx is Maruti’s attempt to capitalize on the booming compact SUV market while offering a design that appeals to the younger crowd.
Design and Styling
One of the standout features of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is its bold design and contemporary styling. Taking inspiration from SUVs, the Fronx boasts a muscular and aggressive stance with a sloping roofline and high ground clearance.
- Front Fascia: The Maruti Suzuki front features a prominent hexagonal grille with chrome accents, flanked by sharp LED headlamps and DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The large grille gives it a commanding road presence, while the headlamps lend a sleek, modern look.
- Side Profile: From the side, the Fronx displays muscular wheel arches, giving it a robust appearance. The sharp character lines that run across the body, along with the stylish alloy wheels, enhance the vehicle’s dynamic posture. The coupe-like sloping roofline and the roof rails add a sporty touch.
- Rear Styling: The rear is equally attractive, with connected LED taillamps and a sculpted boot lid. The bumper gets black cladding that reinforces the SUV-like appeal of the vehicle.
- Build Quality: In terms of build quality, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is crafted with precision. Though it is underpinned by the same platform as the Baleno, the use of high-tensile steel in construction gives it strength and stability.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx comes with two engine options, catering to different types of drivers.
- 1.2-liter K-Series Petrol Engine:
- Power: 89.7 bhp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm
- This naturally aspirated engine is known for its refinement and efficiency, ideal for those prioritizing daily commuting and fuel economy over outright performance.
- 1.0-liter Boosterjet Turbo Petrol Engine:
- Power: 98.6 bhp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 147 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
- The Boosterjet engine is a turbocharged unit offering more power and torque, making it suitable for those looking for a more spirited driving experience. The turbo engine delivers better low-end torque, which makes driving in city conditions easier and offers faster acceleration.
Both engines are BS6-compliant, ensuring they adhere to the latest emission norms.
Transmission and Gearbox
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx offers a variety of transmission options to suit different driving preferences:
- 5-speed Manual Transmission: Available with both engine options, the manual gearbox is smooth and responsive, offering precise gear changes. This makes it a suitable choice for driving enthusiasts who prefer a more hands-on experience.
- 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission): The 1.2-liter petrol engine also comes with an AMT option, which combines the convenience of an automatic with the fuel efficiency of a manual. This transmission is well-suited for urban environments where frequent gear changes are required.
- 6-speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters: The turbocharged Boosterjet engine comes with a more advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience by providing seamless gear shifts. The addition of paddle shifters gives drivers the freedom to manually shift gears for a more engaging driving experience when needed.
Suspension and Ride Quality
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is equipped with a suspension system tuned for both comfort and performance.
- Front Suspension: MacPherson strut with coil springs ensures that the car absorbs most road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on city roads.
- Rear Suspension: Torsion beam with coil springs offers stability and handles minor bumps effectively, ensuring passenger comfort during long drives.
The suspension setup strikes a balance between ride comfort and handling. It easily absorbs potholes and uneven roads while maintaining good stability around corners. The high ground clearance also ensures that the vehicle can tackle rough patches and speed breakers without any issues.
Braking System
The Fronx features a reliable braking system that includes:
- Front Disc Brakes: The ventilated disc brakes at the front provide excellent stopping power and consistency, ensuring that the vehicle can be brought to a halt quickly in emergencies.
- Rear Drum Brakes: At the rear, the Fronx employs drum brakes, which are sufficient for a vehicle of this size and weight. The combination of front discs and rear drums offers a balanced and secure braking experience.
- ABS with EBD: As a standard across all variants, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensures that the car remains stable during sudden braking by preventing wheel lock-up and distributing braking force effectively.
Wheels and Tyres
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx comes with:
- 16-inch Alloy Wheels: Depending on the variant, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx offers stylish alloy wheels that not only enhance the visual appeal of the vehicle but also improve its overall performance and handling.
- Tyres: The Fronx is equipped with 195/60 R16 tyres that provide excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces. The tyres are designed to complement the suspension system, ensuring good road grip and stability even at higher speeds.
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
Maruti Suzuki Fronx cars are known for their fuel efficiency, and the Fronx is no exception.
- 1.2-liter Petrol Engine: Offers a mileage of around 21 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs in its class.
- 1.0-liter Turbocharged Petrol Engine: Delivers around 20 kmpl, which is still impressive for a turbo engine, providing a blend of performance and efficiency.
These figures make the Maruti Suzuki Fronx an ideal choice for those who prioritize low running costs without compromising on performance.
Technology and Features
The Fronx is packed with features that cater to the tech-savvy buyer:
- Infotainment System: The car comes with a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system, offering Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and in-built navigation. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
- Head-Up Display (HUD): A unique feature in this segment, the HUD displays critical information like speed, gear position, and fuel economy on the windshield, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road.
- Wireless Charging: Another segment-first feature is the wireless charging pad, which allows users to charge their smartphones without dealing with cables.
- Connected Car Technology: The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is equipped with Maruti’s Suzuki Connect technology, allowing owners to remotely access various features like geofencing, vehicle tracking, and more.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Maruti Fronx is designed to offer maximum comfort for both drivers and passengers:
- Seats: The car features well-cushioned seats with adjustable headrests, ensuring comfort during long drives. The rear seats come with a 60:40 split, allowing for flexible storage options.
- Cabin Space: Despite being a compact SUV, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride for all.
- Climate Control: Automatic climate control keeps the cabin temperature regulated, ensuring a comfortable environment regardless of outside weather conditions.
Variants and Pricing
The Maruti Fronx is available in multiple variants:
- Sigma (Base Model): The entry-level variant, offering basic features and manual transmission.
- Delta: Mid-level variant with more features like an infotainment system, automatic climate control, and more.
- Delta+: Comes with additional features like alloy wheels and rear wiper/washer.
- Zeta: Higher-end variant with premium features like the HUD, connected car technology, and a better sound system.
- Alpha (Top Model): The fully loaded variant with all the bells and whistles, including the 6-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, and more.
Pricing starts at around ₹7.5 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the base variant and goes up to ₹12 lakhs for the top-end variant, depending on the options chosen.
Colors
The Maruti Fronx is available in a wide array of colors, including single-tone and dual-tone options. The color palette includes:
- Arctic White
- Grandeur Grey
- Nexa Blue
- Earthen Brown
- Opulent Red
- Splendid Silver
Dual-tone options with contrasting roofs are also available, adding a more personalized and premium touch to the Fronx’s appearance.
Competitors
The subcompact SUV segment in India is highly competitive, with several models vying for consumer attention. The Maruti Fronx competes with some well-established names in this category, each offering different strengths. Here are some of its key competitors:
- Tata Nexon: Known for its safety and solid build quality, the Tata Nexon offers a more rugged design and better crash test ratings. It also offers both petrol and diesel engine options.
- Hyundai Venue: A direct rival to the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, the Venue boasts modern features, a turbo-petrol engine, and a plush cabin experience. It offers a wider range of powertrain options, including diesel.
- Kia Sonet: Like the Venue, the Sonet is packed with features and offers multiple powertrain options. It is a strong competitor in terms of interior quality and tech features.
- Mahindra XUV300: Known for its performance-oriented diesel engine and safety features, the XUV300 also offers a more premium experience in the top variants.
- Renault Kiger: The Kiger is another value-for-money option in the segment, offering a turbo-petrol engine and aggressive pricing.
- Nissan Magnite: Similar to the Kiger, the Magnite is an affordable option with modern features and a decent engine lineup.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Review 2024: Details
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that strikes a perfect balance between style, performance, and practicality. With its modern design, choice of two petrol engines, and a feature-rich cabin, the Fronx is a strong contender in its segment. Its competitive pricing, coupled with Maruti’s strong after-sales network, makes it an appealing option for those looking for a compact SUV for city driving and occasional highway runs.
In the rapidly growing and highly competitive subcompact SUV market in India, the Fronx carves out its space with ease, offering something for everyone—from the budget-conscious buyer to someone looking for a bit more performance and style.