Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Well, the compact SUV space in the Indian market has witnessed a lot of buzz of lately and Maruti Suzuki has made the most of it by introducing the Maruti Fronx.
A whole new experience of driving dynamics, hugging agility of a hatch the strong stance of an sexy SUV all put together in one – the trusted Baleno platform, when combined with SUV looks, makes Fronx a Segment of One.
It’s a jack-of-all-trades (patrol capability, rideability, a posh interior, good fuel economy) targeted at a broad audience of city-dwellers, mini-familial types and others looking for style, space and fuel economy without emptying the cash-stuffed mattress.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is in the news, let us find out why and if it is worth the hype.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Bold Design with SUV Cues
Instead, the Maruti Fronx gets a high-riding, chunky stance, which gives it a striking visual identity in contrast to the Baleno is shares its underpinnings with. Up front, the bold grille is borrowed from the Grand Vitara along with relatively big L-shaped DRLs and a robust bumper.
Skid plates, the raised hood and body cladding provide a tough-guy appearance, the 16-inch alloy wheels and sloped roofline indie a little sporty style.
At the rear, the tail-lamps are LED connected and the sculpted tailgate makes it look quite premium.
In short, the Fronx makes the mix of SUV attitude and hatchback proportions work, and is perfect for city dwellers who want both performance and style.
Interior Layout and Space
On the inside, the Fronx borrows quite a bit of the Baleno’s cabin layout, but the dual tone interior, the chrome highlights, and the overall improved textures make it feel more upmarket.
From the 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen and flat-bottom steering to the floating infotainment system, it exudes a modern, youthful vibe.
For space, the Fronx provides enough head and legroom, while it is good for rear passengers too. The structure and the stitching on the seats are a stylish touch, while in the back there’s enough width for three to sit abreast and a 308-litre boot is more than good enough for carrying weekend bags or the weekly shop. Moreover, practicality is a strong trait of the Fronx.
Powertrains And Performance
The Fronx is available with two petrol engine options: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0-litre turbocharged Boosterjet engine. The former makes 89 hp and 113 Nm and can be had with a 5-speed manual or AMT.
The Boosterjet develops a healthy 100 hp and 147.6 Nm with an option of a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
If you like to drive, the turbo-petrol throws spice into the mix with fast getaways and happy overtaking. The other 1.2-litre engine is a calm and efficient fit for city duties.
Ride Quality and Handling
Couple its perfectly-judged suspension with a bit of lift (up to 190 mm of ground clearance) and the Fronx is as handy on bad roads as it gets. And it smooths out potholes and undulations without the cabin experiencing unduly turbulence.
The thin rim of the steering wheel makes it particularly easy to maneuver in traffic, and the tall SUV has a tight turning radius around town.
It’s not designed for hard-core off-roading, but the Fronx feels solid at highway speeds and stable during rapid lane changes, making a well-rounded errand tool.
Features and Safety
On the feature front, the Fronx is pretty well-stacked, especially on higher trims. Highlights include:
360-degree camera
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay Both features are wireless.
Cruise control
Heads-up display
Automatic climate control
Keyless entry with push-button start
On safety front, you get 6 airbags in higher trims, ESP, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts.
It’s built on Suzuki’s Heartect platform that’s gained strengthening with every successive model.
Pros:
Attractive design is influenced by SUVs
Wide range of engines, from a turbo petrol
Rich with features in higher trims
Lots of fun to ride and small enough to make it good for city nipping
Maruti’s vast service network and resale value
Solid fuel economy on both engines
Cons:
Rear headrests don’t adjust
No diesel engine option
More expensive than rivals in top-spec Turbo form
Unas sociated competitors offer optional sunroof and ventilated seats
The Heartect platform is still to get tested on the NCAP hashmarks
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a smartly created product that scratches the sweet spot between hatchback and compact SUV. it’s a feature-packed, fuel-efficient and offers peace of mind of Maruti’s after-sales service.
Whether you are a first time buyer or a previous small car owner looking to upgrade, Fronx is a refreshingly practical alternative that’s easy to live with and fun to drive.