Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Zabardast Crossover Under 15 Lakh
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has taken the Indian automotive market by storm since its launch in April 2023. This stylish crossover SUV combines the practicality of a hatchback with the rugged appeal of an SUV, offering a unique proposition in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Fronx stand out and why it’s become such a popular choice among Indian car buyers.
Exterior Design and Styling
The Fronx boasts a striking design that turns heads on the road. Its bold front grille with chrome accents and sleek LED projector headlamps give it a premium look. The coupe-like roofline adds a sporty touch, while the muscular wheel arches housing stylish alloy wheels enhance its SUV-like stance.
Some key exterior highlights include:
- LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs
- 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
- Floating roof design with dual-tone color options
- Rear LED taillamps connected by a chrome strip
- 210mm ground clearance
The Fronx’s dimensions strike a perfect balance between compact city-friendly size and spacious interiors. At 3995mm long, 1765mm wide, and 1550mm tall, it fits comfortably in the sub-4 meter category while offering ample interior space.
Interior Comfort and Features
Step inside the Fronx, and you’ll be greeted by a modern, well-appointed cabin. The dashboard features a layered design with premium materials that give it an upmarket feel. The highlight is the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers crisp graphics and smooth operation.
Some notable interior features include:
- 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heads-up display
- 360-degree camera
- Wireless phone charger
- Automatic climate control
- Flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls
- Cruise control
The Fronx offers comfortable seating for five adults, with well-cushioned seats providing good support. The 308-liter boot space is adequate for weekend getaways or grocery runs, and the 60:40 split rear seats add flexibility for carrying larger items.
Engine Options and Performance
Maruti Suzuki offers two petrol engine options for the Fronx, catering to different driving preferences:
1. 1.2-liter K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine:
- Power output: 89 bhp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT
- Fuel efficiency: 21.79 kmpl (MT) / 22.89 kmpl (AMT)
2. 1.0-liter BoosterJet Turbo engine:
- Power output: 99 bhp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 147.6 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Fuel efficiency: 21.5 kmpl (MT) / 20.01 kmpl (AT)
Both engines offer a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The naturally aspirated 1.2-liter engine is perfect for city driving, while the turbocharged 1.0-liter unit provides a more spirited driving experience, especially on highways.
Ride and Handling
The Fronx offers a comfortable ride quality that soaks up most road imperfections with ease. The suspension is tuned to provide a good balance between comfort and handling. The 210mm ground clearance allows you to tackle rough roads and speed breakers without worry.
The steering is light at low speeds, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic. It weighs up nicely at higher speeds, providing good stability on highways. While it may not be the most engaging handler in its segment, the Fronx offers a predictable and safe driving experience that will appeal to most buyers.
Safety Features
Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Fronx with a comprehensive safety package. Key safety features include:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold Assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- 360-degree camera
- Tire pressure monitoring system
While the Fronx hasn’t been crash-tested yet, its platform sibling, the Baleno, has received a 3-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests.
Variants and Pricing
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is available in five variants: Sigma, Delta, Delta+, Zeta, and Alpha. Here’s a breakdown of key features and pricing:
| Variant | Key Features | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Sigma | Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, LED taillamps | Rs. 7.51 lakh |
| Delta | 7-inch touchscreen, automatic AC, keyless entry | Rs. 8.73 lakh |
| Delta+ | 16-inch alloy wheels, rear wiper and washer | Rs. 9.28 lakh |
| Zeta | LED headlamps, cruise control, 6 airbags | Rs. 10.55 lakh |
| Alpha | 9-inch touchscreen, HUD, 360-degree camera | Rs. 11.48 lakh |
The turbo variants are priced slightly higher, with the top-spec Alpha Turbo AT costing Rs. 13.04 lakh (ex-showroom).
Competitors
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx faces stiff competition in the compact SUV segment. Its main rivals include:
- Tata Nexon
- Hyundai Venue
- Kia Sonet
- Mahindra XUV300
- Renault Kiger
- Nissan Magnite
While each of these SUVs has its strengths, the Fronx stands out with its unique crossover design, fuel-efficient engines, and Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. What is the mileage of Maruti Suzuki Fronx?
The Fronx offers excellent fuel efficiency. The 1.2-liter engine delivers 21.79 kmpl (MT) and 22.89 kmpl (AMT), while the 1.0-liter turbo engine offers 21.5 kmpl (MT) and 20.01 kmpl (AT).
Q2. Is Maruti Fronx available in CNG?
Currently, Maruti Suzuki doesn’t offer a CNG variant of the Fronx. However, given the company’s focus on CNG vehicles, we might see a CNG option in the future.
Q3. What is the ground clearance of Maruti Fronx?
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has a ground clearance of 210mm, which is impressive for its segment and allows it to tackle rough roads with ease.
Q4. Does Fronx have a sunroof?
No, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx doesn’t offer a sunroof in any of its variants.
Q5. How is Fronx different from Baleno?
While the Fronx shares its platform with the Baleno, it has a more SUV-like design with higher ground clearance. The Fronx also offers the 1.0-liter turbo engine option, which isn’t available in the Baleno.
Wrapping Up
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx brings a fresh perspective to the compact SUV segment with its crossover design and efficient powertrains. It offers a good balance of style, features, and performance, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for a versatile urban vehicle. With Maruti’s strong brand value and extensive service network, the Fronx is poised to be a strong contender in its segment.
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