Suzuki Fronx Explained

Suzuki Fronx should not be confused with Suzuki Fronte.

Suzuki Fronx
Manufacturer:Suzuki
Production:2023–present
Assembly:India: Ahmedabad (Suzuki Motor Gujarat)
Designer:Masahiro Kato, Vidyasagar Gupta, Abhishek Bhasker and Mohammad Arif[1]
Class:Subcompact crossover SUV (B)
Body Style:5-door SUV
Platform:HEARTECT B platform
Drivetrain:Mild hybrid (1.0 L turbo & K15C 1.5 L)

The is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment)[2] produced by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki through its Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki since 2023. It is based on the Baleno hatchback, and positioned below the Brezza.[3] [4]

Overview

Presented in January 2023 at the Auto Expo in India, the Fronx for the Indian market is exclusively available at the Nexa dealership chain reserved for high-end Maruti Suzuki models. It is Suzuki's second model in the sub-4 metre SUV segment in India after the Brezza, and occupies the lower bracket of India's sub-4 metre tax structure due to its smaller engine.[5]

According to a development manager of the Fronx, the vehicle was conceived from the idea to create an SUV that is widely accepted by the market while using existing resources, which is the Baleno platform. The development process included ideas such as making the tailgate more upright to emphasize the interior space, but the company chose to embrace a coupe-style rear with a tilted tailgate.[6]

Compared to the Baleno, the bonnet has been heightened, the body panels reshaped, and the rear pillars are tilted forward. It has a 308-litre boot, 10 litres smaller than the Baleno due to a slightly raised loading floor.[7] The ground clearance is also raised by to, a result of a modified suspension and larger 195/60 R16 tyres. Maruti Suzuki claims it had spent 9 billion rupees in the development of the Fronx.[8]

The Fronx has been exported from India since July 2023. Planned export markets include the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, Australia and Japan. For export markets, the 1.5-litre K15C four-cylinder engine with the Smart Hybrid system is available.[9]

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor/Starlet Cross

A rebadged Fronx called the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor was unveiled in India on 3 April 2024. It receives a different grille design similar to the facelifted Toyota Rumion with different headlights and taillights. In India, it is offered in E, S, S+, G and V.[10] The latter three are powered by the 1.2-litre petrol engine, while the G and V use the 1.0-litre petrol engine and the E grade uses both petrol and CNG engine.[11]

Markets

India

In the Indian market, the Fronx is offered in five variants: Sigma, Delta, Delta+, Zeta and Alpha. The latter three are powered by the 1.0-litre turbocharged mild hybrid petrol engine, while Sigma, Delta, and Delta+ uses the 1.2-litre petrol engine.[12]

GCC

The Fronx was unveiled in the GCC markets on 16 July 2023. It is powered by the 1.5-litre K15C mild hybrid petrol engine and it is offered in GL and GLX grade levels.

South Africa

The Fronx was launched in South Africa on 15 August 2023, with two trim levels: GL and GLX; it is powered by the 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine paired to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.[13]

Japan

The Japanese market Fronx was introduced in July 2024. Imported from India, the model comes with several changes and additions compared to the Indian model such as an advanced driver-assistance system, electronic parking brake, four-wheel drive option, and interior colour scheme alterations. It is powered by the 1.5-litre K15C mild hybrid petrol engine.[14]

Powertrain

The Fronx is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder K10C Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine rated at, with a 48V mild hybrid system. This engine option is available with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed Aisin torque converter automatic transmission. Another engine option is the less expensive 1.2-litre K12N Dualjet petrol engine rated at, mated to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual gearbox.

TypeEngine code[15] DisplacementPowerTorqueElectric motorBatteryTransmissionLayoutCalendar years
PetrolK12N Dualjet11971NaN1 I4660NaN0 @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,400 rpm--FWD2023–present
Petrol/CNGK12N Dualjet[16] 11971NaN1 I4Petrol: 660NaN0 @ 6,000 rpm----CNG: 570NaN0 @ 6,000 rpmPetrol:  @ 4,400 rpm----CNG:  @ 4,300 rpm--5-speed manualFWD2023–present (India only)
Petrol
mild hybrid
K10C Boosterjet9981NaN1 turbocharged I373.60NaN0 @ 5,500 rpm @ 2,000–4,500 rpmISGLithium-ionFWD2023–present
PetrolK15B[17] 14621NaN1 I4770NaN0 @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,400 rpm--FWD2023–present (except India)
Petrol
mild hybrid
K15C14621NaN1 I4760NaN0 @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,400 rpmISGLithium-ionFWD2023–present (except India)
AWD2024–present (Japan)

Sales

!Year!India!Mexico[18]
202394,393[19] 384

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: JP, 1746335, S . 2023-09-05 . www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp.
  2. Web site: Leggett . David . 2023-07-13 . Maruti Suzuki starts export of Fronx . 2023-07-20 . Just Auto . en-US.
  3. Web site: Chakravarty . Shubhodeep . 2023-01-12 . Maruti Fronx compact SUV, based on Baleno, showcased at Auto Expo 2023 . 2023-01-12 . HT Auto . en.
  4. Web site: Auto Expo 2023: Maruti Baleno SUV Unveiled As The Fronx CarDekho.com . 2023-01-12 . CarDekho . en.
  5. Web site: 2023-01-12 . Auto Expo 2023: Maruti Suzuki Fronx revealed, bookings open . 2023-01-12 . Autocar India.
  6. Web site: 2024-07-25 . 【スズキ フロンクス】デザインの肝は「市場での存在感」、スズキの小型車を変える内外装とは . [Suzuki Fronx] The key to design is "market presence" - what are the interior and exterior changes that will transform Suzuki's compact cars? . 2024-07-26 . レスポンス(Response.jp) . ja.
  7. Web site: 2023-04-10 . Maruti Suzuki Fronx test drive review . 2023-06-24 . www.thehindubusinessline.com . en.
  8. Web site: Get behind the wheel of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx . 2023-06-24 . Autocar Professional . en.
  9. All-New Jimny 5-Door and All-New SUV Fronx Unveiled in India. 12 January 2023. Suzuki.
  10. Web site: All New Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor Launched In India, Starting At Rs. 7.74 Lakhs . Motorlane. April 3, 2024.
  11. News: Bureau . The Hindu . 2024-04-03 . Toyota unveils Urban Cruiser Taisor at prices starting ₹7.73 lakh . 2024-04-04 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  12. News: 2023-01-19 . Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Variant-wise features explained . The Times of India . 2023-06-24 . 0971-8257.
  13. News: Du Toit . Albert . 2023-08-15 . New Suzuki Fronx launched in South Africa – Pricing and features . TopAuto.
  14. Web site: 株式会社インプレス . 2024-07-25 . スズキの新型「フロンクス」プロトタイプに最速試乗! クーペスタイルのコンパクトSUVの走りをクローズドコースで味わう . 2024-07-26 . Car Watch . ja.
  15. Web site: Maruti Suzuki FRONX Specifications & Dimensions . 2023-06-26 . NexaExperience . en.
  16. Web site: Fronx Brochure . 2023-07-20 . Nexa Experience.
  17. Web site: Maruti Suzuki Fronx gets a 1.5L Petrol engine in South Africa Team-BHP . 2024-07-15 . Team-BHP.com . en.
  18. Web site: Venta al público y producción de vehículos ligeros por marca, modelo, segmento y país origen. Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática (INEGI). es-MX.
  19. Web site: Best Selling Cars List of 2023!. 22 January 2024. Autopunditz.