Maruti Suzuki Launches Fronx : Is It the Best Affordable Car on the Market?

Maruti Suzuki, one of India's leading car manufacturers, has added a new car to its lineup - the Fronx. The car is a coupe crossover that is based on the popular Baleno hatchback. It was first showcased at the Auto Expo in January and the company has now launched it in the market. 

The Fronx is available in five trims - Sigma, Delta, Delta+, Zeta, and Alpha - with the top-end Alpha trim being the most expensive at Rs 13.14 lakh. The company has already started taking bookings for the Fronx for a token amount of Rs 11,000.

While the Fronx is based on the Baleno, it is significantly more expensive, Maruti Fronx launched at the starting price of Rs 7.47 lakh - which is Rs 86,000 more than the Baleno. However, it is important to note that the Fronx Alpha trim comes with a turbo-petrol engine, which is not available in any other Maruti Suzuki car currently on sale. 

Maruti Suzuki Fronx  Variants and Colours

Maruti Suzuki's latest offering, the Fronx, is available in five trims - Sigma, Delta, Delta+, Zeta, and Alpha, each offering distinct features and equipment levels. 

Buyers can choose from seven colours, including Arctic White, Earthen Brown, Opulent Red, Splendid Silver, Bluish Black, Celestial Blue, and Grandeur Grey. Additionally, dual-tone options are available in three colours - Earthen Brown, Opulent Red, and Splendid Silver.

Maruti Fronx Engine and Performance

The Fronx comes with two engine options, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine and the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The Boosterjet engine is a return from the discontinued Baleno RS and produces an impressive 100hp and 147Nm of torque. The engine is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. 

The Fronx is the only Maruti Suzuki currently on sale that offers a turbo-petrol engine option. The 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 90hp and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Exterior design and dimensions

Maruti Suzuki's new Fronx crossover coupe is a stylish offering that is sure to turn heads on the road. The car is loaded with features that are sure to impress car enthusiasts. 

Additionally, there are dual-tone options available in Earthen Brown, Opulent Red, and Splendid Silver colours.

The Fronx boasts an upright nose and split headlamp that is similar to Maruti Suzuki's flagship Grand Vitara SUV. The front and rear bumpers of the car have been made chunkier and come with faux skid plates and chrome detailing. 

The 17-inch multi-spoke alloys are unique to the Fronx and are not shared with any other Maruti model. The rising waistline and sloping roofline are design elements borrowed from the Baleno hatchback. The Fronx is 3,995mm long, 1,550mm high and 1,765mm wide – similar to the Baleno.

Under the hood, the Fronx comes equipped with two engine options. The 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine, which was first introduced in the Baleno RS in 2017, makes a comeback with the Fronx. The engine puts out 100hp and 147Nm of torque and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. 

This makes the Fronx the only Maruti Suzuki currently on sale with a turbo-petrol engine option. The other engine option is the 90hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that is found in several other Maruti cars. This engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx interior design and equipment

The interior of the Fronx, Maruti Suzuki's Baleno-based coupe crossover, is largely reminiscent of the Baleno hatchback, with the most striking feature being the large 9-inch touchscreen display. 

However, the cabin of the Fronx boasts a different colour scheme and textures as compared to the hatchback. The Baleno comes with blue and black upholstery, while the Fronx gets black and brown, and the dashboard features multiple layers. Maruti has retained physical controls for the HVAC system, which makes it easier to operate while driving.

The top-spec Alpha variant of the Fronx comes equipped with several features that enhance the driving experience, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging, heads-up display, 360-degree camera, connected car technology, and six airbags. 

The heads-up display shows critical information, such as vehicle speed and navigation directions, in the driver's line of sight, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road. The 360-degree camera provides a bird's eye view of the car, making parking in tight spaces a breeze.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx competition check

In the highly competitive compact SUV segment, the Fronx faces some stiff competition from popular models like the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Kia Sonet and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

These models have established themselves as strong contenders in the segment, offering features and capabilities that appeal to a wide range of buyers. 

However, with its unique design, powerful engine options, and impressive features, the Fronx is well-poised to take on the competition and carve out a niche for itself in this crowded market.