Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Maruti Fronx exterior design

The Maruti Fronx is more than just a raised Baleno – there have been serious sheet metal changes to make sure it looks more like an SUV. The high set bonnet and DRLs link it to the Grand Vitara, as does the grille and split headlamp setup. The 190mm of ground clearance and generous black cladding add to the SUV look, and the connected LED taillamps are a nice touch.

Maruti Fronx interior design

The Maruti Fronx interior is the same as the Baleno save for a new colour scheme. You still get a high-quality dashboard with soft touch materials, and a big 9.0-inch touchscreen standing tall in the centre. Space is pretty good but falls a little short of some compact SUV rivals, especially in the rear seat and when it comes to width.

Maruti Fronx features and safety

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx gets features similar to the Baleno, like a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, connected car tech, a 360-degree camera and a heads-up display. It does not, however, get ventilated front seats and a sunroof. On the safety front, it gets 2 airbags in the lower variants and 6 airbags in top variants, and has not yet been crash tested by Global NCAP.

Maruti Fronx mileage

The Maruti Fronx gets 4 powertrain options – 1.2 petrol with MT and AMT, and 1.0 Boosterjet turbo petrol with MT and AT. The mileage of the Maruti Fronx as per ARAI is 21.79kpl for the 1.2 MT, 22.89kpl for the 1.2 AMT, 21.50kpl for the 1.0 Boosterjet MT and 20.01kpl for the 1.0 Boosterjet AT.

Maruti Fronx engines, gearboxes and performance

The 1.0 Boosterjet is back and, aided by a mild hybrid system this time around, is refined and a little peppier off the line. Though with just 100hp and 148Nm, it lacks the outright punch you expect from a turbo-petrol engine. The manual is smooth though its clutch has a high bite point, but really the 6-speed torque converter auto is the one to go for. Shifts are smooth and you even get paddle shifters.

Maruti Fronx comfort and suspension

The Fronx has 20mm taller suspension than the Baleno, and as such it has been stiffened slightly to compensate. It still has a very planted feel, and though not outright uncomfortable on a bumpy road, you can feel every road imperfection. The steering has some play in it too, which stops it from being a fun handler, but all this can be forgiven for the added practicality of greater ground clearance.

Maruti Fronx price and verdict

Priced from Rs 7.47 lakh to Rs 12.98 lakh (ex showroom) the Fronx slots in neatly between the Baleno and Brezza in Maruti’s line up. That puts it up against other compact SUVs and the return of the Boosterjet engine is a welcome change. If people can take to its crossover looks, it is a well equipped, reasonable spacious and practical, and easy to drive compact crossover, which has the makings of a winner.