Maruti Suzuki launched the Fronx in India on April 24, positioning it as a crossover version of the Baleno. The primary objective behind this introduction is to cater to crossover enthusiasts and those seeking turbocharged performance. Now, let’s assess how well Fronx competes against its rivals. We recently test-drove the crossover and have some insights to share about our short driving experience with the car.
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Maruti Fronx Exterior
The Fronx is a captivating crossover with a terrific design language. Any younger person who demands a crossover with good looks will surely love this model. It’s based on the Baleno but still has another level of design like its elder siblings. The front gives a reminder of the Grand Vitara due to the looks of the car. This is something one will get to notice from the front design of the car. Just ignore the mundane designs by some manufacturers as the Fronx will never fail to grab the eyeballs with its stellar looks. It’s just better than some rivals in terms of the design language.
We were highly impressed by the stunning looks of the crossover, particularly the side profile of the car. One of the notable features that immediately caught our attention were the diamond-cut alloy wheels, which have a stellar design. Despite being a jacked-up Baleno, the way the Fronx looks is what truly attracts us towards the car.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has achieved tremendous sales figures, prompting the launch of a junior version. Those who see the rear of the car will find it highly relatable to the Grand Vitara. In the segment, we would prefer this crossover over the Venue any day. However, if you are a fan of the Venue’s looks, there is nothing wrong with that—it’s a matter of personal preference. Our opinion regarding the looks of the Fronx compared to the Venue is subjective.
Interior of the Fronx
Differentiating the interior of the Fronx from the Baleno can be challenging, as both cars share similar interior designs. However, one noticeable difference is the dual colour combination of brown and black, setting it apart from Baleno’s interior. Maruti Suzuki equips the Fronx with a 9-inch touchscreen featuring the Arkamys system. During our UI test, we found the graphics to be sharp and the response to be smooth. Music enthusiasts will appreciate the sound quality of the Arkamys sound system. However, it’s important to note that while the system offers clarity, it may not satisfy those seeking deep bass.
The Fronx provides exceptional comfort for individuals with an average height of 5.8 inches, offering ample legroom and headroom in the rear. The car is equipped with a powerful air conditioning system and rear AC vents, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers even during hot summer months. Additional features such as Connected tech, wireless charging, heads-up display, and 360-degree view enhance convenience and add to the overall appeal of the car.
Performance of the Maruti Fronx
Those who want to upgrade from the 1.2-litre petrol engine will love the Fronx in terms of performance. The same engine was also available in the Baleno RS but without a mid-hybrid system. It is a smooth engine but some noise kicks in after revving it at higher speeds. This engine feels refined at lower speeds but does feel noisier at the higher RPMs. We drove the Boosterjet engine with the Automatic transmission and the Torque converter is a smooth gearbox. Those who want a reliable gearbox will love this torque converter gearbox. There are no jerks from this gearbox on the Boosterjet engine which deserves applause from our side. One thing that we will share honestly is the low-end performance that’s not as great as the Sonet or the Venue. On the higher end, Fronx does have some grunt but we appreciate Koreans for low-end performance.
We appreciate the Boosterjet for its adequate performance even if it’s not as powerful as some of the rivals. Those who need fuel efficiency now have mild-hybrid technology so definitely, this will be better than the older Boosterjet engine in saving up fuel. Our advice to you would be to Test Drive yourself to understand if the Fronx is suitable for your driving style.
Ride and Handling of the Fronx
The ride quality of the Fronx is exceptional, providing a smoother experience compared to the Sonet. Don’t just take our word for it, test drive it yourself and you’ll agree with our assessment. Numerous journalists have complained about Fronx for its lighter steering wheel but improved feel and feedback compared to competitors like the Venue and the Sonet says otherwise. We particularly appreciate the superior handling of the Fronx, which enhances the connection between the driver and the steering wheel.
Maruti Fronx Safety
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Global NCAP has not crash-tested the Fronx but we can expect better performance from the car in safety. It does get some safety features like 6-airbags and an Anti-lock braking system on the higher variants. Those who want a car with decent safety can surely get the Fronx.
