Launched in April 2023, the Maruti Fronx has taken the Indian car market by storm. This subcompact SUV, with its stylish design, feature-packed cabin, and fuel-efficient engines, has carved a niche for itself in a fiercely competitive segment. Let’s delve deeper and explore what makes the Fronx tick.
Striking Design Language:
The Fronx sheds the traditional Maruti Suzuki boxy design for a bolder, sportier stance. Its coupe-inspired silhouette, with a sloping roofline and pronounced curves, sets it apart from other Maruti offerings. The front grille with chrome accents, sleek LED headlights, and muscular wheel arches exude a dynamic presence. The dual-tone color options further enhance its visual appeal, catering to younger, trend-conscious buyers.
Powertrain Choices:
The Fronx offers a variety of engine options to cater to different needs and budgets. The base variant comes with a 1.2-liter K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT petrol engine producing 89bhp and 113Nm of torque. This engine is known for its fuel efficiency, delivering a claimed mileage of 20.01 kmpl.
For those seeking more power, there’s the 1.0-liter Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine churning out 99bhp and 147Nm of torque. This engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offers peppy performance and a claimed mileage of 22.89 kmpl. Additionally, a CNG variant powered by the 1.2-liter engine offers exceptional fuel economy, reaching a claimed 28.51 km/kg.
Feature-Rich Cabin:
The Fronx’s interior boasts a modern and comfortable layout. The cabin features a black and beige theme with chrome accents, creating a premium feel. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, takes center stage. Other features include automatic climate control, a smart key with push-button start, a multi-information display, and cruise control, providing a convenient and connected driving experience.
Safety First:
While the Fronx hasn’t been officially crash-tested, it comes equipped with safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors in the base variant. Higher trims offer additional features like side airbags, hill hold assist, and ESP, prioritizing passenger safety.
Space and Storage:
The Fronx offers ample space for five occupants, with comfortable headroom and legroom even for taller passengers. The boot space, at 308 liters, is decent for its segment and can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. While not class-leading, it’s sufficient for daily errands and weekend getaways.
Competitive Pricing:
Maruti Suzuki is known for its value-for-money offerings, and the Fronx is no exception. Its starting price of ₹7.51 lakh makes it an attractive option in the subcompact SUV segment, especially considering its features and performance. Higher variants, equipped with the turbocharged engine and additional features, reach up to ₹13.04 lakh, still positioning it competitively against rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon.
The Verdict:
The Maruti Fronx is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a stylish, feature-packed, and fuel-efficient SUV at an attractive price point. Its bold design, multiple engine options, and comfortable cabin cater to a wide range of preferences. While it lacks a powerful diesel engine option and hasn’t received any official safety ratings yet, its overall package makes it a strong contender in the Indian subcompact SUV segment.
With its unique blend of style, practicality, and affordability, the Maruti Fronx is poised to be a frontrunner in the fast-growing Indian SUV market. Whether it emerges as the undisputed champion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it has stirred the competition and given potential buyers a compelling new option to consider.
