Maruti Suzuki Fronx Review: 'Damdaar' Baleno? Should You Buy It? All Questions Answered

Maruti Fronx Review: Maruti Suzuki wants to achieve a 25% market share in the SUV segment and aims to do so with the help of products like Jimny and Fronx. We saw the products during Auto Expo 2023 and now it was time to drive the Fronx. Some more wait for Jimny though.

In this story, we try and answer some of the major questions that have been around since the car first broke cover earlier this year. For friends who want to take a look at the car, you can head to the Times Drive YouTube channel where we have uploaded the first drive report of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

No, it isn’t. Though it appeals as a similar car as the silhouette is a reflection of the Baleno's, the overall persona is different, with a distinct-looking face and tail design. The NEXWave grille, bold chrome strips and lighting elements make it look more like the Grand Vitara. The chrome strip could have been sleeker but the crystal block LED DRLs and the connected rear combination light setup make it look cool. Coming back to the persona bit, the car still looks like a bulked-up hatchback. It gets 20 mm extra ground clearance, 50 mm extra height and 16-inch wheels.

While Maruti has tried best to differentiate it in terms of the exteriors, on the inside, the cabin has isn't a major far cry from the Baleno. The steering design, controls, heads-up display (HUD), 9-inch infotainment screen with a very functional display, wireless charging and wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto were seen in the latest Fronx.

Is it sportier than the Baleno?

Yes, it is. It is not a revolutionary product but will definitely satisfy Indian customers with the kind of expectations we have for any compact SUV. At least the turbo variant, which we drove. If we don't get into the usual off-roading-rear or four-wheel drive arguments, the Fronx looks a bit bolder, gets extra ground clearance and has a decent suspension. Just to drive the point home, Maruti Suzuki also arranged a session with a gymkhana track and a bit of off-roading. The Fronx felt pretty comfortable and composed on those tracks including loose gravel, logs and broken roads. The suspension is on the comfort side yet it did okay on the rough patches created for the experience.

In a nutshell, you will not take this car for off-roading or the weekend challenges with your buddies but it can do rest of your commuting to long distance duties well, even if it includes some nasty detours.

Is Boosterjet the next best thing for Maruti Suzuki?

Maybe not. Don’t get me wrong. The return of Boosterjet is definitely important and vital for Maruti Suzuki looking at the changing mood of Indian customers. The new Fronx benefits with that extra punch, which excites you once you cross the initial turbo lag zone. So, if you want to experience this car in its true colours, bumper-to-bumper traffic is not the best of zone, go beyond 2000 RPM and you can feel the thrust. I hope Maruti introduces this engine in more cars. However, loyal Maruti customers looking at fuel efficiency won’t be happy with the real-life figures. Now, this needs a bit of context. The unit we got was showing a figure of around 7 kmpl before we started driving. After our drive, this figure did go into double digits but nothing close to the claim. Having said that, this was part of a fleet which was also doing off-road experience so we should wait for a detailed on-road review. We will wait for a longer on-road experience and check the manufacturer’s claim properly.

This 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet engine produces around 98 bhp and comes with a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. The claimed fuel efficiency for the manual version is 21.5 kmpl and 20.01 kmpl for the AT version. Let's wait for that story.

What about the space, features and safety in the Fronx?

Fronx is a spacious car, especially when we see some of the other cars in the compact SUV segment. Fronx’s second row has more than adequate knee and legroom, adequate shoulder room and thigh support. What you would miss, if you are a tall passenger, is a bit of extra headroom.

The features list includes most of the highlights we had seen in the new Baleno. A 9-inch HD Smart Play Pro+ infotainment system (top end) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, cruise control, idle start stop button, and heads-up display. A cooling vent for the wireless charger and a better 360-view camera is something I would suggest Maruti to work upon. Then you have the Suzuki Connect system as well with 40+ intelligent features, with Smartphone App, Smart Watch and Alexa connectivity.

Fronx’s safety features list includes 6 airbags (driver, co-driver, side & curtain), seat belt reminder for rear seats too, ESP with Hill-Hold Assist & rollover mitigation, ABS with EBD & brake assist (BA), ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Fronx is an easy going fun package overall. The handling, steering behaviour and suspension setup make this a smooth and easy to drive car. The car could take bad roads and bumps easily, without the suspension bottoming out. It is not the sportiest on the corners but holds its ground, giving confidence and maintaining calm in the cabin. The ride quality makes it a good urban car. Steering, braking and engine grunt wise not the most engaging or superlative performance but this will not disappoint you for sure. The turbo lag, however, is something you would notice initially but doesn’t seem to be a deal breaker.

Should you buy the Fronx?

You can. The prices are not out yet, but if the price difference between the Baleno and Fronx is reasonable you should rather go for Fronx. The space, features, ride quality and the drive makes it a practical versatile product. Boosterjet version could be more frugal but for other customers 1.2 L avatar is also an option.

Engine Type: 1.0L Turbo-Petrol Boosterjet

Power: 73.6 kW at 5,500rpm / 100.06 PS at5500rpm

Torque: 147.6Nm at 2,000-4500

Transmission: 5MT/ 6AT

Mileage: MT - 21.5 kmpl/AT - 20.01 kmpl

Engine Type: 1.2L Dual Jet, Dual VVT (Naturally Aspirated)

Power: 66 kW at 6,000rpm / 89.73 PS at 6,000rpm

Torque: 113Nm at 4,400

Transmission: 5MT/ 5AMT

Mileage: MT - 21.79 kmpl/AMT - 22.89 kmpl

Dimensions:

Length: 3,995 mm

Width: 1,765 mm

Height (unladen): 1,550 mm

Wheelbase: 2,520 mm

Ground Clearance: 190 mm

Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 litre

Boot Space: 308 litre

Seating Capacity: 5

Minimum Turning Radius: 4.9 m