Suzuki’s popular compact crossover joins the CAR long-term fleet for a six-month stint, and has already made a solid impression with its first caretaker; Charlen Raymond. 
Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.
Time spent: One of six months
Distance covered: 1 206 km
Average fuel consumption: 6.5 L/100 km
We like: Attractive design; easy-to-use infotainment system
We don’t like: Lack of fifth gear impacts cruising comfort and fuel economy
It was a straight swap: the keys of the practical and value-packed Suzuki XL6 for its compact crossover sibling: the Fronx. Needless to say, in light of the solid account the lifestyle-oriented MPV gave of itself over the last six months, the Fronx has a tough act to follow. And having covered more than 1 000 km in its opening month of its tenure, the experience has been pleasant.
Related: Ford Mustang Dark Horse in SA: 2024 Allocation Already Spoken For
The 77 kW/138 N.m K15B engine has performed admirably, and the 4-speed automatic transmission is a real peach; especially in traffic, where its quick responses and smooth shift action make light work of round-town darting. However, a fifth gear would have made a world’s difference on the open road, where higher speeds often see the engine working in the upper reaches of the rev range. More importantly, it would go some way to improving fuel economy.
Suzuki claims 5.7 L/100 km for this particular model, but after 1 000 km of driving our average figure has settled – for the time being – on 6.5 L/100 km. We are not too concerned about it, because the engine is still new and must be driven in. However, this figure was achieved by driving with a very light foot and without hauling cargo. In other words, it’s unlikely we’re going to match the car’s theoretical driving range of 649 km on a full 37-litre tank of fuel, but we’ll see that as a challenge accepted.
Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI?
Suzuki has often made a point of incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into most of its vehicles, with connectivity to its infotainment systems being pleasingly straightforward. The unit in the Fronx is no exception, with its tile-based interface and ability to toggle through various media sources via the ‘Mode’ button on the steering wheel making it a cinch to navigate. While the head-up display atop the dashboard is a handy feature that helps the driver focus their attention on the road , its pop-up plastic panel isn’t the most elegant execution. The displays in the information cluster are clear and easy enough to read, though, and all the information is available at the press of a button.
However, while the Fronx’s cabin has largely impressed with its logical layout, decent proportions and solid build, the interior plastics have become a point of discussion among some team members.
Some of us (and I’m referring to myself here) are unlucky enough to suffer from sinus issues, and the Fronx’s interior plastics give off a strong odour that’s been compounding said malady. Thankfully, the odour has already subsided somewhat, and will continue to do so in the coming months.
Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine.
