While the Suzuki Jimny in 5-door guise took the 2023 Auto Expo by storm, the Japanese automaker also introduced a new SUV that was overshadowed by the popular off-roader. This is the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Crossover and it features a Suzuki Baleno silhouette with a styling stance of the Grand Vatara SUV, here’s what we know about the newcomer so far.
The new crossover SUV slots above the hatchback Baleno, and compact SUV Brezza but below the top-of-the-line sub-compact SUV Grand Vitara in the Maruti Suzuki portfolio. The company has not yet disclosed how much the new vehicle will cost but we do know the Suzuki Fronx will be offered in two engine options. There is a 1,2-litre engine that produces 66 kW of power and 113 N.m of torque, this is the same engine the Suzuki Baleno uses. The second engine option is a 1,0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged mill, producing 74 kW and 148 N.m of torque. The Fronx will be mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Suzuki has not confirmed the South African powertrain options as of yet, but we are crossing our fingers and hoping for the smaller displacement turbocharged unit to make its debut locally. The Fronx shares the same platform as the Swift and the Baleno and according to Suzuki, it will impress its owners with its performance and road behaviour. The new crossover SUV will be available in five distinct configurations namely the Sigma, Delta, Delta+, Zeta, and Alpha.
Bearing a striking design, Suzuki has done a stellar job at styling the high-riding model to ensure it embodies its own personality, despite being significantly based on the Baleno. This is all courtesy of a sloping roofline, 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a large grille with framed LED headlights, LED light bar taillights, and black wheel arches that all give it an elegant but distinct look. Stepping inside, you will find more similarities to the Suzuki Baleno, there are gloss metal highlights, a red or black theme option and a 9-inch high-definition touch screen that Suzuki says offers 40 connected vehicle functions. A 360-degree camera, heads-up display, wireless phone charger and an Arkamys sound system.
As the demand for crossover vehicles continues to rise in South Africa, we’re excited to see how well this new addition to the Suzuki family will do in our markets.
