We Drive The Fronx And Can See Why It Is A Favourite Among Compact SUV Buyers

If there is one compact SUV that is a rage among new car buyers, it is the Baleno-based Fronx. This car has simply taken over the buyers mind simply because of its looks. But just how good is it in terms of other things like interiors, driving and features? Read on to find out.

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The Fronx is a genuinely good looking car. Seen from the front end, you get a flat bonnet, which gives it the essential SUV stance. A thin LED strip looks sharp as do the projector headlamps, which Maruti Suzuki designers call NexTre design. From a distance, this car looks like a miniature version of the Grand Vitara SUV. That’s not a bad thing at all. The side profile, with its squared out wheel arches and the sloping roof at the back, gives it plenty of personality too. The rear end with its brilliant connected beam of lights looks stellar and is easily the best angle on this car. The Front still manages to turn heads, despite being over a year old in the Indian car market. The designers have done a great job and you just can’t tell this car is based on the Baleno.

The interiors are similar to the Baleno and it seems that the design team either ran out of budget or will to redesign them like the stellar exterior. You get the same design theme and similar levels of plastic quality like you do on the Baleno. The only difference is that you get a deep burgundy colour for some parts of the seat fabric and upholstery. The rest is the same as the Baleno. The seats are very good in terms of comfort and the equipment list is good too. However, the 1.2 L engine does not get a rear wash/wipe even on the top model and a sunroof is missing on all versions. Base models do come with automatic climate control, all four power windows among other things.

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Rear seat occupants can enjoy a flat floor at the back and this car can easily accommodate three abreast. One glaring irritant though is the fact that Maruti Suzuki has not put load sensitive alarm for the seat belt warning. Instead you get a constant beeping noise for two minutes, even if no passenger is sitting in the back. It is a very big irritant and should be fixed on what is a premium car.

Boot space is very generous at 308 litres. This is sufficient to gobble up a weekend getaway luggage. However, the tall loading lip means you have to put extra stress on your back to load and unload stuff.

Maruti is offering the car with two engine options. A 1.2 L K-series petrol with 88 bhp and a 1.0 L turbo with 100 bhp.

The 1.2 engine gets a five speed manual and a five speed AMT-automatic gearbox, while the 1.0 turbo gets a five speed manual and six speed torque convertor automatic. In this review we will focus on the turbo engine.

The 1.0 L three cylinder unit does a very good job of keeping noise and vibrations under control. It does not feel like a three cylinder motor. The engine is very good in terms of power delivery as well. Just a small tap on the accelerator pedal and the Front lurches forward. The automatic unit is also very good and both upshifts and downshifts are very good indeed. You also get paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for added control and using them also feels good. When shifting manually, the changes are quick and efficient. The engine is a rev happy unit and even when it comes close to the redline of 6000 rpm, it remains vibrations free. It is that good.

The claimed fuel economy figures of 20.01 kmpl are easily achievable. We managed over 15 kmpl during our time with the car. If you are a thrill seeker then the turbo version is ideal for you.

The stiffened up suspension of the car immediately makes its presence felt on the Fronx. The Fronx handles with good poise and the steering offers very good feedback. Push it into corners and body roll is well contained. High speed stability is good too and you can drive this car with great confidence on the highway as speeds increase even up to 100 kmph.

The downside of the stiff set up though is the fact that at slower city speeds some of the bumps and potholes can filter into the cabin. Less than smooth surfaces can also be felt inside. Though the ride is never uncomfortable, you can feel that the car is running on less than smooth surfaces.

Pricing for the Front starts from Rs 7.51 lakh and goes to Rs 13.04 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom). This means that you can choose the Fronx instead of that regular hatchback or a compact SUV. The Fronx offers good space, nice ride, plenty of features and stellar looks. All in all, a worthy buy.