Maruti Suzuki India has launched the Fronx starting at INR INR 746,500, ex-showroom, India, for the 1.2L petrol engine option, while the 1.0L turbojet models start at INR 972,500.
Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The sporty compact SUV Fronx is born from the idea of addressing changing customer demands and is aimed at young trailblazers who want to stand out with their unique choices.”
With the new SUV, the company has brought back the 1.0L turbojet engine, which was found in the Baleno RS; however, this time, the engine is being locally manufactured in India.
The w 1.0L K-Series Boosterjet petrol engine featuring Progressive Smart Hybrid technology comes mated with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering-mounted paddle shifters, churning 100 PS of power and 148 Nm of torque.
C V Raman, Chief Technical Officer, Maruti Suzuki India, noted that the engine option accelerates the vehicle from 0-60 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The 1.2L K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT petrol engine offers Idle Start-Stop technology and comes mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AGS transmission and puts out 90 PS of power and 113Nm of torque.
Nexa Values
Featuring the company’s ‘Crafter Futurism’ design language, the compact SUV comes with a signature NEXTre’ crystal block DRLs and a NEXWave grille with chrome garnish at the front. The rear sports connected LED rear combination lamps, while the side profile features 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
On the inside, it gets a head-up display with turn-by-turn navigation, 360 view camera, wireless smartphone charger, 22.86cm (9”) HD smart play pro+ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and “Surround Sense” powered by “ARKAMYS” sound system.
The infotainment system features Suzuki Connect offering customers more than 40 intelligent connected car features ranging from Safety and Security, location and trips, Vehicle Information and Alerts, and other functionalities.
The Fronx can also be remotely accessed via the Suzuki Connect App on smartphones, compatible smart watches and voice connectivity through Alexa Skill. Customers can access & operate door locks, remote AC control (AT only), headlamps OFF, hazard lights, alarm, and many more features remotely via the app.
Safety Quotient
Based on the company’s HEARTECT platform, the FRONX uses high-tensile and ultra-high tensile steel. Additionally, it gets six airbags (driver, co-driver, side & curtain), three-point ELR seatbelts, ESP with hill hold assist and rollover mitigation, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat anchorages, among others.
Making A Mark
In the not-so-distant past, the company had only one SUV, the Brezza, which allowed the vehicle maker to scoop 10% of the market share. In an earlier interaction with Mobility Outlook, Srivastava noted that the lower number of SUVs in the company’s portfolio had negatively affected its market share.
Starting with the launch of the Grand Vitara last year, the company is set to get back the lost market. In the race to become the number one carmaker of India with over 50% market share, the Fronx and the upcoming Jimny will play a key role, he added.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “With the rapid shift in customer preferences towards SUVs, we identified the onset of a new sub-segment in the industry. The launch of Fronx is a part of our new approach towards pioneering the growth of this segment.”
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