Maruti Suzuki Fronx

The Fronx is slightly taller, wider and longer than a Baleno but has the same wheelbase. In the flesh, it looks chunky and substantially different. The front design is a lot less Baleno and more on the lines bit of the bigger Grand Vitara, especially how the front grille with the chrome strip running across it plays out. The car gets LED headlamps while the base versions get projector halogen lamps. It looks properly premium.

On the rear, the designers have done well to distinguish it from its hatchback version with minimal changes to the taillamp and bumpers. A light strip running across adds a bit of classiness. If it has any issue with the way it looks is that despite the increase in height it doesn’t look tall. Other SUV elements are there - squared wheel arches, body cladding and roof rails. Its 16-inch alloys are the same size as in a Baleno but look tinier in comparison. They look good but are only available on the mid-trim onwards. However, the wheel size is the same across the board.

Inside, the cabin reminds you pretty much of the new-gen Baleno. Be it the dark dual-tone colour theme or most of the features. These include the head-up display, wireless charger and a 9-inch touchscreen system that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wirelessly too. The system is also integrated with a 360-view camera, something that can come in handy in tight spaces. Its Suzuki Connect suite comes with over 40 connectivity features.

The instrument cluster which is a mix of analog and digital looks a bit dated and Maruti could’ve considered giving it a full digital unit to get some distinction from the Baleno. The second row is quite generous with space, especially the knee room. Headroom will only be a challenge for 6-foot plus thanks to its coupe-like roof at the rear. Isofix child seat mounts are standard across, which on paper makes a Fronx better than a Baleno on crash safety tests. 

There are two engine options – the Baleno’s 1.2 K-Series petrol and an all-new 1-litre turbo ‘boosterjet’ petrol – the latter a reminder of the previous-gen Baleno RS. The 1.2 is available in lower trims - Sigma, Delta, Delta Plus while the 1-litre starts with Delta Plus and goes to Zeta and Alpha. This turbo makes around 100 bhp (10 more than the 1.2) and has reasonable finesse. Fronx weighs around a ton so it doesn’t feel underpowered. The engine is free-revving, which is not a surprise and tractable in the mid-range. The steering wheel weighs well but doesn't weigh up progressively. 

Since the car sits slightly higher, there is a bit more body roll but ride quality is excellent. It's even better than a Baleno which itself was quite a benchmark. The mid-range is where the automatic performs the best. The pick-up and upshift both can get quicker, especially looking at the fact that you’re driving a turbo engine. But it only starts at 2000 rpm and that takes some of the initial enthusiasm away. Thankfully, there is an option of paddle shifts, which is welcome for “practical enthusiasts”. 

The Fronx comes with two airbags to start with going up to six for the top two Turbo trims. But the more important thing is that retractable three-point seatbelts are standard across the range for all five seats. So is Isofix child mounts at the rear. All these should help Fronx rank higher than a Baleno in safety tests. There are also ESP and Hill Hold as standard safety features on the Fronx.

Looking at 2 petrol engine options and various gearboxes, the Fronx has quite a big price range. It starts at ₹ 7.47 lakh and goes up to ₹ 13.13 Lakh, the ex-showroom price for the top turbo automatic. 

If fuel efficiency is your thing then you should go for the 1.2 litre Petrol engine option that comes with manual or AMT. However it you love an enthusiastic drive, the 1.0 Turbo is made just for you and offers great dynamics. It also comes with a lot of premium features, and if budget allows it is the Alpha trim that will give you the most satisfaction. 

Given that nearly 50 per cent of Nexa owners are under 35 years of age, Fronx is supposed to cater to such an audience. It is a car for someone who's on the fence, and not able to decide whether you want to go for a big hatchback or a sub-four-meter SUV. It promises the best of both worlds and delivers.