Suzuki Fronx

Engine and gearbox

The official brochure lists two versions of Suzuki’s 1,462cc four-cylinder K-series petrol engine. The GL variants use the K15B, making 77 kW (about 103 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm, with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The GLX variants use the K15C with a 12V mild-hybrid system, an integrated starter generator and a 10 Ah lithium-ion battery, making 74 kW (about 99 hp) and 135 Nm. They come with a six-speed automatic, paddle shifters and idle stop. This mild hybrid assists the engine but cannot drive the car on electric power alone. Suzuki does not publish an official fuel-economy figure.

Size and practicality

The Fronx measures 3,995 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,550 mm tall, on a 2,520 mm wheelbase, with 170 mm of ground clearance and a 4.8 metre turning radius. It seats five and has a 37-litre fuel tank. Luggage space is 304 litres, rising to 605 litres with the 60:40 rear seats folded. All variants ride on machined 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/60 R16 tyres.

Equipment by variant

Every Fronx has six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, Hill Hold Control, ISOFIX, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, automatic climate control with rear vents, LED headlamps with automatic operation and Follow Me Home lighting, LED tail lamps, power-folding mirrors with turn signals, power windows all round, keyless entry and two rear USB chargers. The GL gets a 7-inch audio display. The GLX adds the hybrid system, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and a 4.2-inch colour driver display. The GLX ADAS adds automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, a sway warning, adaptive cruise control with stop function, a 360-degree camera, a head-up display, telescopic steering and synthetic leather seats.

Warranty

Suzuki covers the Fronx for 3 years or 60,000 km, and the hybrid system for 5 years or 100,000 km.

Which variant to buy

In our opinion the GLX hybrid at Rs 6,399,999 is the sweet spot, adding the six-speed automatic, bigger screen, push start and cruise control for Rs 300,000 over the GL automatic. The ADAS version costs Rs 400,000 more and suits buyers who do a lot of highway driving. Two-tone paint adds Rs 75,000. Also budget for tax on top of the ex-factory price: the official list shows Rs 120,000 to Rs 137,500 for filers and Rs 360,000 to Rs 412,500 for non-filers, depending on variant.