Maruti Fronx

Maruti Fronx Expert Verdict

Maruti Fronx Detailed Review

• Fronx Ride & Handling 8.5 /10

  The Fronx shares its suspension with the Baleno. However, this has been fine tuned to adapt to the Fronx’s character and also the different tyre side wall size. This new Nexa offering does provide a good balance between ride and handling. During our day long stint in Goa, we used the car across a variety of terrains and were pretty impressed. Ride quality is comfortable and higher tyre side wall over the Baleno helps absorb bumps and undulations with ease. The same can be said about its dynamics - the Fronx has a neutral character in this regard and the car will appeal to a wide set of audience. It may not offer razor sharp handling but has ease of driving and a light steering. High speed mannere are also decently good. As a family car, you will not be going wrong with this new crossover. 

  Summary

• Fronx Exteriors 9 /10

  The Fronx is largely based on the Baleno and this means it is also a sub 4 meter vehicle. Maruti has tried to give the Fronx more of a crossover appeal as compared to the Baleno. The design theme here seems to have been carried over from its elder sibling, the Grand Vitara. For instance, the front DRLs and muscular lines do make it look like a mini Grand Vitara. Likewise, the headlamps are placed inside the bumper and there are no fog lamps to say so. The Fronx gets matt black cladding all around and the sloping rear roof does give it a very sporty touch. Top end versions come with good looking 16 inch alloy wheels that are shod with 195mm wide tyres. The rear of the Maruti Fronx is another highlight. The connected LED bar, LED effect for the tail lamp and the raked rear glass - all this goes a long way in giving this crossover a ‘sexy’ look for the segment. Front and rear bumpers also get a pseudo silver skid plate. The Fronx is being positioned as an SUV and this is largely due to the width and ground clearance - this stands at 190mm which is more or less similar to that of the Tata Punch. Do note, at 1550mm (height), it is the lowest of lot among all other crossovers / SUVs in the price bracket. 

  Summary

• Fronx Interiors 9 /10

  Like the exterior design, the cabin of the Fronx also resembles the interiors of the Baleno. Maruti has made use of several colors inside - upper dashboard is black and the lower part dark brown. And then there are the silver inserts that break the monotony. The steering wheel and speedometer console reminds you of the Baleno but the placement of the touchscreen and cental air-con vents is different. Being a low vehicle, getting in isn’t as easy as say the Sonet or the Brezza. But once inside, you do notice the overall premium appeal and comfortable seats. All arm-rests on the four doors get soft touch materials that adds to the premium.  At the rear, just like the Baleno, the Fronx offers impressive amount of knee room and leg space. Infact, the rear bench is more spacious than that of the Sonet! The issue is here is sloping roof line that limits the headroom area. The same design change (sloping roof) has also reduced the overall boot space to just 308 litres. Do note that as the battery for the smart hybrid variant is placed under the co-driver seat, a passenger sitting behind can’t really push his / her feet forward. Thankfully, the rear windows do roll down completely flat. 

  Summary

• Fronx Engine & Performance 8.5 /10

  The Maruti Fronx is sold with a choice of two engine options. The first is the same 1.2-litre non turbo unit we see in the Baleno. This is a smooth engine that has ample punch and offers a mileage of 21.79kmpl for the MT model and 22.89 kmpl for the AMT one. Yes, you can pick from a 5 speed manual or a 5 speed automatic AGS. This is a tried and tested motor that is efficient but can feel a bit weak when driven with a full load of five passengers with the A/C running. The second option is a turbo petrol 1000cc unit that is being seen for first time on a Maruti offering for this year. This unit makes 99 bhp of power and 148 Nm. Do note, although these numbers are good, rivals like the Magnite / Kiger offer a more powerful engine option. The turbo petrol is a 3 cylinder unit and did surprise us in terms of excellent refinement levels. This unit can be had with both a 5 speed manual as well as a 6 speed torque converter automatic. In terms of ARAI certified economy, the manual turbo is rated at 21.5 kmpl. The automatic turbo delivers 20.01 kmpl as per certification. In terms of price difference, Maruti is charging a premium of about a lakh for the turbo engine over the non turbo one

  Summary

• Fronx Safety & Features 8 /10

  The Fronx (or the new Baleno it is based on) has not been tested by GNCAP yet. However that said, the Fronx does offer a lot of safety aids. For instance, the top spec model comes with a 360 degree camera, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, side and curtain Airbags in addition to dual front Airbags, rear view camera, all 3-point ELR seat belts, ISOFIX child seat restrain system etc. In terms of features then, it is on par with rivals. Other features include a HUD, 22.86cm Smartplay Pro+ unit, wireless function for Android Auto / CarPlay, wireless charger, paddle shifters, rear A/C vents, LEDs all around etc. 

  Summary