Driving the Fronx: A Comprehensive Guide to Performance and Comfort

Bold design, spirited engines, and cutting-edge features make the Fronx a standout choice for Indian families seeking style and practicality.

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx aims to shake up the compact SUV segment in India with its bold design, peppy engines, and feature-packed cabin. What sets the Fronx apart is its blend of driving fun and comfort tailored for Indian road conditions and family needs. It promises exciting performance, decent fuel efficiency, and practicality – a value proposition tough to beat.

Let’s look at what the Fronx has in store for you. This guide will cover the driving dynamics, performance aspects, and comfort and convenience features of this stylish urban SUV.

Performance Overview

Regarding power and driveability, the Fronx punches above its weight with two capable petrol engines. An all-new turbocharged 1.0L Boosterjet unit and an updated version of Suzuki’s reliable 1.2L K-series motor. Both engines deliver spirited performance matched to Hybrid variants and advanced automatic transmissions for a rewarding drive experience. Their optimised power and efficiency ranges make the Fronx fun in the city and frugal on highways.

Engine Options and Specs

Let’s look at the engine options in Maruti Suzuki Fronx:

1. New 1.0L Boosterjet Engine  

This turbocharged 3-cylinder direct injection petrol engine displaces 998cc and belts out a class-leading 100bhp maximum power and 147Nm peak torque output. Thanks to this powerful motor, the Fronx zooms to 60km/h from a standstill in a quick 5.3 seconds – setting a new benchmark among compact SUVs.

The cutting-edge engine features innovative pulse valve energy distribution technologies and twin injectors to maximise every drop of fuel. Cooled exhaust gas recycling improves combustion for lower emissions. This translates into smooth and responsive acceleration and optimised highway cruising efficiency when needed.

2. Upgraded 1.2L K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT  

The familiar K-series 1.2L 4-cylinder engine has also received some thoughtful updates, boosting power and refinement levels while retaining its practical and economical nature that Indian owners love. It now makes 89.73bhp power and 113nm torque—enough for spirited city runs.

Dual Jet fuel injection uses two injectors per cylinder for finer atomisation and improved combustion. Dual VVT optimises intake and exhaust valve timing across the rev range, improving low-end torque and top-end power. Idling start-stop functionality further maximises fuel savings in congested city conditions.

3. Smart Hybrid Technology

Both Fronx engine variants feature Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid tech. This incorporates an integrated starter generator, lithium battery, and torque assist functions. When accelerating, the electric motor provides additional torque support, allowing the engine to remain in the optimum efficiency band.

The starter generator also enables engine idle start-stop, brake energy regeneration, and battery charging. This ultimately improves the drive feel while cutting fuel costs and emissions.

4. Transmission and Handling

The Fronx offers automatic transmission options for fuss-free city use—a 5-speed unit for the 1.2L and 6-speed shifters for the larger 1.0L Boosterjet engine. Enthusiasts will love the option of steering-mounted paddle shifters, which allow manual control of gear changes with sporty spreads across the rev range. This adds driving involvement when you want it without losing automatic convenience for daily urban commutes. 

5. Fuel Efficiency

Both Fronx petrol engines focus on power, performance and driving excitement. But that doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency. Suzuki’s innovative hybrid and engine tech ensure frugality and practicality are retained. Driven sensibly, owners should be able to extract 15+ km/l in everyday use, especially with Suzuki’s proven engine tech and lightweight Heartect platform underpinning efficiency.

Comfort and Convenience

Despite compact exterior dimensions, decent room inside is aided by an efficient design, bench seats and a practical boot. 

1. Seating and Space

The Fronx comfortably seats 5 adults without feeling cramped. There is ample headroom and leg space, even for tall passengers—a key requirement for Indian families. The front seats promise proper comfort and support. Both rows can recline for long-drive flexibility. The rear bench seat base can split 60:40 and tumble fold to expand the cargo room vastly when required. 

2. Ride Quality 

Thanks to its sturdy Heartect platform, calibrated suspension, and optimised weight balance, the Fronx promises comfortable long-distance ride quality. Sound insulation is decent, and the cabin remains hushed at all speeds. The long wheelbase coupled with monocoque construction gives it composure over undulations. Big 16-inch wheels also help soak up bumps well.

Safety and Driver Assist Technology

In keeping with Suzuki’s focus on safety, the Fronx comes equipped with essential protection features including:

• Dual Airbags + Side Airbags (6 total)
• ABS and EBD
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Impact absorbing body and pillars per Suzuki Total Effective Control Technology
• Pedestrian safety compliance
• Seat belt reminders + pretensioners
• Hill hold assist
• Rear parking sensors + camera

Higher variants also add advanced safety kits, such as electronic stability control, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring system, emergency stop signal, etc. These active electronic aids intervene to avoid accidents and minimise collision impact.

Conclusion

Packed with features and performance, the Fronx expands Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio while bringing fresh excitement to the compact SUV space. It balances driving fun via lively turbo-petrol motors and sporty dynamics with the comfort and efficiency expected from the segment. Smart cabin space utilisation ensures decent room for family and luggage. Modern connectivity options add convenience and safety. Overall, the Fronx is a well-rounded package for style-conscious buyers seeking an engaging drive without compromising practical needs.