Maruti Suzuki Fronx Long Term Review, August 2023 Report

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is the latest addition to our long-term test fleet, and it comes along with the addition of another unit to our fleet from India’s largest automaker – the ever-so-popular Jimny. The reason why I start our first test report with the mention of the Jimny is because ever since the Fronx has broken cover, the Jimny has always been mentioned along with it. This isn’t a bad thing, after all, more choices are only better for Indian customers. But why I mention this is because both the cars were unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo where the Fronx was the surprise unveil alongside the already-expected showstopper Jimny 5-door. I remember the moment like yesterday because I was right there and was amongst the slew of journalists ready to start creating content around the Jimny from the get-go. But for me, however, it was the Fronx that immediately stood out. I distinctly remember seeing the design and thinking, “that looks spectacular!”

Fast forward to today and I have the Fronx with me as my new long-term car. To me, not only is it good-looking but also a very sensible package, at least on paper. The variant we will be spending time with and getting to know better in the coming months is the top-spec Alpha variant, which gets all the bells and whistles the Fronx has to offer, including a head-up display, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rather nice-looking 16-inch alloy wheels. As for the drivetrain option, this is where things get a bit interesting. You see, Maruti Suzuki is offering two engine options with the Fronx – a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit, which is only available in the lower variants (Sigma, Delta, Delta+) and makes 88bhp, or the one that we are driving, a 1.0-litre, turbocharged, three-cylinder petrol engine that makes almost 99bhp of power and is only available in the higher variants (Delta+, Zeta, Alpha). Both the engines come with Maruti Suzuki’s mild-hybrid technology, and while the NA engine gets the choice of a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox, the turbocharged engine can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission – which is the one we are driving.

Right then, with all of this out of the way it is finally time to give the Fronx the attention it deserves. It joined our test fleet towards the end of the month, so the itch to clock mileage on the car is very real. I should get to it right away...

Also Read:

Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx Spec Comparison: Which One You Should Buy?

Maruti Suzuki Fronx S-CNG launched in India at Rs 8.42 Lakh