Maruti Fronx: Long-Term Fleet Introduction

This different-looking crossover SUV stays with us for a few months. Here’s our first impressions

Maruti has been on a spree of new launches this year. The most unique, arguably, is the Fronx. It’s a crossover hatch that sits in the subcompact SUV segment and is looking at grabbing your attention with a non-traditional SUV design. 

It’s been hard keeping our hands off of the Fronx ever since it’s come to the CarDekho Garage. Our test unit is the top-spec Alpha Turbo manual (Rs 11.47 lakh, ex-showroom). Here are our first impressions, after having driven it for over 1100 km.

Different? Yes. Good?...

When you have your first look at the Fronx, you don’t immediately associate it with an SUV. It looks different, and that’s what makes it stand out from the crowd. Its coupe-like styling is impressive. While it is based on the Baleno hatchback, you can only tell that by looking at its profile. From the front, it looks similar to the Grand Vitara due to its massive grille. 

It’s modern with its tri-LED DRLs and connected tail lamps, and muscular too with the large front and rear bumpers, high ground clearance and cladding all around.

Familiar Cabin & Familiar Features

While on the outside it is a new dashing coupe SUV, on the inside, there are minimal changes compared to the Baleno. An extra layer of rose gold on the dashboard, rose gold elements around the door handles and a different colour scheme. That’s it.

It’s not like this cabin doesn’t look good. It does have a premium appeal which you expect at this price point, but being a new car, the cabin should have been different from the Baleno. And if not a lot different, then at the very least, there should have been more significant changes to the design.

The Fronx is well-loaded. However, a little more distinction from the Baleno would’ve served it well. The only feature it gets over the Baleno is a wireless phone charger. Other goodies such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an Arkayms sound system, a heads-up display, automatic climate control and cruise control are shared with the hatchback. 

All these features function as intended, and you’d need nothing more for your daily commutes. The touchscreen is smooth, easy to use and even wireless connectivity like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay do not show any lag. However, it is hard to justify the Rs 2.14 lakh premium it has over the Baleno, with a single feature addition. It could have been justified if Maruti had added features like a sunroof and a rear centre armrest.

Quick As A Cat

This is where things got interesting. We at CarDekho have driven many cars from Maruti. In fact, I drove four just in the past month. This one left an impression, though. Just like most Maruti models, it has a refined and responsive engine that can very easily give you a smooth driving experience.  

The 1-litre BoosterJet engine is not just refined and responsive, but also quick and exciting when you want it to be. The Fronx keeps you engaged while driving, almost egging you on to drive harder. It picks up speed quickly and overtakes are something that you don’t even need to think about, they just happen. This eager nature is why I’ve been struggling to let go of the Fronx. 

Comfort Is A Priority

So far, the 1100km have been smooth. The Fronx hasn’t given us anything to complain about. Whether it is city commutes or long highway drives, going over speed bumps and potholes or changing lanes at highway speeds, the ride has been comfortable. 

The Fronx has a balanced set of suspensions, not too soft, not too stiff and a long suspension travel that comes with its SUV form factor. For your daily commutes, the ride is comfortable and you don’t feel bumps or potholes inside the cabin. On the highways, at high speeds, the Fronx is stable and there is close to no body roll. Overall, the ride quality is satisfactory in both conditions.

Even on the inside, the seats have soft cushioning, they hold you in place and there is ample amount of space for the front passengers. But the same can’t be said for the rear seats. While the legroom, knee room and under thigh support are good, the rear passengers do get a little less headroom due to the sloping roofline and the recline of the seats. However, the overall space inside the cabin is good for five passengers.

To sum up, Fronx delivers a good first impression. It looks good, the drive experience is exciting and the ride is comfortable. There is no doubt that it misses out on some features, but we will have to see how much we miss them in the long run. The Fronx will be with us for another two months. Stay tuned for a more in-depth review in due time.

• Positives: Coupe Styling, Powerful Engine, Ride Quality

• Negatives: Not a new cabin, lack of features

• Date when received: 27 July 2023

• Kilometres when received: 614km

• Kilometres till date: 1,759km