Suzuki Fronx

While there is a lot to differentiate between the exterior designs of Fronx and Baleno, the former shares its cabin layout with the latter. However, the Suzuki Fronx has a different dual-tone black and burgundy theme for the upholstery, which is leather-themed in the GLX variant. 

The driver’s cockpit of the Suzuki Fronx includes a flat-bottomed multi-functional steering wheel, which is tilt-adjustable, and a classy-looking instrument console with a chrome-garnished instrument console and a 4.2-inch TFT MID in the middle. The centre console has a free-standing 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, whereas the lower centre console has dedicated housing for the automatic climate control switches finished in a gloss black theme. 

The Suzuki Fronx also has a satin silver finish for the middle layer of the dashboard, AC vent surrounds, and inner door handles. While the Fronx does get a few other modern features like a wireless charger, a 6-speaker audio system, driver seat height adjustment, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, power-adjustable and foldable outside rearview mirrors, and rear AC vent, the Fronx misses out on a sunroof which is gradually becoming a common thing among compact cars.

Compared to the Baleno on which it is based, the Suzuki Fronx has a well-differentiated exterior design language. The raised ride height and elevated stance, along with heavily tweaked front and rear profiles, make the Suzuki Fronx an attractive-looking crossover. 

At the front, the Suzuki Fronx has a bold-looking fascia with a round-edged trapezoidal grille, which has a thick chrome slat in its upper housing. This thick chrome slat stretches to the split headlamps, with the upper parts having dual-functioning LED DRLs, which also double up as turn indicators, while the lower parts house all-LED headlamps. 

Like other new-age SUVs, the Suzuki Fronx also has a rugged-looking stance with body cladding and silver skid plates all around. The door panels and door-mounted rearview mirrors have been shared with the Baleno, but the Fronx gets redesigned front and rear fenders which look sharper with prominent creases.

While the GL has silver alloy wheels, the GLX variant has more premium machined alloy wheels. Both the variants of the Suzuki Fronx also get roof rails and sleek-looking LED combination tail lamps, which have a continuous running LED light bar between them across the boot lid. 

The Suzuki Fronx shares its suspension setup with the Baleno hatchback – Macpherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The overall ride quality and driving dynamics of the Fronx are as good as the Baleno, despite the slightly raised ride height. However, the light steering setup can bother those who prefer heavier steering feedback at higher speeds.

Both GL and GLX variants of the Suzuki Fronx have a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which is paired with Suzuki’s much-acclaimed mild-hybrid technology. Available with both the options of a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, this 1.5-litre petrol engine produces a maximum power output of 101.6 bhp, while the peak torque output is rated at 136.8 Nm. As with other Suzuki engines, this 1.5-litre petrol engine impresses with good refinement and fuel efficiency levels. 

While the Suzuki Fronx misses out on premium and advanced driving assistance features, it does get several essentials like six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, reverse parking sensors, 360-degree parking camera, head-up display and cruise control.

There is little to differentiate between the Suzuki Fronx and its hatchback counterpart, the Baleno, under the skin and in the cabin, with them sharing the engine and all other mechanicals. However, the Fronx has a distinguished appeal with a youthful-looking crossover stance and design, which should appeal more to the younger masses.