Latest news with #Fronx
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: Why Suzuki Fronx stays ahead of Toyota Starlet Cross
This crossover has done the Suzuki badge proud by outselling its production sibling. The name Suzuki Fronx is derived from the words 'crossing' and new 'frontiers'. Little did the Japanese manufacturer know how poetic this meaning would become in the first two years since its local introduction. A collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota sees many of their cars shares platforms. These siblings are built alongside each other by Maruti Suzuki in India. This partnership has traditionally seen Toyota holding the upper hand in sales. Except for the seven-seater Ertiga and Rumion, which is likely because most of the former's sales lies in rental and commercial transport than in families buying it as passenger cars. When you look at the rest, Toyota have held the aces whether it's the Vitz vs Celerio, Starlet vs Baleno or Urban Cruiser vs Grand Vitara. But the Suzuki Fronx has manged to buck that trend against the Toyota Starlet Cross. Suzuki Fronx makes a Pitstop On this week's episode of our Pitstop podcast, we discuss the remarkable performance of the Fronx. The Citizen Motoring recently gave back the keys of a Suzuki Fronx GLX manual after spending six months in it. The manual Fronx is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. It produces 77kW of power and 132Nm of torque which is sent to the front wheels via five-speed manual gearbox. ALSO READ: Success story Suzuki Fronx departs without having made a fuss Good looks, lots of tech One of the reasons for its success in our opinion is its good looks. Highlights include wheel arch cladding, silver door sills and imitation satin silver skidplates underneath the front and rear bumpers. It also features 16-inch alloys. Inside, it boasts a nine-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multi-function steering wheel and push-button start, head-up display and a 360-degree surround-view camera system as its specification headlights.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
PVs experience bumpy H1 ride; wholesales decline 6.4% in June to 320K units
Domestic passenger vehicle (PV) dispatches in the first six months of calendar year 2025 were in the slow lane, with major players like Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), Tata Motors, and Hyundai Motor India reporting a decline in volumes. Companies like Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Škoda Auto India, however, bucked the trend, riding on the buzz created by new launches. In June, overall industry volumes dipped. According to industry estimates, wholesales fell 6.4 per cent to 320,000 units. Retail registrations also declined by 4.4 per cent to 294,000 units during the month, industry insiders said. MSIL, the country's largest PV player, posted a 2.2 per cent decline in dispatches for first half (H1) 2025 to 880,730 units. In June, dispatches dropped sharply by 13.3 per cent to 118,906 units. MSIL's utility vehicle (UV) sales also fell in June — from 52,373 units to 47,947 units. The company said the slowdown in the small car segment was the key reason behind the industry's muted demand trend. Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer, corporate affairs, MSIL, said that since 2019, the entry-level price point in the industry has risen by over 70 per cent, largely due to stricter regulations, and sales of smaller cars have fallen by over 70 per cent. 'Historically, PV sales used to grow at 1.5x gross domestic product (GDP) growth. But now, even after 6.5 per cent GDP growth, the car market is nearly flat. This is because the once-mass small car segment is not participating in the growth at all. This is clearly an affordability issue,' he said. Maruti's small car segment saw a 5.3 per cent decline in sales, reaching 455,009 units in H1 compared to 480,488 units in the same period last year. What's concerning as a trend is that the UV segment (comprising models like the Grand Vitara, Brezza, Fronx, etc.) has also seen a decline in volumes. Tata Motors saw a sharp 15 per cent dip in dispatches in June to 37,083 units (including electric vehicles/EVs). For the first six months of the year, the company posted a 7.89 per cent fall in dispatches to 269,966 units. Commenting on the trend, Shailesh Chandra, managing director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said that in May and June there were extreme 'volume pressures'. 'In the first quarter of 2025-26, the PV industry experienced volume pressures, particularly in May and June, with flat growth reflecting continued softness in demand. However, the EV segment emerged as a bright spot, driven by robust growth and the launch of new EV models across original equipment manufacturers.' Hyundai Motor India posted a 7.7 per cent drop in dispatches in H1 2025 to 285,809 units. For June, the company recorded a sharp 12 per cent fall in dispatches to 44,024 units. Tarun Garg, whole-time director and chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, 'In the domestic market, the geopolitical situation continued to affect market sentiment, with domestic sales registering 44,024 units in June 2025. As we come closer to the beginning of production at the Talegaon plant, we remain cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery in demand, supported by a reduction in repo rates and improving liquidity on account of a cut in cash reserve ratio. We are closely watching the global geopolitical scenario and are committed to delivering value and innovation to our customers across both domestic and export markets.' EVs, however, seem to have held up better. M&M, which began dispatching its EVs to dealers around March, saw a 20 per cent rise in dispatches in H1 to 301,194 units. In June, the company posted 18 per cent growth in sales to 47,306 units. Bucking the trend, M&M posted a 20 per cent increase in domestic sales, with the company selling 301,194 units in H1. In June, domestic sales grew by 18 per cent, reaching 47,306 units compared to 40,022 units last year. Nalinikanth Gollagunta, chief executive officer, automotive division, M&M, said, 'In June, we achieved sport utility vehicle (SUV) sales of 47,306 units, a growth of 18 per cent, and total vehicle sales of 78,969 units, a 14 per cent growth compared to the same month last year. The quarter ended on a very positive note for us, marking the highest quarter ever for SUVs.' Škoda Auto India, which is seeing strong demand for its new compact SUV Kylaq, had its best-ever H1 in its 25-year history in India. Selling 36,194 units between January and June 2025, the company posted a 134 per cent year-on-year rise in dispatches. Škoda's previous best H1 in India was 28,899 units in 2022. Ashish Gupta, brand director, Škoda Auto India, said that with the addition of Kylaq to their portfolio, they now have an 'SUV for everyone'. Analysts noted that while overall volumes remain flat, value growth is happening. 'While the number of PV sales remains largely flat, overall value growth continues, driven by consumers opting for higher-end models. Over the next two to three quarters, we expect volumes to stay steady, with a slightly more optimistic outlook for rural demand compared to urban areas, supported by better-than-expected monsoon conditions,' said Anurag Singh, advisor, Primus Partners. In two-wheelers, while overall industry data isn't yet available, major players like Bajaj Auto posted a 16 per cent decline in June dispatches, and H1 2025 was also down 9 per cent for the Pune-based company. On the other hand, premium bike maker Royal Enfield posted a 16 per cent increase in domestic dispatches to 76,957 units compared to 66,117 units last year. For H1, the company posted a 12 per cent increase, selling 228,779 units as against 204,686 last year.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
PV sales decelerate in H1 2025; Mahindra, Skoda Auto buck the trend
Domestic passenger vehicle (PV) dispatches in the first six months of 2025 were in the slow lane, with major players like Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors and Hyundai Motor India reporting a decline in volumes. Players like Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Skoda Auto India have, however, bucked the trend, riding on the buzz created around fresh launches. As for June, overall volumes for the industry have dipped. According to industry estimates, wholesales declined by 6.4 per cent in June to 320,000 units. Retail registration also fell by 4.4 per cent to 294,000 units during the month, industry insiders said. The country's largest PV player, Maruti Suzuki India, posted a 2.2 per cent decline in dispatches for H1 calendar 2025 to 880,730 units. In June, dispatches dropped by a steep 13.3 per cent to 118,906 units. MSIL saw utility vehicle sales decline in June—from 52,373 units to 47,947 units. The company said that a slowdown in the small car segment is the reason behind the overall muted demand trend for the industry. Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki, said that since 2019, the entry-level price point in the industry has jumped by over 70 per cent, largely driven by stricter regulations, and sales of smaller cars have fallen by over 70 per cent. 'Historically, passenger vehicle sales used to grow at 1.5 times the GDP growth. But now, even after 6.5 per cent GDP growth, the car market is nearly flattish. This is because the once mass small car segment is not participating in the growth at all. This is clearly an affordability issue,' he reasoned. The small car segment from Maruti saw a 5.3 per cent decline in sales, reaching 455,009 units in the first half of the year compared to 480,488 units in the same period last year. What is concerning as a trend is that the UV segment (comprising models like the Grand Vitara, Brezza, Fronx, etc.) has also seen a decline in volumes. Tata Motors saw a sharp 15 per cent dip in dispatches in June to 37,083 units (including electric vehicles). For the first six months of this year, the company posted a 7.89 per cent fall in dispatches to 269,966 units. Commenting on the trend, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said that in May and June there were extreme 'volume pressures'. 'In Q1 FY26, the passenger vehicle industry experienced volume pressures, particularly in May and June, with flat growth reflecting continued softness in demand. However, the electric vehicle segment emerged a bright spot, driven by robust growth and the launch of new EV models across OEMs.' Hyundai Motor India posted a 7.7 per cent drop in dispatches in H1CY2025 to 285,809 units. As for June, the company posted a sharp 12 per cent fall in dispatches to 44,024 units. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said: 'In the domestic market, the geopolitical situation continued to affect the market sentiment, with domestic sales registering 44,024 units in June 2025. As we come closer to the beginning of production at the Talegaon plant, we remain cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery of demand, supported by reduction in repo rates and improving liquidity on account of a cut in CRR. We are closely watching the global geopolitical scenario and are committed to delivering value and innovation to our customers across both domestic and export markets.' EVs seem to have performed well. Mahindra & Mahindra, which began dispatching its EVs to dealers around March, saw a 20 per cent rise in dispatches in the first half of the year to 301,194 units. In June, the company posted an 18 per cent growth in sales to 47,306 units. Bucking the trend, Mahindra & Mahindra posted a 20 per cent increase in its domestic sales, selling 301,194 units in the first half of the year. For June, domestic sales grew by 18 per cent, reaching 47,306 units compared to 40,022 units last year. Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd., said: 'In June, we achieved SUV sales of 47,306 units, a growth of 18 per cent, and total vehicle sales of 78,969 units, a 14 per cent growth compared to the same month last year. The quarter ended on a very positive note for us, marking the highest quarter ever for SUVs.' Skoda Auto India, which is witnessing strong demand for its new compact SUV Kylaq, saw its best-ever H1 in its 25-year history in the country. Selling 36,194 units between January and June 2025, the company posted a 134 per cent rise in dispatches year-on-year. Skoda's previous best half-yearly sales in India stood at 28,899 units in 2022. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said that with the addition of Kylaq to their portfolio, they now have an 'SUV for everyone'. Analysts felt that while overall volumes remain flat, value growth is occurring. 'While the number of passenger vehicle sales remains largely flat, overall value growth continues, driven by consumers opting for higher-end models. Over the next 2–3 quarters, we expect volumes to stay steady, with a slightly more optimistic outlook for rural demand compared to urban areas, supported by better-than-expected monsoon conditions,' stated Anurag Singh, Advisor, Primus Partners. In two-wheelers, while overall industry data is not available, major players like Bajaj Auto posted a 16 per cent decline in June dispatches, and H1CY25 was also down by 9 per cent for the Pune-based company. On the other hand, premium bike player Royal Enfield posted a 16 per cent increase in its domestic dispatches to 76,957 units compared to 66,117 units last year. Similarly, for the first half of the year, the company posted a 12 per cent increase, selling 228,779 units as opposed to 204,686 units last year.
The Advertiser
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia
The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from:
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Suzuki Fronx with Level 2 ADAS debuts in Indonesia. Is India next?
Indonesia-spec Suzuki Fronx comes with bigger engines and more safety features over the India-spec model. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta) Check Offers The Maruti Suzuki Fronx crossover, which is based on the Baleno premium hatchback and sold through Maruti Suzuki's Nexa premium retail network after its launch in India in April 2023, has now made its way to the Indonesian market. While the Indonesian market-spec Fronx looks identical to the Indian market-spec model, in terms of design, there are some significant differences that set the two apart. The differences are in terms of features, engine choices and equipment levels. Besides that, another key fact is that this is the first time Fronx is being manufactured outside India. One of the key features on board the Indonesian market-spec Suzuki Fronx is that it comes equipped with a Level 2 ADAS suite, which has fuelled speculation that the Indian market-spec model too could receive the same technology in the coming months. However, Maruti Suzuki has not said anything officially. Also Read : Upcoming cars in India The made-in-India Fronx is currently sold in more than 70 countries globally, including on the continents such as Africa, Latin America. The Fronx was recently tested by Japan NCAP, where it scored a four-star safety rating. It received an overall 163.75 points out of a total of 193.8 points in the Japan NCAP crash test. The Fronx scored 79.42 points out of 85.8 points in the preventive safety performance test, while in the collision safety performance test, it scored 76.33 points out of 100 points. Watch: Maruti Suzuki Fronx SUV: First Drive Review The Maruti Suzuki Fronx in India is sold at a starting price of ₹ 7.54 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹ 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Here is a quick look at the key differences between the India-spec and Indonesia-spec Fronx. Indonesia-spec Suzuki Fronx gets new colours The Indonesia-spec Suzuki Fronx is available in five different exterior colour choices compared to seven shades available for the India-spec model. The Indonesian market-spec model gets colours like Pearl Snow White, Cool Black, Savannah Ivory, Ice Grayish Blue and Metallic Magma Gray. On the other hand, the India-spec model gets Arctic White, Nexa Blue (celestial), Earthen Brown, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Opulent Red, and Bluish Black. Indonesian Fronx gets Level 2 ADAS suite The Suzuki Fronx in the Indonesian market gets a Level 2 ADAS suite, which ramps up the safety quotient of the crossover significantly, compared to the Indian Fronx. The ADAS suite onboard the Fronx gets features such as lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert. Besides that, the Indonesia-spec Fronx gets six airbags as a standard feature, compared to two as standard in the Indian Fronx. Indonesian Fronx gets bigger petrol engines The Indonesian-market-spec Suzuki Fronx is significantly distinctive on the powertrain front compared to the Indian model. It gets two different 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines, compared to the 1.2-litre petrol motor available in the India-spec model. The 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine is available with transmission choices including a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic unit. This engine churns out 102 bhp peak power and 138 Nm of maximum torque. On the other hand, the other petrol motor is a 1.5-litre K15C unit that generates 98 bhp peak power and 135 Nm torque. This engine is available with a five-speed manual gearbox and six-speed automatic transmission options. In India, the Fronx gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor. There is a petrol-CNG bi-fuel powertrain on offer with the same engine. Also, there is a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor on offer as well. Transmission choices for the India-spec Fronx are a five-speed manual gearbox, a five-speed AMT, and a six-speed automatic unit. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 24 Jun 2025, 10:53 AM IST
