Latest news with #SuzukiFronx
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Suzuki Grand Vitara keen to show why its the grandest of them all
The GV badge made its return to the Suzuki stable in 2023 as the brand's flagship SUV. Our Suzuki Grand Vitara is clad in bicolour Splendid Silver with black roof and side mirrors. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Our popular Suzuki Fronx compact crossover SUV departed our long-term fleet in June after a six-month stay, making way for its bigger sibling the Grand Vitara. As the Vitara part naming has been applied in various of the Japanese manufacturer's products, a quick run-down of its history is in order. Local history at least, as it is much less complicated than its global history. South Africans first encountered the nomenclature in Grand Vitara guise when Suzuki opened its local doors in 2008. This badge eventually made way for the Vitara and for a while was offered alongside the smaller Vitara Brezza. But then Maruti Suzuki in India, which manufacturers the car in collaboration with production partner Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stopped exporting the second generation which was renamed to Brezza. ALSO READ: Suzuki Grand Vitara makes grande return to Mzansi Suzuki Grand Vitara returns The export void was filled with the reintroduction of the Suzuki Grand Vitara badge, albeit it is a bigger car than the Vitara Brezza was. The Grand Vitara is 4 340mm long, where the Vitara Brezza conformed to India's tax friendly sub-four metre rule. Since the Grand Vitara's reintroduction just over two years ago, the Vitara has since been dropped from Suzuki's portfolio. This left the GV as the manufacturer's flagship SUV, with the Fronx crossover SUV coming on board as a spiritual replacement for the Vitara Brezza. The Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX rides on 17-inch machine polished alloy wheels. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Over in the Toyota stable, the Grand Vitara's production sibling has kept the Urban Cruiser moniker which was also used for its own version of the Vitara Brezza. The Starlet Cross has joined as Toyota's version of the Fronx. The Citizen Motoring's long-term Suzuki Grand Vitara in GLX automatic trim is at R453 900 the second most expensive model in the line-up after the top-of-the-range mild hybrid all-wheel drive variant which comes at a R99 000 premium. But as both these two is kitted out in GLX trim, our tester is currently the best-specced Suzuki product money can buy barring the mild electrical assistance and all-paw grip. Familiar petrol engine Up front is the familiar KB15B 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that features in so many of Suzuki's local cars and is in our opinion one of the reasons for their remarkable sales success in recent years. It produces 77kW of power and 138Nm which is sent to the front wheels via four-speed automatic transmission. The dated box isn't everyone's cup of tea comparted to the easy-shifting five-speed manual. But it's the job done just fine if you are not in a hurry. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Why Suzuki Fronx stays ahead of Toyota Starlet Cross Suzuki claims that it will sip six litres per 100km which we'll put to the test over the coming months. While our GV does not feature all-wheel drive, its ground clearance of 210mm is the same as the go-anywhere Jimny. Suzuki says the seats, suspension and electric steering have been created for a comfortable ride on rough and uneven surfaces. In GLX trim, the Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard with 9-inch infotainment system. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The GV features good looks, which according to the manufacturer pays homage to the original Grand Vitara. Exterior highlights include a multi-level grille flanked by three-point LED daytime running lights and a rear three-dimensional LED light bar. GLX specific silver roof rails and 17-inch machine-polished alloys round off the picture. Loads of features Our tester is finished in bicolour which combines Splendid Silver paintwork with black roof and side mirrors. Inside, the GLX features full leatherette trim and 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus 360-degree surround view camera, wireless charging tray, head-up display, keyless start/stop, ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof. Safety comes in the form of six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBA, hill-hold assist and rear parking sensors. The Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard with six-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year/200 000 km warranty.
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.
Mail & Guardian
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
The Suzuki Fronx has everything you need — but choose the manual transmission
Stylish: The Suzuki Fronx does everything right, but can be slightly sluggish on the road. I recently tested the The agreement allows Toyota to gain from Suzuki's expertise in compact vehicles and rebrand those products. In turn, Suzuki gets access to Toyota's hybrid and battery electric vehicle technology. The Starlet Cross and Fronx have minor styling differences but, inside and out, they are practically the same. They share the same length, width and wheelbase. They share the same amount of boot space, the mechanicals are the same, the engines are the same and they are both even manufactured in the same facility. The most noticeable difference is the front-end styling, including the bumper, grille and lighting signature. It was like stepping back into the Starlet Cross for a week when I received the Fronx but there was one major difference — the transmission. I had the Starlet Cross in the five-speed manual transmission and the Fronx in the four-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions are paired to a 1.5 litre engine that delivers 77kW of power and 138Nm of torque. When I had the Starlet Cross, I remember dropping gears to move up inclines on the highway and maintain speed and, with the Fronx, I didn't have that option with the automatic transmission. It was more a case of how hard I pressed my foot on the accelerator to keep those speeds, but it was still sluggish, especially if you are a fast-lane type of person. There's a slightly more nervous feel to the car with the automatic transmission on the open road and the only time it might feel better is when you are stuck in traffic and you don't get a calf workout from constantly releasing the clutch. There's another reason why I prefer the manual transmission over the automatic and that is the fuel consumption. The Starlet Cross gave me a lovely 5.2 litres/100km while I managed to get the Fronx to about 6.8 litres/100km. The interior There was all you needed in a crossover in this vehicle. You will get a 7-inch or 9-inch infotainment system, depending on which variant you choose. It is clear and responsive and comes equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The screen and buttons for the aircon have been tilted towards the driver for improved ergonomics. There's a multi-functional steering wheel and all models come standard with three USB chargers, cruise control, leather tilt steering wheel and four speakers. The Suzuki Fronx GLX model also has keyless entry with push-button start, wireless charging in the centre console, a head-up display, dual vanity mirrors with illumination in the sun visors and additional lighting in the glove compartment and front footwells. The interior is very stylish, comfortable and loaded with technology that makes it easy for the driver and passengers to have fun in this vehicle. Pricing and verdict The Suzuki Fronx comes in a base GL model that retails at R297 000, a GLX manual model that comes in at R334 900 and a GLX automatic that is priced at R354 900. The GLX model, with all its bells and whistles, is well worth the money, but if you are interested in it, save the R20 000 and go for the manual variant.
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
NDTV
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Suzuki Fronx With Level 2 ADAS Rolls Out In Indonesia; Is India Next?
Suzuki has updated the Fronx for the Indonesian market with Level 2 ADAS. The model has rolled out from the Cikarang plant, which is the brand's second facility to manufacture the Fronx apart from India. Currently, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx has reached over 70 countries worldwide, including regions like Africa, Japan, and Latin America. The Suzuki Fronx gets either a 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine or a 1.5-liter K15C mild-hybrid petrol engine available in Indonesia. However, the India-spec Fronx gets a 1.2-litre K-series engine of the brand or a 1.0-litre K-series turbo petrol engine (available as an option). The transmission options include a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT for the naturally aspirated engine, and a 5-speed MT along with a 6-speed AT for the turbo petrol. The Suzuki Fronx has now been updated for the Indonesian market with Level 2 ADAS. It includes safety features like blind spot monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Hill Hold Control, Electronic Stability Program, and much more. However, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx available in India does not get Level 2 ADAS currently, the brand is liklet to bring the update soon. Suzuki Fronx Japan NCAP The Fronx recently went for the Japan NCAP crash test, scoring 84 percent on the assessment. Specifically, it has managed to get an overall 163.75 points out of a total of 193.8 points. Apart from that, the car scored 79.42 points out of 85.8 points in the preventive safety performance test, while the collision safety performance test ended with a score of 76.33 points out of 100 points. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx in India is sold at a starting price of Rs 7.54 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom).
