Maruti Suzuki Fronx: The Indian car market is ever changing and so are the consumer preferences, however few segments have grown as rapidly as compact SUVs.
Having reigned supreme in hatchbacks and dominated for years in the sedans department, Maruti Suzuki have decided to take a more steadfast focus on a growing segment, with the launch of the Fronx– a car you can’t quite put your finger on that is aimed squarely at the right markets, in typical Maruti style.
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Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Design Philosophy-
The Fronx is Maruti’s take on the burgeoning coupe-SUV trend, tailored to compact sizes and the Indian market.
At the front, the front fascia commands presence with its large grille with unique chrome garnish and sharply creased LED headlamps with daytime running lights.
This is a bold face that is self-assured without being in-your-face, just about right for the intended audience.
From the side, the most obvious thing about the vehicle is this — a roofline that tapers softly to the rear in a sort of coupe-like design, rather than a simplistic SUV’s “boxy” silhouette.
This totals a little lost volume over the interior, but a lot of visual appeal for fashion-conscious buyers. Yes there’s raised ground clearance, (completely unnecessary) body cladding and (completely useless) roof rails to maintain SUV authenticity but there’s silver bling all around to remind you that it’s a premium offering.
The wraparound taillamps DRLs light bar combo at the back of the car is also a modern design touch for a segment that consists mostly of old cars.
Silver skid plate components are integrated into the design of the bumper to express an adventure-ready image that’s not afraid of the muddy, off-road path.
Intimate Execution: Homelike but Ahead of the Curve
In the cabin, the Fronx utilizes Maruti’s well–known ergonomic expertise, combined with materials and technology that make for a pleasant driving experience over and above your run of the mill vehicle.
The dashboard design is layered and uses contrasting materials, including soft-touch in key touch points and piano black trim surrounding the centrally mounted 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.
It brings a driver focused cockpit with semi-digital instrument cluster featuring analog tachometer along with a multi-information display that provides complete vehicle information.
A flat-bottom steering wheel features controls for audio, phone and cruise, and looks good while serving a practical purpose.
Higher trims feature leatherette-trimmed seating surfaces with contrast stitching, and convenient stow spaces are provided for storing devices and other personal items.
Rear seat can collectively avail adults with sufficient comfort of space together with fellow-wearer AC vents and USB ports (charging only) to meet the modernistic connectivity demands.
Drivetrain Selections: Options aplenty, efficiency ready
Powertrain Variety t is hard to look past the unusual degree of diversity amongst choices of powertrain in the Fronx lineup, as there are a variety of options depending on your concerns.
The 1.2L naturally aspirated machine is rated at around 90 naturally aspirated horsepower and has great reputation for reliability and realizes more than 21 kilometers per liter in optimal conditions.
What’s more is that the 1.0-litre “BoosterJet” turbocharged petrol with about 100bhp and 150Nm of torque is also back in the mix with Maruti’s strategy.
It’s a punchy motor with the urgency down low that’s nice to have around town and yet relatively frugal too; reiterating Maruti’s ‘Chalo, let’s go turbo’ strategy after a short break.
Transmission choices are a slick 5 speed manual, a well-sorted 6 speed automatic and Maruti’s AMT sold as “Auto Gear Shift”.
This difference has allowed the Fronx to serve a range customer wants for levels of driving experience versus convenience (without too much payment in efficiency).
Technology Integration: Wired and Wonderful
The interior of the Fronx gets Maruti’s most recent tech around the SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment. This system also allows for wireless smartphone integration with accessible support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as connected car features such as remote start, climate control, vehicle tracking and geofencing via a dedicated smartphone app.
Advanced safety aspects in the Kwid facelift range from electronic stability control and hill hold assist to as much as six airbags—a list of specifications surpassing segment standards and reflects the ongoing transformation of safety proclivity of Indian customers.
An available 360-degree camera system also brings technology once limited to higher-priced vehicles, which comes in handy while maneuvering into parking spots in crowded urban settings.
Positioning and Present STANDINGS IN THE MARKET.
The Fronx belongs to the strategically-placed model position in Maruti guidelines and unlike many it’s not a replacement but complement to the existing lineup of SUVs.
A Baleno hatchback under the skin but with SUV dimensions, emphasis on unique design and styling and specific features to cater to a different set of buyer wants and needs, employs underpinnings of its hatch sibling to save on production costs.
This makes sense, as Maruti seems to have a good understanding of how the market in India has evolved – that style, brand and image are now important factors at play, in addition to the efficiency and value that ruled the roost earlier. The Fronx appeals to buyers who find the Brezza too staid in visual persona while liking but not loving the full practicality.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is practical product development aimed at market demand rather than creating slots to shove mouth-watering product down thirsty throats.
In mixing crossover cues with established mechanicals and modern gadgetry, Maruti has come up with a winner for those who want to stand out visually without compromising on the underlying reliable and economy that has made it the dominant force it is today.
With the consumer preferences fast evolving towards SUV like vehicles, the Fronx is the perfect testimony to how Maruti doesn’t believe in just going by what the others are doing.
This dispassionate product development that reads consumer’s minds makes us believe that even when subject to intense rivalry, Maruti’s insight into Indian buyers is still supremely sharp.
