The new Suzuki Fronx budget crossover is finally here. We put the GL derivative through its paces to see how it stacks up against others in this segment.
There’s plenty to like about Suzuki’s vehicles, from their vibrant design to how cheap they are. You don’t have to drive long before seeing anything from a Baleno, Ertiga, Swift or S-Presso at any given time. Can you believe the Japanese brand has only sold cars in South Africa since 2008? It indeed feels like a lifetime.
The Fronx was first shown to the world in January 2023 at Suzuki's global conference in India and then arrived on local shores later that same year. Even though it’s a completely new offering, the Fronx is categorically based on existing Suzuki models like the Baleno and Grand Vitara, with which it shares numerous mechanical components and visual cues. Its name is certainly unique, but that’s what Suzuki is all about, positively standing out from the rest.
A recipe that works
There’s plenty to like about the compact SUV. Starting with the design, the Fronx features a sloped, coupe-like roof line, black-coated 16-inch alloy wheels and LED rear lights. Suzuki always have a vibrant colour palette and with the Fronx it’s no different. Arctic White Pearl, Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic, Grandeur Grey Pearl Metallic, Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic, Lucent Orange Pearl Metallic, and Bluish Black Pearl are the exterior paint options. Additionally, there are also three two-tone options available.
Under the bonnet is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with outputs of 77kW and 138Nm that can be paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. GL and GLX are the trim levels, with pricing starting from R288 900. Suzuki also claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.5 litres/100km, and in about six days' worth of driving, 5.6 litres was the figure I ended with. Still, we knew that it could be bettered with even stricter economical driving, and we managed a final figure of 5.2 litres, which is pretty darn impressive.
The interior is typical Suzuki with a very simple and to the point layout. The multifunction steering wheel is found in most models in the range and is also very light. The GL derivative comes standard with a 7-inch infotainment screen (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible) that also turns into a reverse camera when needed. Suzuki is very good at repurposing existing parts and technology into their cars, this in turn means less production costs and the quicker the cars are built.
How does it drive?
Sections like the dashboard and door are made of hard plastic, which doesn’t look bad at all but is expected of a car priced so affordably. Two passengers of normal height can sit reasonably comfortably in the rear, though taller ones may have close contact with the roof.
We're glad Suzuki didn’t opt for a smaller engine because the four-cylinder unit is just fine, though its best asset is undoubtedly not speed. It can do overtaking, but you’d have to drop a gear first because there’s very little power higher up the rev range. The handling is nimble and resembles a hatchback (Baleno, obviously), making everything from parking to navigating tight spaces a less stressful turning operation.
Having driven previous Suzuki models, the Fronx benefits from the same mechanically brilliant gearbox – why change a recipe that works? The short ratios are great for city driving and cruising at 120km/h on the highway without sacrificing fuel consumption. However, we suspect the four-speed automatic would suffer a bit in the higher rev range, increasing overall consumption.
Suzukis have a unique feel of how traditional cars used to be—still equipped with a manual gearbox, no over-the-top onboard technology, analogue dials, and powered by small-capacity engines with brilliant economy. Even though the Swift currently leads the line as the brand's best-selling passenger model, there’s every indication that the Fronx will follow in the same direction in 2024.
Aftersales and pricing
Fronx 1.5 GL MT - R288 900
Fronx 1.5 GL AT - R308 900
Fronx 1.5 GLX MT - R324 900
Fronx 1.5 GLX AT - R344 900
The range comes standard with a five-year or 200,000 km promotional mechanical warranty and a four-year or 60,000 km service plan. The purchase price includes a comprehensive five-year roadside assistance plan and a six-year unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion warranty.
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