Driving – A Thrilling Experience of Power, Agility, and Performance in Goa (Hill Top) Vagator.
Overview:
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is not just any ordinary compact SUV car. Its booster jet engine in the 1.0 Litre engines, smart hybrid technology, and impressive features promise an exciting driving experience. We recently took the car on the street of Goa for a spin and and much more, and it left us thoroughly impressed. As we set off on our adventure, the first thing that caught our attention was the Fronx’s manoeuvrability. Thanks to its great turning radius of 4.9 meters, navigating tight city streets and crowded parking lots was a breeze, well not just that we put the car to its best test by taking it on a rough off track as well. The Fronx’s wheelbase of 2520mm further added to its stability and agility, allowing us to take sharp turns confidently. Well not it, the Fronx was put to test by taking it to a challenging experience created by Maruti Suzuki in Goa. The hilltop drags race track awaited us, and we were eager to see the Fronx’s capabilities.
As we pressed the accelerator, the 1.0-litre K10C Booster Turbo Jet engine roared to life, delivering an impressive 100 PS power and 143.7 Nm of torque. The Fronx swiftly accelerated, effortlessly conquering the straight stretches of the drag race track. The power and performance of the Fronx were genuinely exhilarating, and we were left impressed with its quick acceleration and smooth gear shifts. Next up was the hill assist challenge. The Fronx’s ground clearance of 190mm came in handy as we tackled the steep hill slopes of the hill. The hill assist feature ensured the car maintained its position on the incline, giving us the confidence to take on the challenge without hesitation. The Fronx’s powerful engine and advanced technology made climbing up the hill a breeze, showcasing its capabilities as a versatile and capable car for challenging terrains. But the excitement didn’t end there. We were in for another thrilling experience with the drifting challenge. The Fronx’s responsive steering and agile handling made drifting around the corners a delightful experience. The car hugged the curves with precision, and the grip provided by the tires was impressive. The Fronx’s stability and control during high-speed manoeuvres left us with a sense of confidence and thrill.
Power & Terrain Capabilities:
Maruti Suzuki is one of the leading car manufacturers in India, I can bet that you or someone from your family would have definitely owned a Maruti car in this lifetime, since its reliability and confidence to won one cannot go wrong. With a rich legacy of producing reliable and efficient vehicles, Maruti Suzuki has earned the trust and loyalty of Indian consumers. The latest addition to their line-up is the eagerly anticipated Maruti Suzuki Fronx (the name brings a cheeky smile, doesn’t it), a compact car yet to be launched for the masses in India in April. What sets the Fronx apart is its 1.0-litre K10C Booster Turbo Jet engine producing 100 PS with 143.7 Nm of torque, as well as the 1.2-litre K12N Dual Booster Turbo Jet engine, both equipped with Smart Hybrid System with Ideal Start and Stop technology, making it a car to watch out for in this segment.
Both engines in the Maruti Suzuki Fronx are equipped with a Smart Hybrid System that features Ideal Start and Stop technology. This system helps Enhance the car’s fuel efficiency by automatically stopping the engine during idle times, such as at traffic signals, and restarting it when the accelerator is pressed. This reduces emissions, making the Fronx an environmentally friendly choice.
In addition to its powerful engines and smart hybrid technology, Fronx boasts a host of other features that make it a compelling choice for Indian car buyers. The compact car sleek and modern design that will turn heads on the road. The front end features a bold grille with silver cladding underline, sharp Cube shaped LED headlights, and stylish 16 inch alloy wheels ‘that add to its sporty appeal. The cabin is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience, with ample space for passengers and advanced features such as a 9 inch touchscreen infotainment system, , and steering-mounted controls for added convenience and lastly the heads up display with turn by turn navigation.
Safety first and the car has 6 dual airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a 360 degree rear-view camera for enhanced safety during driving and parking with a lot of precision marking.Though the camera quality could have been better.
Exteriors – The Maruti Suzuki Fronx: A Stylish and Distinctive Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a head-turner, combining elements of its elder sibling, the Grand Vitara on one side and Baleno on the other with unique and modern touches on its front face. The Fronx exudes a sense of style and sophistication that sets it apart from the crowd, making it a standout choice in the compact car segment with Hyundai’s Venue or be it the Tata Punch or the Nexon (Non EV). The face of the Fronx bears a striking resemblance to the Grand Vitara the elder brother, with a bold and aggressive stance. The triple Cube style LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs) add a touch of modernity to the design along with the Triangular Cube style LED fog lamps also adds that extra sweet touch, while the chrome slab that runs across along with the grille adds a touch of premium-ness. The muscular open bonnet lines and sculpted bumper give the Fronx a sporty and dynamic look, hinting at its performance capabilities. Moving along the sides, the Fronx’s design takes a distinctive turn. The sloping roofline gives it a coupe-like appearance, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the car along with the block cladding with the chrome makes it truly stand out.
The sharp character lines along the sides add a sense of dynamism, while the stylish 16 inch alloy wheels enhance the overall aesthetics. The rear of the Fronx is where it truly stands out. The LED band that spans from one end to the other is a distinctive design element that catches the eye immediately. It not only adds a futuristic touch to the car but also serves as a signature feature that sets the Fronx apart from its competitors. The sloping roofline extends to the rear, giving it a sleek and sporty look. The overall design of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a perfect blend of sportiness, sophistication, and modernity.
Interior – Tech & Advance Safety Feature of Fronx:
Step Inside the car and one will get confused weather it’s the Baleno or the new addition The Fronx.One of the first things that caught our attention was the signature HEARTECT platform, a signature design philosophy of Maruti Suzuki. This platform not only ensures enhanced safety and structural rigidity but also provides ample space for the passengers, making the cabin feel more spacious and airier.
Speaking of safety, the Fronx takes it to the next level with its array of advanced safety features. The 1.0-litre engine variant has six airbags, including dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags, and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection to all occupants. The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Hill-hold assist and roll-over mitigation adds an extra layer of safety by preventing skidding and providing stability during challenging driving conditions. The Fronx also boasts advanced braking technology with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) along with Brake Assist, ensuring efficient braking performance and reducing the risk of skidding. The infotainment system features a 9-inch touchscreen display with intelligent connectivity. Another swanky-looking heads-up display that provides turn-by-turn navigation. Another convenient feature is the wireless charging pad, which allows cord-free charging compatible smartphones, reducing clutter and keeping the cabin organized, though C type charging in the front is missing.The surround sense, powered by ARKAMYS, provides an immersive audio experience, enhan
cing the entertainment system’s audio quality. The Suzuki Connect system, with over 40 intelligent features, can be accessed via a smartphone, smartwatch, or even through Alexa connectivity, allowing for seamless technology integration into the driving experience.
The comfort of the passengers is also well taken care of in the Fronx. The plush seats provide ample support, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The cabin offers ample legroom and headroom for all passengers, making it a comfortable space to spend time in.
Verdict:
Driving the fronx in the city is definitely a good option since it’s an essay to move car with an impeccable 4.9m of turning radius. Still, it all boils down to its price. Maruti Suzuki has to keep that in check since the Fronx is competing against the Hyundai Venue, which is a very decent compact SUV, also competing against the Nissan Magnite and also Tata Punch and lastly, Nexon, Things that I personally loved about the Fronx was, it indeed has a good ground clearance of 190mm and has features that you would expect in a era of technology, but what takes away the dull monotony is the heads-up display with turn- by turn navigation, which adds the cherry on top. I personally did not relish the driving thrill, but it’s a pretty capable compact SUV if its price is at a good variable in its segment coz the rivals have a lot to offer compared to what is served on the buffet of this all new Fronx. Lastly, it’s a very capable off-roader while we took the car to a test laid out by Maruti team in scorching heat at the hill top (Vagator), the challenge that lets you explore the true capabilities of the car and proudly I had topped teh charts with the timing amongst all the journalists who had come:-) The boot space is small so its not meant for long commuting and for city driving , it has ticked all the boxes expect the price which is yet to be announced.
Pros: Design (Exterior), Comforting seats, Heads up display
Dislike: Less power (Lack of Punch), No side curtains, No Sun roof.