Maruti Fronx

The Fronx doesn’t try to be more than what most city buyers actually need from a crossover. Compact footprint, light controls, predictable fuel costs, and a variant range that covers everyone from hatchback upgraders to turbo-automatic buyers. That’s the pitch. Does it hold up? For the most part, yes.

Start with the 1.2-litre petrol, which is where most sales sit. In manual form it’s smooth and easy-going in city traffic, with throttle response tuned for comfort rather than urgency. That actually suits heavy stop-go conditions where drivability matters more than outright pace. The AMT variant has the usual mild lag on aggressive inputs. Not sporty. But if you’re commuting in crawling traffic daily, it keeps your left leg from tiring out and feels like a natural step up from a hatchback clutch.

Want more from the engine? The 1.0-litre turbo is a different car. With 147.6 Nm, mid-range pull is noticeably stronger. Overtaking with a full load or pushing onto an expressway feels more relaxed than the naturally aspirated motor. If your commute includes regular highway stretches, the turbo is worth the price gap. The 6-speed automatic on turbo trims adds genuine convenience, and paddle shifters give you some control on downhill sections.

Fuel efficiency holds up well. ARAI claims of 22.89 km/l for the 1.2 AMT and 21.5 km/l for the turbo manual track reasonably in mixed use, though your real city figures will be lower with AC running in traffic. The factory CNG setup gives the Fronx its lowest per-kilometre running costs. Unlike aftermarket conversions, you keep warranty compatibility. What you lose is boot space. The CNG cylinder takes up a significant portion of the 308-litre boot, and packing for four on any real trip requires planning. Is that saving worth the compromise? Depends on your annual mileage and whether you have a reliable CNG station nearby.

Feature packaging on upper trims is practical rather than decorative. The head-up display, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, and Suzuki Connect on Alpha variants genuinely improve your daily routine. The 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ responds well, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connect without fuss. Six airbags across the range now. Tangible improvement from earlier configurations.

Ride comfort leans urban. Speed breakers and broken patches are handled adequately at city speeds, and 190 mm of ground clearance covers most scenarios without drama. Rear seat space? Fine for two adults. Three across is manageable for short runs, but shoulder room and under-thigh support on the rear bench won’t impress you. Don’t count on three adults being comfortable over a long highway stretch.

Ownership through NEXA is a tangible plus. Parts availability isn’t something you’ll worry about, and service intervals are well-documented. If your shortlist includes the Nexon or Venue, the Fronx’s case is the breadth of powertrain options in one model line and a running-cost record that’s hard to argue with.

Which variant makes sense for you? The 1.2 manual for lowest acquisition cost. The 1.2 AMT if your commute is traffic-heavy. Turbo manual if performance matters but you want to stay below ₹10 lakh. Turbo automatic for convenience and performance together. CNG if monthly fuel savings are your priority and you can manage with less boot space. For most buyers, Delta Plus through Zeta is where the value sits.