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New models from Suzuki are coming thick and fast. The XL6, a six-seater people carrier similar to the Ertiga, was launched just last month. Next month we expect the five-door Jimny to arrive. Right now (arrived in September) we have the Fronx, the subject of this review.
Frontier and Crossover spells Fronx, well sort of. That is what Suzuki says in any case. Think of it as a Baleno on stilts, but with hot looks and with a coupé style.
Rarely do I hear only positive comments about a car wherever I go. The Fronx is one such car. People really like the styling. So much so that I hear that the initial batch of 1 500 units has completely sold out. “Fronx has been an absolute hit in all markets where it is sold, with back order/waiting lists in numerous (most) countries. The factory is working hard to keep up and trying to expand the production to accommodate the demand,” says Henno Havenga, General Manager: Auto Sales and Marketing for Suzuki.
The Fronx is a versatile subcompact crossover based on Baleno underpinnings and equipment, somewhere between rugged and sporty. In essence coupé-like styling while keeping crossover design elements like a raised-body with extra ground clearance, high-profile tyres, wheel-arch cladding and chunky bumpers. It is a smart-, sharp-looking car.
The interior is typical Suzuki and has good functionality and a feeling of quality. The infotainment system is easy to use and the air and temperature controls are real buttons and knobs. The air-conditioner is very effective. The burgundy highlights of the upholstery and the soft bits on the doors and dash are a little different at first but within a day it looks just fine, warming the interior. Fronx features a leather multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, reverse camera, electric windows front and rear, automatic climate control with rear-seat vents and dual rear-mounted USB charging points on all models. The seats are comfortable and the driving position spot on. There is enough space for four adults and their weekend luggage.
The additional equipment on the GLX, adding to the already comprehensive equipment list of the base model, is a head- up display (HUD), 360° camera system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, wireless charger, front side and curtain airbags, colour LCD information display and keyless entry with push-button start.
The solid K15B 4-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine cranks out a sometimes quite noisy 77 kW and 138 Nm, and you can choose between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. I would have preferred a 5-speed auto box, but that is nit -picking. Fuel consumption for the week I drove it was 6,6L/100 km. You should be able to improve this a bit as the engine loosens up and provided you don’t have a heavy foot. The 195/60 R16 tyres give the car a planted feeling which together with the suspension strikes a near perfect balance between comfort and handling. I found the steering light in town but stiff enough for the open road. A lekker little car.
Prices are as follows:
The 1.5 GL Manual is R279 900, the auto R30K more. The GLX costs R315 900 with the auto R20 000 more. The GLX Auto hits the sweet spot to my mind as it has a few, nice to have, luxury elements and additional safety equipment making it really good value for money.
The Suzuki Fronx range comes with a 4-year/60 000km service plan and a 5-year /200 000km warranty. A comprehensive 5-year roadside assistance plan and a 6-year unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion warranty are also part of the purchase price.
The Fronx goes up against cars like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger (they’re all around the R300k-R400k mark). You should also consider something like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, which starts at about R310 000.
