KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Fronx is among the best-selling Maruti cars
- Price range starts from Rs 7.51 lakh
- Available in three different engine options
Last year when Maruti launched its now-popular Fronx, it turned the eyes of everyone. Based on the Baleno hatchback, the Fronx offers a better suspension, an appealing design, & more engine options. If you're also planning to buy it, read our detailed pros and cons of the Fronx below. Also, make sure you've joined our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group for the latest automotive updates.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 3XO 5 Pros & 5 Cons To Know Before Buying
Meanwhile, before you proceed to read these pros & cons below, watch our detailed comparison of Maruti Fronx & Toyota Taisor for a better understanding of this crossover.
Maruti Fronx: Top 5 Positives
1) Appealing & Beautiful Design
The design of Fronx is surely one of the most attractive factors for buyers. Although it is based on Baleno's platform, the Fronx looks like a grown version of it. The overall crossover looks with unique tri-LED headlights, a sloping roof, and connected LED taillights look attractive on the road. Also, the top versions come loaded with nice-looking dual-tone alloy wheels that raise the overall bar in terms of design for the Fronx. We recommend buying Fronx if design is your top priority in this segment.
2) Multiple Engine Options
Maruti offers the Fronx with three powertrains. These include a Baleno-sourced 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, a CNG iteration of the 1.2-litre engine, and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder Boosterjet engine. For buyers with budget constraints, the CNG version and the Sigma variant of the 1.2-litre powertrain are regarded as value for money. But, enthusiasts will love the Boosterjet engine for its quick response and good low-end torque. There is also an option to choose between a 5-speed manual, a 5-speed AMT, and a 6-speed torque converter AT gearbox.
3) Comfortable Ride & Practical Cabin
The suspension of Fronx is very well-tuned for Indian roads. It simply glides over the potholes and undulations at city speeds. The Fronx hardly gets unsettled even if driven fast. On the highway, it's aerodynamic design and low center of gravity provide confident handling. Also, the cabin of Fronx is very practical for family use. The seats are very well cushioned while there are ample storage spaces all around the cabin. For small families, it is a practical choice in this budget.
4) Long Features List & Safety Kit
The Fronx is one of the most loaded vehicles by Maruti in terms of features. It gets LED lights, HUD, a 9-inch floating infotainment screen with connectivity including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, cruise control, rear AC vents, and more to make the occupants and driver feel relaxed utmost. Additionally, the safety kit ensures peace of mind as it gets 6 airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, traction control, 3-point seatbelts with sound warning, etc.
5) Excellent Aftersales Service Support
Maruti is undoubtedly one of the best in the aftersales experience. It remains unchanged with Fronx as well. The aftersales support is extensive and one can easily find authentic spare part stores and Maruti's service centers all across India. Also, the ownership cost of Fronx is reportedly on the cheaper side. The CNG variants are also reliable and the spare parts of the car are readily available at all centers.
Also Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor First Drive Review - Similar To Fronx, Yet Different!
Maruti Fronx: Top 5 Negatives
1) Flimsy Build Quality
The build quality of Fronx is not very sturdy. A few panels on the inside are not up to the mark in terms of quality. Also, the door panels are prone to rattling, which is not an inspiring factor to spend more than Rs 10 lakh on it. Also, it has not been tested for a safety crash test and hence the lightweight body panels don't induce confidence among the buyers who are switching from another brand.
2) Cabin Similar To Baleno
While the exteriors are attractive & beautiful, the cabin of Fronx looks very identical to Baleno. It has the same set of panels, a similar dashboard with unchanged features, and even similar seats. The only difference is the fabric theme colour which makes it a bit different on the inside. Additionally, the rear seat lacks under-thigh support for taller adults. Hence, using it for long trips can become inconvenient for big families.
3) Tiny Boot Space
As Fronx is designed on the platform of Baleno, its dimensions are largely unchanged. Hence, the 308-litre limited boot space is not very practical or usable for long trips; if done with 4 passengers. Also, the loading lip is high which makes the ingress and egress of heavy luggage cumbersome. There are better options in this price range like the Tata Nexon and even the Maruti Brezza that offer a generous space in the boot.
4) Pricey Top Variants
The 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine is one of the smoothest and most refined 3-cylinder engines in India. Its best combination on offer is with the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. However, this combination is expensive to buy. Maruti offers the AT versions starting at Rs 11.96 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi. Hence, the on-road price for the starting Zeta variant goes above Rs 13 lakh; which is pricey. The range-topping fully-loaded Alpha variant costs nearly Rs 15 lakh on-road!
5) Rivals Offer More
Maruti's aim with Fronx was to cater for buyers who love a sporty yet practical crossover. But, the price bracket in which it is available, consists of more potent rivals. In fact, buyers can opt for bigger cars like Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon. In fact, the range-topping variant of Fronx is equal to the Hyundai Creta EX Manual petrol variant when pricing is compared. Thus, the Boosterjet variants lose the VFM tag on Fronx.
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