- Maruti Suzuki showcased a new Baleno-based crossover at the 2023 Auto Expo.
- The sub-4-meter SUV goes by the name Fronx.
- Powered by a new 1.0-litre Turbo BoosterJet petrol engine.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited dropped another bomb at the 2023 Auto Expo, this time in the form of a new Baleno-based crossover. Christened as the Fronx, the all-new crossover shares its underpinnings with the Baleno premium hatchback. After many spy images doing rounds on the internet, the four-wheeler is finally out in full flesh.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Showcases eVX Concept Electric SUV at Auto Expo
Maruti Suzuki Fronx (YTB): What It Looks Like?
As we all know, the Fronx is based on the Baleno hatch, it sports an almost similar silhouette, minus some changes here and there. Upfront, the four-wheeler gets a prominent mesh grille which occupies the major portion, with a wide chrome strip running across. It is flanked by a pair of LED DRLs, a familiar unit which we have seen on the Grand Vitara. The tri-beam headlamp unit is placed on the lower part of the bumper, housed in a hexagonal bracket.
Moving towards the sides, the ORVMs are a straight lift-off from the Baleno, however, the alloy wheel design is all new and the wheel arches are adequately squared-off in order to maintain the butch appeal. Moreover, it features a slightly sloping roofline. which further connects to the roof spoiler. A set of sleek LED tail lamps, a protruding boot and a broad bumper with a skid plate complete the rear profile.
Inside the cabin, the layout, as well as features, are identical to what we have seen on the Baleno hatchback.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx (YTB): Powertrain
Under the hood, the Fronx draws power from a 1.0-litre Turbo BoosterJet petrol engine, putting out 100 bhp and 147.6 Nm of peak torque. This is the same unit we have seen on the Baleno Cross, albeit in its new BS6 form. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a torque converter 6-speed automatic transmission is also on offer. This new powertrain is mated to the brand's familiar Progressive Smart Hybrid Technology. With this new engine on board, Maruti Suzuki claims a 0-60 kmph timing of 5.3 seconds. Along with this, the 1.2 litre K12C petrol motor is retained, mated to the option of a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox. Power output for the latter stands at 90 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque and it gets the ISS (Ideal Start Stop) technology.
Also Read: Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Hydrogen Showcased At The 2023 Auto Expo
Verdict: The Maruti Suzuki Fronx will sit between the Baleno hatchback and Brezza sub-compact SUV in the brand's line-up. This will give a wider choice to customers, and it will help the company to compete in the sub 4 meter SUV segment, especially the ones which are priced at the lower end of the spectrum.
