India's largest passenger vehicle maker Maruti Suzuki India Limited today launched a new compact SUV, FRONX, under its NEXA offering at a starting price of ₹7,46,500, as the country's largest carmaker looks to strengthen its SUV lineup. FRONX was unveiled along with Maruti's Mahindra Thar rival Jimny in January 2023 at Auto Expo 2023.
The all-new SUV FRONX offers a 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet engine which provides an acceleration of 0-60 km/h in 5.3 seconds. According to the company, the FRONX comes with next-gen powertrain and transmission options. For the first time ever, says Maruti, the all-new 1.0L K-Series Boosterjet petrol engine featuring progressive smart hybrid technology will be available in the vehicle for performance enthusiasts.
The FRONX will be available with the choice of a 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Customers can also choose from a 1.2L K-series dual jet, dual VVT engine offering idle start-stop technology. This engine is available with the choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox, as well as a 5-speed AGS transmission.
The FRONX has features such as a head-up display, with turn-by-turn navigation, 360 view camera, wireless smartphone charger, 22.86cm (9”) HD smart play pro+ infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Built on the acclaimed Suzuki HEARTECT platform, the FRONX will come with 6 airbags (driver, co-driver, side & curtain), 3-point ELR seat belts, ESP with hill hold assist and rollover mitigation, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.
Hisashi Takeuchi, managing director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, with the rapid shift in customer preferences towards SUVs, Maruti identified the onset of a new sub-segment in the industry. "The launch of FRONX is a part of our new approach towards pioneering the growth of this segment. Introduced at a competitive pricing of ₹7 46 500/-, the FRONX will pave the way towards strengthening our SUV portfolio along with our existing Grand Vitara, Brezza, and the upcoming Jimny."
He said the FRONX will appeal to a wide range of customers and be a game-changer, with its unique design language and modern features.
Shashank Srivastava, senior executive officer, marketing & sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said the sporty compact SUV FRONX is aimed at young trailblazers who want to stand out with their unique choices.
The sporty compact SUV FRONX boasts a wide range of 10 colours that consist of monotone and dual-tone paint shade options. The 7 monotone shades include – arctic white, splendid silver, grandeur grey, bluish black, celestial blue, opulent red, and earthen brown. The dual-tone colour combinations offer - splendid silver with a bluish-black roof, opulent red with a bluish-black roof and earthen brown with a bluish-black roof.
The Sporty Compact SUV can also be owned via Maruti Suzuki Subscribe, at an all-inclusive monthly subscription fee starting from ₹17,378. Notably, Maruti Suzuki Subscribe allows customers to use a new car without owning it, by paying an all-inclusive monthly subscription fee that comprehensively covers the cost of the vehicle, registration, maintenance, insurance and roadside assistance.
