Maruti Suzuki Fronx: The Long-term Ownership Review

Maruti Suzuki Fronx, recent ascent to the top of India’s SUV market can’t be missed. Models like the Grand Vitara, Jimny, Brezza, and Fronx have been leading the charge, though the definition of “SUV” remains somewhat malleable. Among them, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx stands out. It’s more of a hatchback with an adventurous attitude, a raised hatchback as some might say.

But that doesn’t detract from its undeniable charm. Even in my mid-spec Delta+ trim, devoid of the Alpha+ bells and whistles, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx turns heads. It cuts a handsome figure with its broad shoulders reminiscent of a mini-Urus, and the rear end is pure sleekness. This design alone is reason enough to fall for the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

My acquaintance with the Fronx began with a spirited trip to Goa, but Mumbai has been its primary playground since. This bustling city is where the Fronx truly shines. The 1.2-litre engine, the choice of most Fronx buyers, proves its mettle in urban traffic. It offers ample pep and, to my delight, keeps fuel consumption remarkably low. I’m averaging around 13kpl in city driving, mind you, with the auto stop/start function disabled on every trip. While its eco-friendly intentions are commendable, its overeagerness to cut the engine, especially in Mumbai’s scorching heat (taking the AC compressor down with it!), gets tiresome in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

On the flip side, the air conditioning is a champion at battling Mumbai’s inferno. The 7-inch touchscreen seamlessly integrates with my phone, running Android Auto wirelessly without a hitch. The front seats are spacious and supportive, though I lament the lack of driver seat height adjustment in my trim; I find myself perched a bit higher than ideal.

Now, I’m not the biggest fan of AMTs, and the one in the Fronx hasn’t changed my mind. It performs admirably by AMT standards, with smooth enough shifts, but its tendency to upshift prematurely frustrates me on the long, inclined path to my fourth-floor parking. The gearbox fumbles between first and second, forcing me to switch to manual mode just for that final stretch of my daily commute.

Speaking of quirks, the Fronx has one rather annoying one: a 95-second-long seatbelt reminder beep that persists even when the rear seats are empty. Maruti’s absence of seat load sensors means constant seatbelt buckling, a task often neglected by exiting passengers. This also creates the possibility of passengers riding over the belts without triggering the warning, a safety concern.

Despite these shortcomings, the Fronx has seamlessly integrated into my urban life. It’s nimble, frugal, and undeniably eye-catching. All it needs is an infusion of weight sensors, Maruti, and it would be close to perfect. Until then, I’ll keep enjoying its charms while navigating the occasional quirk with a smile.

Despite its hatchback-on-stilts identity, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx cuts a dashing figure with its broad shoulders and sleek rear. Its punchy 1.2-litre engine and frugal fuel consumption make it a city slicker’s dream, while the spacious seats and slick touchscreen keep comfort and convenience in check.

However, an overeager auto stop/start, an annoyingly persistent seatbelt chime, and an AMT gearbox with an affinity for the wrong gear at the wrong time chip away at its urban polish. Still, for those seeking a stylish and fuel-efficient urban runabout with a touch of SUV flair, the Fronx, quirks and all, offers a compelling proposition.