iNTERVIEW with Suzuki Fronx
Suzukiās unapologetically bold entry into the compact CoupeĢ SUV segment
Suzuki Fronxāyes, that is its real name. No, it's not some typo from a malfunctioning keyboard or a Scrabble-winning hand. Instead, it's Suzukiās unapologetically bold entry into the compact CoupĆ© SUV segment, a daring fusion of sleek rooflines and SUV brawn. It's as if a practical hatchback and a rugged off-roader had a rebellious love child, and the result is this: the Fronx. This little stunner arrives with both flair and functionality, appealing to those who want a bit of rugged style without sacrificing urban versatility.
Packed with a trusty K15B 1.5-litre engine delivering 77 kW, the Fronx isn't here to burn rubber, but itās peppy enough to get you where you need to go without guzzling fuel like a madman. And if youāre the type who likes a hands-off approach, the four-speed automatic option has you covered.
Inside, Suzuki has dialed up the "Crafted Futurism" design language with just enough high-tech features to make a James Bond car blush: multifunction leather steering, cruise control, a 9-inch infotainment screen on GLX models, and a 360-degree camera view. With all the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) dampening thrown in, itās practically a whisper on wheels. And letās not overlook the safety kitāa generous array of airbags, ABS, and hill-hold control, all standard.
In every way, the Fronx says, āIām here to disrupt the compact SUV scene.ā So, letās dive deeper into Suzukiās funky Fronx and ask it a few questions, starting with...
1. So, Fronx, youāre being called a CoupĆ© SUV. Whatās that all about?
Ah, yes, the CoupĆ© SUV. Think of it as my way of showing off some style while still being practical. Iāve got the sleek, sloping roofline of a coupĆ© for that ātoo cool for schoolā vibe, but I still rock the chunky, rugged SUV frame because, well, I like to get out there and explore. Who says you canāt have both?
2. People keep talking about your āCrafted Futurismā design. Care to explain?
Of course! Crafted Futurism is Suzukiās way of making me look like Iāve arrived from 2035, but without the spaceship price tag. I combine solid build quality with forward-thinking design, meaning Iām as bold as I am practical. Basically, Iāve got the swagger of a supercar, but I wonāt make you cry when you hit a pothole.
3. Youāve got a K15B engine under the hood. How does it perform?
Oh, thatās the heartbeat! My 1.5-litre engine delivers a zippy 77 kW, which is perfect for city driving and the occasional road trip. Plus, I weigh just over a tonne, so I can give you enough punch without guzzling fuel like a V8 monster. Efficient yet funāthatās how I roll.
4. Are you more of a manual or automatic kind of SUV?
Why limit yourself? I come with both a five-speed manual for those who like to feel every gear shift, and a four-speed automatic for those who prefer to let me handle the hard work. Either way, youāll enjoy the ride.
5. How do you compare to your bigger brother, the Grand Vitara?
Ah, the Grand Vitaraābig, strong, and a bit of a show-off. But hereās the thing: heās longer and bulkier at 4.345 metres, whereas Iām a compact 3.995 metres. That makes me a breeze to park in the city, and Iām still spacious enough to seat five adults. Iām the nippy one at family reunions, while the Vitara stands there, flexing. Thereās room for both of us at the dinner table.
6. Youāve been called āfunky.ā How do you feel about that?
Funky? Iāll take it as a compliment! Iāve got those bold wheel arches, stylish alloy wheels, and daytime running lights that make me stand out. If funky means Iāve got some personality and Iām not just another boring car on the road, then Iāll wear that badge with pride.
7. Safety is a big concern these days. How do you keep your passengers protected?
I donāt mess around when it comes to safety. Iāve got the usual suspects like ABS, electronic stability, and hill hold control, but I also throw in up to six airbags if you go for the GLX model. ISOFIX anchors for child seats? Check. Plus, Iām built on Suzukiās HEARTECT platform, so Iām light yet super strong. Youāre in good handsāwell, wheelsāwith me.
8. Whatās this about luxury-level noise dampening in your cabin?
Oh, absolutely. I believe that when youāre cruising in style, the last thing you need is the sound of the outside world intruding on your zen. Iāve been fitted with noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) dampening, meaning Iām as quiet as a luxury car when youāre inside. No unnecessary engine noise, no tyre roarājust you, your tunes, and the road.
9. Speaking of tunes, what kind of tech are you packing inside?
Oh, Iām all about that digital life! I come with a 7-inch infotainment system on the GL, but my GLX models get a 9-inch screen with a full 360-degree camera view. Plus, Iāve got Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even wireless charging. My cabin is a tech paradise, so you can stay connected while on the move.
10. Final questionāwhy should someone choose you over other compact SUVs?
Letās be realādo you want just another cookie-cutter SUV, or do you want something with a bit of flair? Iāve got the looks, the tech, and the performance to make every drive fun. Plus, with Suzukiās warranty and service plans, Iām as reliable as they come. Iām the SUV for those who want to stand out from the crowd, without breaking the bank.
The numbers
Engine: 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine
Power Output: 77 kW at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm
Transmission:
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Vehicle Weight: 1,010 kg
Dimensions:
Length: 3.995 m
Width: 1.765 m
Wheelbase: 2.520 m
Ground Clearance: 170 mm
Luggage Space:
304 litres with rear seats up
605 litres with rear seats folded (60:40 split)
Wheels: 16ā alloy wheels (195/60 tyres)
Infotainment System:
7-inch touchscreen on GL models
9-inch touchscreen with 360-degree camera on GLX models
Safety Features:
2 airbags (GL)
6 airbags (GLX)
ABS with EBD
ESP (Electronic Stability Programme)
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Other Features:
Roof rails, shark-fin antenna, LED daytime running lights, 16ā spare wheel, follow-me-home function (standard across all models)
Cruise control (standard)
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) dampening
Keyless entry with push-button start (GLX)
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity
Wireless charging (GLX)
Head-up display (GLX)
Colour Options:
Arctic White Pearl, Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic, Grandeur Grey Pearl Metallic, Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic, Lucent Orange Pearl Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl
Warranty: 5-year/200,000 km mechanical warranty
Service Plan: 4-year/60,000 km service plan
Roadside Assistance: 5 years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty: 6 years, unlimited kilometres
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