iNTERVIEW with Suzuki Fronx

Suzukiā€™s unapologetically bold entry into the compact CoupeĢ SUV segment

Suzuki Fronxā€”yes, that is its real name. No, it's not some typo from a malfunctioning keyboard or a Scrabble-winning hand. Instead, it's Suzukiā€™s 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 itā€™s peppy enough to get you where you need to go without guzzling fuel like a madman. And if youā€™re 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, itā€™s practically a whisper on wheels. And letā€™s not overlook the safety kitā€”a generous array of airbags, ABS, and hill-hold control, all standard.

In every way, the Fronx says, ā€œIā€™m here to disrupt the compact SUV scene.ā€ So, letā€™s dive deeper into Suzukiā€™s funky Fronx and ask it a few questions, starting with...

1. So, Fronx, youā€™re being called a CoupĆ© SUV. Whatā€™s that all about?

Ah, yes, the CoupĆ© SUV. Think of it as my way of showing off some style while still being practical. Iā€™ve got the sleek, sloping roofline of a coupĆ© for that ā€˜too 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 canā€™t have both?

2. People keep talking about your ā€œCrafted Futurismā€ design. Care to explain?

Of course! Crafted Futurism is Suzukiā€™s way of making me look like Iā€™ve arrived from 2035, but without the spaceship price tag. I combine solid build quality with forward-thinking design, meaning Iā€™m as bold as I am practical. Basically, Iā€™ve got the swagger of a supercar, but I wonā€™t make you cry when you hit a pothole.

3. Youā€™ve got a K15B engine under the hood. How does it perform?

Oh, thatā€™s 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 funā€”thatā€™s 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, youā€™ll enjoy the ride.

5. How do you compare to your bigger brother, the Grand Vitara?

Ah, the Grand Vitaraā€”big, strong, and a bit of a show-off. But hereā€™s the thing: heā€™s longer and bulkier at 4.345 metres, whereas Iā€™m a compact 3.995 metres. That makes me a breeze to park in the city, and Iā€™m still spacious enough to seat five adults. Iā€™m the nippy one at family reunions, while the Vitara stands there, flexing. Thereā€™s room for both of us at the dinner table.

6. Youā€™ve been called ā€œfunky.ā€ How do you feel about that?

Funky? Iā€™ll take it as a compliment! Iā€™ve got those bold wheel arches, stylish alloy wheels, and daytime running lights that make me stand out. If funky means Iā€™ve got some personality and Iā€™m not just another boring car on the road, then Iā€™ll wear that badge with pride.

7. Safety is a big concern these days. How do you keep your passengers protected?

I donā€™t mess around when it comes to safety. Iā€™ve 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, Iā€™m built on Suzukiā€™s HEARTECT platform, so Iā€™m light yet super strong. Youā€™re in good handsā€”well, wheelsā€”with me.

8. Whatā€™s this about luxury-level noise dampening in your cabin?

Oh, absolutely. I believe that when youā€™re cruising in style, the last thing you need is the sound of the outside world intruding on your zen. Iā€™ve been fitted with noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) dampening, meaning Iā€™m as quiet as a luxury car when youā€™re inside. No unnecessary engine noise, no tyre roarā€”just you, your tunes, and the road.

9. Speaking of tunes, what kind of tech are you packing inside?

Oh, Iā€™m 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, Iā€™ve 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 questionā€”why should someone choose you over other compact SUVs?

Letā€™s be realā€”do you want just another cookie-cutter SUV, or do you want something with a bit of flair? Iā€™ve got the looks, the tech, and the performance to make every drive fun. Plus, with Suzukiā€™s warranty and service plans, Iā€™m as reliable as they come. Iā€™m 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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