The Fronx name is derived from “Frontier” which refers to crossing a frontier for Suzuki and how its design crosses a frontier between SUV and coupé. The second term is “X”, pointing to its crossover nature.
By Rubin van Niekerk
This well priced, compact Coupé SUV offers style and an efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 77kW at 6 000rpm and 138Nm of torque at 4 400rpm. The Fronx weighs in at a very light 1 010kg. Mostly short distance driving gave an average fuel consumption figure of 7.2 litres per 100km.
Four versions are the Fronx GL and the more luxurious Fronx GLX in five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
It shares the same design DNA called Crafted Futurism as several of the other recent models in the group’s line-up, including the new Grand Vitara and the new Suzuki Baleno.
Dual-layer front lights have a follow-me-home function, large alloy wheels and LED tail lamps. On the GLX model, the tail lamps are connected by a LED light bar that runs the length of the vehicle.
Must-have styling elements included are, 16” alloy wheels (silver on the GLX), roof rails, a rear roof-mounted spoiler with shark fin antennae and high-mounted daytime running lights.
The Fronx is 3 995 metres long and 1 765 metres wide. The 2 520-metre wheelbase ensures that there is more than enough space for five adult occupants in the cabin. The luggage volume is 304 litres with a full-sized 16” spare wheel that expands to 605 litres with a folded 60:40 split rear seat. Ample ground clearance is 170mm.
Standard features include wireless charging, head-up display, climate control with rear-seat ventilation, a leather-clad multifunction steering wheel with buttons for the Bluetooth cell phone connection, audio controls and cruise control.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) dampening creates a level of quietness and fuss-free driving that is rare in this market segment.
The GLX has a larger sized infotainment system and the image from the reverse camera is replaced by a 360-degree composite video image from the front-, side- and rear-mounted cameras. Like most Suzuki models, the infotainment screen offers full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
All versions have ESP (electronic stability programme), hill hold control (HHC), ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
Pricing of R354 900 includes a 5-year/200 000km promotional mechanical warranty, a 4-year/60 000km service plan and a comprehensive 5-year roadside assistance plan.
www.suzuki.co.za
