By Otsile Kadiege

Sometime last year there were rumors on social media about Suzuki’s plans to introduce a crossover based on the new Baleno. Well, it turns out those rumors were true. The automaker unveiled the new Baleno-based crossover dubbed Fronx at the 2023 Auto Expo held in Dehli, India.

Exterior design

Outside, the newcomer has a sporty look and adopts a few design cues from some of Suzuki’s latest models. Up front, the new Fronx boasts a mesh grille with a chrome bar which links with the slim and aggressive-looking daytime running lights (DRLs). The lower section of the front bumper houses crystal block LED headlights with a triangular-like housing.

In profile, the Fronx sports alloy wheels, roof rails, contrasting wheel arches and gets improved ground clearance (official details are yet to be shared). At the rear, the sporty-looking newcomer features LED taillights with an integrated LED light-strip and a large rear diffuser.

Interior design and tech

The Suzuki Fronx’s interior design looks identical to the Baleno’s cabin. Highlights include a 9.0-inch touch display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a configurable head-up display, 360- view camera and a wireless charging pad. All of the above mentioned features are most likely reserved for the highest spec model.

Safety

On the safety side of things, the new Fronx comes equipped with ABS with EBD and brake assist, six airbags, ESP with hill hold assist and rollover mitigation and ISOFIX child seats anchor to list a few. The newcomer will be built on the automaker’s HEARTECT platform.

Powertrains

In India, the Fronx will be powered by a 1.0-litre K-series Turbo Boosterjet petrol engine paired with the brand’s Progressive Smart Hybrid technology. It’s mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The other powerplant is Suzuki’s K-series 1.2-litre Dual-Jet, Dual VVT engine with start/stop technology and paired to a 5-speed manual transmission or Suzuki’s AGS (Auto Gear Shift) gearbox. Official performance figures of the above-mentioned engines are yet to be shared.