The all-new Suzuki Fronx has become the latest hit in Maruti’s lineup in India. Launched in April 2023, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is already among the volume drivers with an average monthly sales crossing 10,500 units.
Built on Suzuki’s lightweight HEARTECT platform, and priced between INR 7.46 lac (PKR 25.57 lac) and INR 13.13 lac (PKR 45.0 lac) (ex-showroom), Suzuki Fronx comes available with two engine options— one is a 1.2L Dual-Jet Dual-VVT naturally aspirated petrol unit good for 89hp and 113Nm and the other is a 1.0L turbocharged Boosterjet petrol engine that punches out 100hp and 147Nm. The 1.2L naturally aspirated unit is paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT gearbox, while the 1.0L turbo is available with a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission.
Interestingly, the Fronx turbo petrol is averaging just around 750 units on a monthly basis with a share of 7.1% in total volume. On the other hand, the Fronx naturally aspirated petrol is averaging around 9,800 units each month, contributing 92.9% to the overall volume, according to the data shared by Maruti.
Additionally, the data revealed that a greater number of consumers opt for the manual version of the Fronx over the automatic one. The Fronx automatic (AT + AMT) has a 23.8% share in total volume whereas the Fronx manual has a share of 76.2% in overall sales.
Besides impressive looks, it is the rich list of features & equipment for a reasonable price tag that has helped make Suzuki Fronx a real success in the segment where it competes against the likes of Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet in the highly competitive Indian market. The SUV is adorned with LED multi-reflector headlamps complemented by LED DRLs, LED rear combination lamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The multi-tone cabin boasts a 9-inch HD Smart Play Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, head-up display, Arkamys surround sound system, and wireless charger.
In terms of safety, the Suzuki Fronx is equipped with 6 airbags, including front, side, and curtain, 360-degree surround camera, three-point ELR seatbelts, electronic stability program (ESP) with hill-hold assist and rollover mitigation, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Related: Suzuki Fronx Becoming a Massive Hit in South Africa
The Fronx built in India is also being exported to various other markets including South Africa where the vehicle has become a massive hit too. According to Henno Havenga, General Manager of Auto Sales and Marketing for Suzuki Auto South Africa, the Fronx has been an absolute hit in all markets where it is sold, with long backorders/waiting lists in most countries. The factory is working hard to keep up and trying to expand production to accommodate the demand.
Regretfully, Suzuki has limited its sales in Pakistan to small hatchbacks. Its other endeavors, such as introducing imported Vitara, Ciaz, and Kizashi, were a marketing disaster. Particularly in the cases of the Vitara and Ciaz, which were outrageously priced cars devoid of the amenities they offered in corresponding models in other markets.
Related: Car Sales in Pakistan Hitting Below the 20-year Sales Average
Vehicles like the Ertiga, XL6/XL7, and Fronx have a lot of potential in our market, but the oligopolistic nature of operations prevents Suzuki from entering the domain of Honda and Toyota, and the latter two from introducing hatchbacks. As mentioned above, the base Fronx variant in India comes even cheaper than the 660cc Suzuki Alto here, while the top-spec variant is priced almost as same as the 1000cc Cultus (Celerio) in our country.
However, given the current economic situation and the challenges that assemblers are facing, we doubt Pak Suzuki would launch a new car in Pakistan. As a result, a policy overhaul is desperately required to stimulate the auto industry and restore sales momentum, which has now hit a 20-year low level.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
