Suzuki debuted the all-new Fronx compact SUV at the Auto Expo in India in January 2023. The vehicle was formally launched in the Indian market in April, following which it started reaching export markets in July 2023.
The vehicle is being shipped from India to markets including Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Suzuki Fronx has proven to be such a hit in South Africa that the company is now struggling to meet demand.
According to Henno Havenga, General Manager of Auto Sales and Marketing for Suzuki Auto South Africa:
“We were able to secure around 1,500 units for the first 3 months of sales, and hope to keep the number as strong as possible. We are truly grateful for the overwhelming positive response from the market.”
Havenga went on to add that Fronx has been an absolute hit in all markets where it is sold, with backorder/waiting lists in most countries. The factory is working hard to keep up and trying to expand production to accommodate the demand. He said Suzuki South Africa has made their requirements clear, to try and secure as much stock as possible and keep the waiting list as short as possible
Suzuki Motor South Africa is keeping up its model lineup expansion by providing affordable hatchback and compact crossover options. As a result, Suzuki has gained a substantial market share and frequently ranks among the top five automakers in terms of monthly passenger car sales in the South African market.
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The company will want to sell as many Fronx cars as possible before the rumored arrival of its Toyota-badged clone in 2024. As a reminder, Suzuki and Toyota currently have a technology-sharing arrangement under which the latter has access to Suzuki’s low-cost vehicles in exchange for Suzuki beginning to harness Toyota’s new energy drivetrain technology. Bear in mind Toyota already sells the Suzuki Eritga-based Rumion, Suzuki Baleno-based Starlet, Suzuki Brezza-based Urban Cruiser, and Suzuki Celerio-based Vitz in South Africa.
While the Fronx sold in the Indian domestic market comes with a choice of 1.0L turbo and 1.2L naturally aspirated engine, the Fronx for the South African market gets a 1.5L naturally aspirated K15B petrol engine, the same deployed in the Baleno hatchback. The engine is good for 105hp and 138Nm and comes paired with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission options.
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In terms of features, Fronx gets a 9.0-inch free-standing SmartPlay infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, and comes equipped with a 360-degree camera as well. As for safety, the 2023 Suzuki Fronx comes equipped with up to 6 airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, Hill Hold Assist & Roll Over Mitigation, and ISOFIX anchorage. Available in 4 variants, the price of Fronx in South Africa ranges between ZAR 279,900 (PKR 40.47 lac) to ZAR 335,900 (PKR 48.57 lac).
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
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