Suzuki Fronx
WHAT IS IT?
The peculiarly named Fronx is a compact crossover – it’s basically a hatchback (a Suzuki Baleno) with SUV styling, but boy has it nailed that SUV styling! And the name? It apparently comes from ‘Frontier’ and ‘X’. The explanation makes sense, but when you need to explain a name, you may have missed the mark, especially when there’s confusion in how its pronounced.
WHY THIS?
SUVs sell, and (relatively) inexpensive cars sell, and sexy cars sell. The Fronx is all these things and more, so it’s going to, you guessed it, sell! It’s also a fantastic little car to drive, is backed by Suzuki reliability and is really fuel efficient. It’s the complete package.
OUTSIDE
Based on the Suzuki Baleno it may be, but the Fronx looks nothing like it. What it does look like, if you squint just right, is a Range Rover Evoque-inspired SUV coupé. The sweeping roofline is especially effective when the vehicle is two-tone, with a black roof, while the big, bold wheel arches add to that SUV stance. Up front, the job of lighting up the road is split, with a triploid cluster of LEDs alongside the grille, and a narrow headlight up above. The rear lights, also LED, are connected by an LED light bar that runs the width of the car, and at night this really is effective.
INSIDE
The interior is simple, but while that sounds like criticism, it’s far better than being too busy. A large touchscreen (7-inch as standard, and 9-inch on the GLX model) has made buttons redundant, other than for the climate control system. The steering wheel, clad in leather, has buttons for the cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and infotainment system.
In terms of features, the Fronx is well equipped for the price point with cruise control, aircon, electric windows all round, reverse camera, multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It’s safe too, and all versions have at least two airbags, ESP (electronic stability programme), hill hold control (HHC), ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and Isofix child seat anchors on both sides of the rear bench seat. The GLX also has front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
While front passengers have loads of room, that coupé roofline means less headroom for the rear occupants, although it’s still not bad.
THE DRIVE
Here’s where the Fronx really excels. All models have a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 77kW of power and 138Nm of torque. That may not sound like all that much, but because the Fronx is pretty light, it feels as though there is way more power than there actually is. The five-speed manual transmission is brilliant and combined with the peppy engine makes for real fun behind the wheel. The four-speed auto is another option in the GLX model.
FINAL WORD
The elephant in the room is the Toyota Starlet Cross, because it and the Fronx are the same car made in the same factory by the same people. There are a few cosmetic differences. Personally, I feel like if you’re going to buy one of these two, buy the Suzuki – Suzuki deserves the sale for actually designing the car and building it.
GO GET IT
The Fronx starts at R298 000, which is exceptional value for money, while the top-of-the-pops GLX auto is R355 900. Prices include a 5-year/200 000km warranty and a 4-year/60 000km service plan as well as a comprehensive 5-year roadside assistance plan and a 6-year unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion warranty. Visit https://www.suzukiauto.co.za/cars/fronx for more.
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