Since 2020, Suzuki South Africa has been experiencing a tremendous growth, rapidly vaulting into the top-three passenger car segment. This growth was also not a fluke, as Suzuki South Africa is constantly breaking new sales records.
Suzuki South Africa is also not hanging around. This year alone saw them launching several new cars, as well as completely new models. Of these, the Grand Vitara and the Eeco were the latest. The manufacturer is also set to launch their all-new XL6, as well as the five-door Jimny.
But first, let’s talk about the new Fronx.
Dubbed as the SUV version of the (what we think) stellar Baleno, the new Fronx is set to fill the shoes of the outgoing Vitara Brezza. It therefore joins the Suzuki South Africa stable as the most compact SUV.
The Fronx is set to be sold in four derivatives (two GL two GLX models), while each model will be powered by the trustworthy 4-cylinder 1.5 liter (K15B) petrol engine as found in the Baleno, Ciaz, Ertiga, Grand Vitara, as well as the JB74 Jimny. The result is 77kW and 138Nm.
The GL models will feature 16-inch alloy wheels, automative LED headlamps, a touchscreen media system, climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and roof rails. We think this entry-level GL offering is a superb bang-for-your-buck option, as it even comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, a reversing camera, cruise control, as well as two USB (Type-A and Type-C) ports.
The GL models will be sold for R279 900 (5-speed manual) as well as R299 900 (4-speed automatic)
In turn, the GLX models will feature even larger 16-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch infotainment system, as well as a digital 4.2 inch information screen (behind the steering wheel), keyless operating (stop/start and entry), a 360-degree camera, and a heads-up display. All this for R315 900 (5-speed manual) and R335 900 (4-speed automatic).
These Suzuki engines have been proven for their overall fuel consumption as the 5-speed manual gearbox in the Fronx is set to deliver a combined consumption of 5.5l / 100km, whilst the 4-speed automatic should achieve an average consumption of 5.7l / 100km.
Comparing it to the Baleno, the Fronx is 5mm longer (3995mm), 20mm wider (1765mm), and 50mm taller (1550mm height) from the ground. This is thanks to a 170mm ride height, as well as an improved suspension to cater for this raised ride height.
The Fronx range will also see ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and two airbags in the front. The GLX version meanwhile offers six airbags in total.
By comparison, the Baleno range is priced from R239 900 to R311 900, which in our opinion is also still one of the best offerings in the 5-seater hatchback segment. However, should you wish to sit a little higher, the Fronx will be the new dark horse in the compact SUV segment.
Funny name but cool car, I think this should sell really well and would love to take this to Swakop and Walvis for the December holidays