It isn’t every day we get an entirely new model from Suzuki, so when we do, its kind of a big deal. The Swift, Ignis, Jimny and Vitara have been Suzuki namesakes for a generation, so to have a something like “Fronx” join the party, we all sit up and take notice.
The name Fronx comes from blending two words and their meaning together, “Frontier” and “Crossover” which gives you “Fronx,” naturally. In international markets, the Fronx has been making waves, particularly in India, where it also happens to be built, selling more than 300,000 already. Even in its native Japan, Fronx has tripled Suzuki’s sales expectations.
Therefore, I guess it was inevitable for Suzuki New Zealand to welcome this sales star to our market. As a replacement for the ageing Baleno hatchback, the Fronx on paper shows itself to be a far greater package in terms of usability.
At a quick glance, you can see some elements of S-Cross in the design, but once you begin to take in the details, you realise the Fronx has a look which is far more unique. A set of slim, and yet mischievous looking LED headlights sit above dual LED Daytime Running lights. Betwixt them is a gloss black grill with chrome garnishes and centre mounted Suzuki emblem. At 3,995mm long, 1,765mm wide and 1,550mm, the Fronx sits on Suzuki’s HEARTECT “B” platform and is still in keeping with the petiteness unique to just about every car under their sphere of influence.
One of my favourite aspects of the design is in the rear, especially that LED taillight cluster which stretches the full width of the boot. You also have pronounced rear haunches and a grey underbody lip which completes the ensemble, plus a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. There is no doubt the styling of the Fronx is unmistakably Suzuki, which is certainly not a bad thing, but those subtle touches have helped to distance it from its siblings and envelope a more modern and contemporary look.
The sole GLX spec level comes with Suzuki’s K15C 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 12-volt Mild Hybrid system with ISG (Integrated Starter Generator). This works by converting kinetic energy into electric go when you accelerate, and charge it again when you lift off.
A new six-speed automatic transmission rather than a CVT sends 75kW and 136Nm to the front wheels. So, not a powerhouse then, but it was never supposed to be, especially when you factor in that frugal mild hybrid combined fuel figure of 5.4L/100km. During my week with the Fronx I was averaging 6.1L/100km which certainly wasn’t too shabby either.
Inside you get some hard plastics but they layout of everything here is ergonomically sound, with all switchgear and the 9” touchscreen infotainment screen within easy reach. Ahead of you, along with a crisp looking head up display is a set of white on black analogue dials, something which is becoming more of a rarity these days, and a 4.2” colour LCD screen depicting everything from fuel consumption, battery charge status etc.
The plush seats up front, of which are leather clad and heated sit you upright but still leave you feeling snug and secure. Sitting in the back, there is more legroom there than many of us might think. The rear seats are also just as nice to sit in as those in the front. Entry and exit are not quite so comforting due to the ever-so-slightly sloping rear roofline. I found myself having to duck slightly getting out. Pop the boot and you 304L of space. You can also choose from two different boot levels if you need to carry something somewhat loftier in frame.
A huge plus for the Fronx is the level of standard equipment you get for your bit over $30,000. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, parking sensors all around, lane departure warning/prevention, USB A and C charging ports in the front and rear, traffic sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert, and dual sensor brake support.
A press of the starter button and we are ready for the off. The gear lever comes out a long way which means you don’t have to rummage around for it when you want to take your hand off the wheel to select reverse, which is nice. It’s a relatively short throw too.
When it comes to the urban jungle, the Fronx is in its element. With a kerb weight of 1055kg, it does feel lively in the corners with minimal body roll and direct steering. The six-speed auto box is grand in feel and responsiveness and thanks to the mild hybrid extra electric oomph; you can motor along at a decent pace while sipping away those fossil fuels, plus letting the ISG do its thing by seamlessly shut things off or start them up again when required.
However, if you feel like a more spirited drive and venture into Sport mode it gets going though what starts as meaty delivery of power does tend to taper off once you exceed 4000rpm. Plus, the four pot engine note isn’t the most refined sounding note out there.
Home for the Fronx is not rearranging your fillings with immense acceleration, but sauntering around your hometown and relaxed jaunts on the motorway. Settling down at speeds between 80kph to 100kph and the Fronx makes for an excellent day-tripper too.
Rounding things up, it’s important to remember the new Suzuki Fronx also sports a five-year warranty and a price tag of $31,990 + ORC, though if you want a two-tone paint scheme that will be an extra $1,000. So, aside from those few niggles, what you have here is one heck of an all-rounder and something which Suzuki should have no trouble finding homes for.
RATING: 7.7/10
