Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno; Performance, Features, and More

Maruti Suzuki unveiled the brand new Fronx crossover SUV at the recent 16th Annual Auto Expo. Previously, I was under the impression that Maruti Suzuki’s new crossover would be his Baleno beefed up, but now it turns out that the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a midsize version of his Grant Vitara. Several times earlier, tests with camouflage were found. The Baleno-based Fronx SUV sits between the Breza and Baleno. The Baleno, on the other hand, is his one of the most popular and best-selling premium hatchbacks in the country. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between Fronx and Baleno. Here are his two comparisons regarding performance, features, rivalry, and more.

performance

The Fronx compact SUV is available with two petrol engine options. The 1.2-liter K-Series Dual Jet Dual VVT engine produces 113Nm of peak torque at 4,400 rpm and 89 bhp of maximum power at 6,000 rpm. -Series turbo petrol engine develops 147.6Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,500rpm and 99bhp at 5,500rpm. This engine has all his 6-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, 5-speed manual transmission and 5-speed AMT. Interestingly, it also has an all-wheel drive system.

As for powertrain, the Baleno has the option of a 1.2 liter naturally aspirated unit, single engine with stop/start technology, producing 88.5bhp and 113Nm. This can be combined with either a 5-speed manual or multi-AGS automatic manual transmission. CVT has been discontinued. As for fuel economy, the Maruti-Suzuki returns a respectable 22.3km/l in the manual variant and 22.9km/l in the AGS-equipped Baleno.

Also Read: New Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: comparison

interior and function

The newly introduced Fronx has a comparable cabin layout. The interior features a dual-tone design scheme. To emphasize its rugged appearance, the dashboard has a unique matt coating that resembles forged metal and silver inserts. The list of features also includes a heads-up display, rectangular air vents, a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel with buttons, and a floating 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system. The car also includes a 360-degree camera and Suzuki His Connect that offers over 40 advanced connected car features.

The most significant changes to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno are inside, where Maruti Suzuki has installed a class-first head-up display and 360-degree camera. Baleno includes a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system. The new infotainment system features a high-definition display, an easy-to-use user interface and advanced voice assistance. Also includes premium sound acoustic tuning with “Surround Sense” powered by ARKAMYS. The New Age Baleno comes standard with Suzuki Connect, the next-generation telematics technology. The New Age Maruti Suzuki Baleno also has six airbags (driver, front passenger, side and curtain). The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is equipped with ESP and Hill Hold Assist. Other standard safety features include ABS with EBD, driver and passenger seat belt reminders, rear parking sensors and a high speed alert system.

Size

The Fronx crossover SUV uses the same platform as the Baleno. This makes it look like a big car, but the actual dimensions are very similar to the Baleno hatchback. Both of these models are less than 4 meters in length for tax benefits and other reasons. The Fronx is only slightly larger overall than the Baleno, but has the same wheelbase. Interestingly, the luggage compartment is slightly smaller than the Baleno.

price

The Maruti Fronx starts at about ¥800000000000000000000000 and could cost as much as ¥100000000000000000 more than the corresponding 1.2L petrol model Baleno. The Fronx is the top-of-the-range automatic variant with a 1-liter BoosterJet variant and is expected to cost Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). For comparison, the Baleno costs from Rs 6.49 lakh to Rs 9.71 lakh (ex showroom).

Also Read: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno First Drive: Review

rival

A potential contender for cars in both the hatchback and subcompact SUV segments, the Fronx offers an interesting balance between the two. It will probably initially be seen as an alternative to the Baleno and Brezza. Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue are just some of the subcompact SUVs that can be considered rivals.

The Baleno, on the other hand, is considered a pure hatchback, competing with the Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 and Tata Altoros.