The new Suzuki Fronx has officially touched down in South Africa, picking up where the Vitara Brezza left off. Here’s pricing for this fresh-faced coupé-style crossover…
Suzuki Auto South Africa has expanded its range by welcoming a new coupé-style crossover into the fold. Meet the new Suzuki Fronx, which slots into the local line-up below the Grand Vitara and indirectly takes over from the outgoing Vitara Brezza.
Revealed in India at the start of 2023, the Fronx is based on the Baleno hatchback but gains extra ride height (with a ground clearance of 170 mm), a “coupé-like sloping roofline” and other distinct styling elements (such as faux skid-plates, front and rear), along with model-specific suspension and steering set-ups. The Fronx measures 3 995 mm long, 1 765 mm wide and stands 1 550 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2 520 mm. The luggage compartment is able to swallow 304 litres.
In South Africa, the new Indian-built Suzuki Fronx range numbers 4 derivatives, with pricing running from R279 900 to R335 900. The local range effectively mirrors that of the Baleno, comprising GL and GLX derivatives.
All models are powered by the Japanese firm’s familiar naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder K15B petrol engine, which here generates 77 kW and 138 Nm (matching the peak outputs of the same engine used in the likes of the Baleno, Ciaz, Ertiga, Grand Vitara and outgoing Vitara Brezza).
The Fronx is offered locally with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The former bears a claimed combined fuel economy of 5.5 L/100 km, while the 2-pedal version sips at a 5.7 L/100 km, according to Suzuki. Interestingly, neither the atmospheric 1.2-litre motor nor the turbocharged 1.0-litre mild-hybrid powertrain offered in India is on the menu for South Africa (at launch, anyway).
The GL specification includes items such as black 16-inch alloy wheels (wrapped on 195/60 R16 tyres), automatic LED headlamps, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Apple CarPlay), a reversing camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and roof rails. The dual-tone cabin (featuring black and burgundy trim) scores a trio of USB ports (2 Type-A and a single Type-C)
Meanwhile, the GLX trim adds items like polished 16-inch alloys, a 9-inch infotainment system, a 4.2-inch information display, wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, keyless entry (with push-button start) and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.
Range-wide safety features include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold control and dual front airbags. The flagship GLX specification furthermore upgrades to 6 airbags. The colour palette comprises 6 exterior hues, 3 of which are available in conjunction with a black-painted roof.
For the record, the outgoing 6-strong Vitara Brezza range – which has technically been discontinued though is seemingly still on runout – is priced between R269 900 and R337 900, while the 4-strong Baleno line-up’s bookends are currently R239 900 and R311 900.
Interestingly, Toyota is expected to reveal a new model based on the Fronx later this year. Judging by a recent trademark application in India, the Toyota-badged version may well end up being called the Urban Cruiser Taisor.
How much does the new Suzuki Fronx cost in South Africa?
Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL 5MT – R279 900
Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL 4AT – R299 900
Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 5MT – R315 900
Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT – R335 900
The prices above include a (“promotional”) 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
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