All-new compact crossover heading to showrooms this year to take
Japanese small car specialist Suzuki has unleashed yet another new model at the Auto Expo in India this week, in the form of the 2023 Suzuki Fronx, and it’s coming to Australia.
The oddly-named small crossover vehicle will go on sale in India in the coming months and could arrive in Australia later in 2023 where it will ostensibly replace strong-selling, budget-priced Suzuki Baleno hatchback, which was recently-axed over safety concerns.
Set to compete in the same light SUV category as the Hyundai Venue, Toyota Yaris Cross and Mazda CX-3, the Suzuki Fronx is based on the same platform architecture as the outgoing Baleno hatch and could be another budget-priced success for the brand.
Australian specifications have not been locked in but autonomous emergency braking that was missing on the Baleno must be on the list, as it will be a legal requirement for new passenger cars sold in Australia from March 2023.
Other safety features revealed on Indian-spec 2023 Suzuki Fronx include stability and traction control, rear view camera and rear parking sensors plus six airbags, while two engines were announced, a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (66kW/113Nm) and an up-spec 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (74kW/148Nm).
The latter features mild hybrid tech and is almost certain to be the only choice offered to Aussie customers.
All-wheel-drive is not an option, meaning engine power is shuffled to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual.
Prospective owners will be welcomed by a 9.0-inch central touch-screen in the cabin with wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. While a digital head-up display is available, the main instrument panel remains analogue.
Up-spec model grades in India get a six-speaker Arkamys stereo, wireless phone charge pad, satellite navigation, 360-degree surround-view parking camera, automatic climate control, keyless entry and plenty of exterior bling like LED headlights and tail lights, two-tone paint work and 17-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of size, the city-savvy Suzuki Fronx is similar in stature to the Toyota Yaris Cross and should be easy to park thanks to its compact dimensions, measuring 3995mm long, 1765mm wide and 1550mm tall.
Stay tuned for more details on the Aussie arrival timing, pricing and specification of the 2023 Suzuki Fronx.
Keyword: 2023 Suzuki Fronx confirmed for Australia