Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL auto (2023) Review

Looking for a qualty compact crossover at the right price? Suzuki's Fronx offers tech, spec, and safety at the right price and in a handsome package, but should you spend more on the top-spec model, or will the GL model do just fine?

Space & Practicality

The Suzuki Fronx is the budget-friendly crossover South Africans were yearning for and launched with high expectations in August 2023. If you’re shopping in the budget segment, might the Fronx be the quality compact crossover you’ve been searching for? We spent some time in the automatic GL model to find out if this model will suffice, or if you should rather spend more to get a Fronx in GLX trim. (Search AutoTrader for lightly used 2023 Fronx models, here!)

Read Taye’s 2023 Suzuki Fronx launch report here

Styling 

Suzuki is not known for its groundbreaking design as many of their products are focused on the entry-level segment of the market, but the Fronx, despite its humble price tag, looks handsome, rugged, and athletic, and Suzuki has named this new design language ‘Crafted Futurism’.

The Suzuki Fronx represents the “Next Frontier” of SUVs and evokes a daring free spirit. Designed for those who are fearlessly shaping their own path in life, with attitude and style. – Suzuki

It has a bold and aggressive front end with slim DRL headlights (with a follow-me-home function) and jewel-effect foglamps, along with muscular fenders. The sloping roofline and C-shaped pillars give the Fronx a dynamic profile, coupé-like profile. The rear end is also athletic, with an LED light bar that stretches across the tailgate. Outdoorsy roof rails and sexy alloy wheels are part of the deal.

All models also have colour-matched side mirrors with built-in indicators ( while black mirrors are on dual-colour models), but the GLX models have a chrome-plated trim across the side windows. Both variants have silver-coloured faux skid plates in the front, rear, and sides, resulting in a look that enthusiastically asks, “Where’s the action?” And, the Fronx’s ground clearance is a useful 170 mm.

Interior Quality, Comfort & Convenience 

The interior colour choice is quite interesting – the cabin is predominantly black but there are trim inserts of matte taupe, pale rose gold and silver. The black seats also have these taupe-coloured material inserts, but the overall effect is subtle, making it suitable for everybody. Thankfully even the GL model has a leather-covered steering wheel and a central armrest cubby.

The cabin certainly looks hardwearing, but alas – some of the plastic in our new test model, (fresh from the launch), already had visible scratches around the ignition and below the handbrake – but this is really the only flaw that alludes to the Fronx’s humble price tag.

As for the rest of the cabin, the overall quality is still higher quality than the Renault Kiger, for example. The layout is ergonomic, with typical Suzuki switchgear on the multi-function steering wheel and below the 7-inch colour touchscreen (which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. GLX models have a 9-inch touchscreen). Directly below the air-con switches, you’ll find a handy phone binnacle, with a USB port and 12V charging socket on either side.

Rear passengers benefit from dual USB ports as well, along with designated outlets for air-conditioning. The seats are comfortable enough too.

Space & Practicality 

The compact Fronx is spacious enough inside for small families, with enough legroom on row two for taller members of the high school carpool club. The rear middle seat will be a bit tight for adults on longer journeys, but a short trip somewhere won’t be the end of the world.

The boot of 304 litres is a decent size for everyday use and further travels. The rear seats can be split and folded to make more space.

Performance 

The front-wheel-driven Fronx is powered by Suzuki’s widely used 1.5-litre engine (with 77kW and 138Nm), but this 1010 kg crossover has a much better power-to-weight ratio compated to to the larger Grand Vitara. In other words, it feels as though it has a bit more lead in its pencil, and is more fun to drive, especially if you like your motoring on the more unadulterated side. Its top speed is 170 km/h (the manual gets to 175 km/h), but the 0-100 km sprint time is not supplied by Suzuki. Fully laden with people and luggage, the Fronx may struggle a wee bit; especially when going uphill.

When my husband and I took the Fronx for an evening drive along one of our favourite dirt roads in the Overberg, the Fronx performed like a rockstar. It’s well insulated against the loose, rocky surface and feels solid and surefooted, nimble even! Our only regret is that we didn’t have the automatic model. That’s not to say the auto’s bad – for daily traffic-laden life, and to preserve the life of your quadriceps, the automatic transmission will do just fine. But the four-speed feels slow and can be a bit noisy.

Suzuki has equipped the Fronx with a rack-and-pinion steering system, a front suspension using MacPherson struts and ventilated disc brakes, along with a rear suspension system employing a torsion beam design and drum brakes. Built in India, the Fronx will have no issue making its way over poor road conditions.

Fuel Economy 

Fuel economy came to an impressive 6.5 litres per 100 km and you’ll be able to squeeze around 500 km from its little 37-litre fuel tank. This 1.5-litre engine (the K15B), is renowned for being fuel efficient as well as reasonably energetic and is found in an array of Suzuki and Toyota models, like the Toyota Urban Cruiser and the aforementioned Grand Vitara, plus the Baleno, to name a few.

Here’s a pro tip that will also cost you less: Choose the cheaper 5-speed manual over the 4-speed automatic – the manual is a way better match for the 1.5-litre engine, and it’s a little lighter on petrol too. 

Safety 

GL models have two airbags up front, while GLX models have 6, but it’s the stability control we’re most excited about. Other features (standard across the board) include the usual ABS, but the Fronx is also equipped with brake assistance, hill-start assist, cruise control, child locks, Isofix on the outer rear seats, LED lights, LED daytime running lamps as well as headlight levelling. There are also side indicators in the mirror housings and a rearview camera along with park distance control – and this is the entry-level GL model we’re talking about.

GLX models receive get a 360 view camera, auto-dimming mirror, heads-up display, keyless entry with a start button, wireless charging courtesy lighting.

The Fronx relies on the Suzuki HEARTECT platform, which is not only lightweight but also ensures enhanced impact protection while keeping the weight low.

Price 

Pricing is the Fronx’s strongest point, and if you’re seeking value, you can’t go wrong with the Fronx.

  A comprehensive 5-year roadside assistance plan and a 6-year unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion warranty are also part of the purchase price.

Competitors 

The budget crossover segment is quite crowded but quality from the Fronx’s competitors is lacking. I’d certainly avoid the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite in favour of the Fronx. Other cars to consider in this price range include the Mahindra XUV300 and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – but in the Fronx’s defence, Suzuki has a better after-sales reputation. I’m not too sure about the long-term satisfaction of Chery customers just yet; on Hello Peter they’re getting mixed reviews, (Mahindra too), – but in most cases it depends on the specific dealership. Our advice is to do your homework – chat with other Suzuki owners and find out if they’re happy with the service received at their local dealership.

If your budget is slightly bigger, the Hyundai Venue will also be worth your while, but it’s fitted with a smaller, 1.2-litre engine – and frankly, I’d rather have the extra power.

Verdict 

The friendly and funky Fronx is the ideal everyday car for young and old. It’s not without its faults, but I’m willing to overlook them because the price is right.

I don’t think there’s any need to spend more to buy the higher-spec GLX model – unless you want the protection of side and rear airbags as well, and you value the more extensive convenience spec and tech. So, if you don’t have kids, the Fronx in GL trim is a fantastic deal.

Keyword: Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL auto (2023) Review