Suzuki has launched the new Fronx in South Africa at a starting price of R279,900, making it the cheapest SUV in the brand’s local catalogue.
The Fronx is one of two crossovers that the automaker has launched in the country this year to make up for the loss of the best-selling Vitara Brezza – the other new model being the Grand Vitara.
While the Grand Vitara is more of a mid-range market option, the Fronx is intended to be an entry-level SUV and is based on the Baleno hatchback that launched last year.
With the Fronx now filling a position as one of the only sub-R300,000 crossovers left in South Africa, it’s worth taking a look at what you can expect from Suzuki’s new contender.
What you get
While there are four versions of the Fronx, all of them share the same 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine, meaning the difference between the base GL and the range-topping GLX comes down to equipment, as well as the transmission chosen.
The 1.5-litre plant produces 77kW and 138Nm, which links to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. If you want an automatic, you’ll need to spend another R20,000 to get access to a four-speed self-shifter.
Depending on whether you get the manual or automatic, your fuel consumption will work out to 5.5l or 5.7l/100km, respectively.
Looking at its equipment, the base model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates, wheel arch extensions, automatic LED multi-reflector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and auto-folding side mirrors.
Inside the cabin, the Fronx sports a leather multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning with rear air vents, a 7-inch entertainment screen with Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring, a centre console storage box with an armrest, and two rear USB chargers.
It also features safety-focused items like a reverse camera, cruise control, hill hold assist, dual front airbags, ABS, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and rear parking sensors.
Each purchase of a Fronx includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 4-year/60,000km service plan.
Keyword: Suzuki’s new entry-level Fronx – What you get for R280,000