Suzuki Philippines previewed the upcoming Fronx sub-compact SUV during their 50th anniversary celebration. The Japanese carmaker says it will officially arrive within the country. No prices or confirmed specs were shared, but let’s look into what we saw first-hand during the event.
The name, “Fronx” is a portmanteau of “Frontier” and “Next,” and it does signify Suzuki’s decision to enter the competitive, but fast-growing sub-B SUV segment against the likes of the Toyota Raize, Kia Sonet, and the yet-to-be-launched Nissan Magnite.
Designed first to meet India’s sub-4-meter overall length tax bracket, the Fronx measures in at 3,995 mm in length. Its 1,765 mm in width and 2,520 mm wheelbase puts it in the sweet spot size-wise, while its 1,550 mm height—quite low for a SUV—lends it a sporty silhouette. After its launch in India, its availability has been expanded to include Japan, and most recently, Indonesia and coming soon, the Philippines. Based on its Indonesian market specs, it has a 170 mm ground clearance and weighs about 1,480 kilograms.
The sleek outline of the Fronx is complemented by a modern design. The front has a compound headlight design with a separate Daytime Running Light assembly from the headlights, as is the trend nowadays. There’s a dominant chrome finish on the emblem and grille, but most of the grille is black mesh. A matte silver lip finishes the accent on the front face. It’s connected to the body cladding on the sides and gets bigger at the rear bumper. The rear also has the most eye-catching cue of the Fronx with its LED full width taillight assembly. At each corner are 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/60R16 Goodyear tires.
Inside, there’s a two-tone upholstery for the variant on display. The rear seats have their own air vents and two charging ports, while the front has a floating-type 9-inch touchscreen display, a steering wheel that looks nicked from the Swift, tactile controls for the aircon, and a digital screen flanked by the analog gauges. There’s also a wireless charger under the aircon unit.
Sharp fans might see the presence of a radar on the grille as well as ADAS buttons on the left side of the steering wheel button bank. The Suzuki Safety Support, as the brand calls it, gives the Fronx Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Vehicle Sway Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. If bundled, it could also get Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. A full complement of 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and a 360-degree camera may also be on offer.
Despite the small footprint, the Fronx offers ample storage and cargo space. There’s a 1.1-liter armrest storage, a 4.8-liter glove box, seatback pocket on the passenger side, and a 308-liter cargo hold. If there’s only one caveat, the load space isn’t flat; there’s a huge lip from the opening to the cargo floor.
Suzuki Philippines has confirmed that the Fronx will arrive with their Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) mild hybrid system. The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (K15C) is boosted by an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a 12-volt lithium-ion battery system. All in all, it makes about 103 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 6-speed automatic.
Suzuki Auto Philippines is quick to say that the features of the Fronx is still subject to change until the official launch. However, because that segment is price sensitive, for as long as they price it well, it can be a hit and elevate the brand’s ranking in the sales charts.
Words and Photos by Vincent Villa
Will this get green plates as well like the Ertiga?
ReplyDeleteDo Ertigas still get green plates? Last time I heard, the LTO was clamping down on that.
DeleteThe name, “Fronx” is a portmanteau of “Frontier” and “Next” ---> Maybe Suzuki "Nexfron" would have been a more flashier name? lol
ReplyDeletePwede rin "NeFro", pero tunog dialysis
DeleteOr XTier
DeleteSuzuki PH continuing to push its mild hybrids as if they have a full-on hybrid system is quite deceptive. Anyway, Suzuki PH has to keep price in check if they want this to sell. Stratospheric pricing for the Dzire is a cause of concern.
ReplyDeleteThe Dzire is Suzuki's gift to Vios, City and Seal 5.
DeleteI don't think they have much of a choice, as most emerging market models only get mild hybrids. The only models with full hybrids available I believe is the Vitara and SX4, and parang those are only sold in Europe and Japan
DeleteEspresso automatic is only P660k. This should be around P800k only for AT to satisfy its image as value for money car.
ReplyDeleteNot gonna happen for sure. Look at the new dzire's price. You think fronx will get a lower price than the dzire? I don't think so.. expect for it to have a similar price of the creta. Knowing suzuki ph, hmmmm no further comments, lol!
DeleteThe sharpest looking car in the suzuki line up so far.
ReplyDeleteAnother over price car of Suzuki and after 5 years no value at all
ReplyDeleteLike Vitara gl+ to all grip
Very nice new made in Indonesia small crossover SUV from Suzuki
ReplyDeleteIt'll likely be priced near the mid and high end variants of the best selling made in China small SUV Kia Sonet
may vitara pa ba?? the suzuki jimny holds its value at 80% still after 5 years. Dont generalise.
ReplyDeleteVitara is still produced in Hungary
DeleteGrand Vitara which is made in India was supposed to be sold in the Philippines but the plan was canceled due to pricing issues.
Could have been called " FRONEX" and
ReplyDeletecould be launch at introprice of Php750,000 to 775,000.
"bring in the kei cars". everywhere (get it?) there's tuktuks, and e-trikes
ReplyDeleteNice looking car, reminds me of the old Kona. However, Fronx sounds really bad as a name.
ReplyDeleteNearly 1500kg heavy unladen? Hard pass.
ReplyDelete