Over 80 % of the Fronx consumers are selecting the 1.2 petrol engine over the Boosterjet turbo-petrol. We check it out.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a Baleno-based crossover that comes with two engine choices. Whereas we’ve already reviewed the Fronx with the 1.0 Boosterjet turbo-petrol, the main target of this assessment would be the different engine choice – the 1.2 naturally aspirated petrol. The turbo-petrol has extra output and, because of this, extra efficiency, however an awesome majority of Fronx consumers (over 80 %!) are nonetheless choosing the extra inexpensive 1.2 model. So learn on to see what it’s prefer to drive, what its real-world gas effectivity is, and extra.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 petrol engine, gearbox, gas effectivity
Let’s get the numbers out of the best way first – the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine places out 90hp and 113Nm. Codenamed K12N, this engine is down 10hp and 34Nm in comparison with the three-pot Boosterjet. The automobile we’ve examined right here is mated to a 5-speed handbook gearbox, which sends energy to the entrance wheels; there’s additionally a 5-speed AMT computerized on provide.
The 1.2-litre unit is a tried and examined engine, serving a number of others just like the Baleno, Dzire and Swift.
What is maybe the largest draw for consumers of the Fronx 1.2 is its gas effectivity, which Maruti claims is 21.8kpl. In our real-world checks, we managed to get 13.5kpl within the metropolis, which is sweet, and out on the freeway, it returned a formidable 20kpl.
The Fronx 1.2 packs in an auto engine stop-start tech, which contributes to gas financial savings. Curiously, the engine stop-start characteristic will hold the engine turned off at a sign even when cabin temperatures rise larger than the preset local weather management temperature. This helps preserve gas within the metropolis, however on a sizzling day, it may be a trouble, so that you’ll should depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine. Additionally aiding effectivity on the freeway is the engine that spins at round 2,600rpm at 100kph in fifth gear.
The engine’s effectivity is drastically boosted by the auto start-stop tech.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 petrol efficiency, driving impressions
Expectedly, efficiency isn’t full of life – that’s what the Boosterjet is for – however there’s sufficient on faucet to maintain up with the circulation of site visitors. You’ll should rev the engine out to make fast overtakes, however you received’t thoughts doing that, as this 1.2 has a pleasant, fruity exhaust observe.
The engine itself is without doubt one of the smoothest and most refined items in its phase, and that coupled with its gentle controls makes it enjoyable to drive within the metropolis. The clutch is gentle and simple to modulate, the steering can be gentle and simple to twirl in site visitors, and the gearbox is easy and exact.
The engine is tremendous easy and refined, and is coupled with gentle controls.
The Fronx’s low-speed trip is spectacular and it offers with street imperfections with relative ease. And although the trip does really feel bumpy at larger speeds, it’s by no means uncomfortable. It additionally feels well-settled round corners, however the steering that feels at dwelling within the metropolis feels numb round bends and there’s fairly a little bit of play across the straight-ahead place.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 petrol exterior, inside, options
Undoubtedly, the styling is a giant a part of the Fronx’s enchantment. Whereas it’s primarily based on the Baleno, you’ll be hard-pressed to inform so. In actual fact, it has extra cues from Maruti’s flagship SUV, the Grand Vitara, relatively than the Baleno hatchback. The excessive set bonnet, giant grille and the 190mm floor clearance (20mm greater than the Baleno) give it good street presence. Nonetheless, a disclaimer – the Fronx you see right here is clad with equipment like plastic body-moulding with pink detailing, door edge protectors and a parking digicam.
The Fronx appears to be like nearer to the Grand Vitara than it does to the Baleno.
The mannequin examined right here is the Delta Plus variant, which is the top-spec variant within the 1.2 vary. The Boosterjet additionally is available in two larger trims – Zeta and Alpha. In comparison with the range-topping Alpha trim, this one loses out on issues just like the bigger 9-inch touchscreen, a centre armrest with a storage compartment beneath, rear AC vents, diamond-cut alloys, a parking digicam and extra. And whereas this Delta Plus variant within reason outfitted with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Automobile Play, auto local weather management, LED headlights and alloys, it does miss out on some fundamental options, which it actually should have at this value, like a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a rear washer/wiper.
With this powertrain, you solely get the 7-inch touchscreen, and never the bigger 9-inch unit.
Nonetheless, it’s additionally necessary to notice that, like the outside, the inside of our take a look at mannequin additionally featured equipment like brown and black seat covers, flooring mats and an air air purifier.
The dashboard of the Fronx is near-identical to the Baleno’s, save for the totally different color scheme. The entrance seats are supportive and cozy, however the lack of top adjustment for the motive force’s seat will likely be missed by shorter drivers. It’s additionally spacious on the again, with greater than sufficient knee room for taller passengers, nevertheless, the headroom will likely be a bit tight owing to the swooping roofline. You’ll additionally miss comfort options like devoted AC and a centre armrest on the again.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 petrol value, verdict
The Fronx’s enchantment lies in its styling and the street presence it instructions over a Baleno, and comes with the hatchback’s strengths like its packaging, consolation and practicality.
Between the 2 engine choices, it’s straightforward to see why folks select the 1.2L model over the Boosterjet – not solely is it very environment friendly but it surely’s additionally comparatively extra inexpensive. Variant to variant, the 1.2 petrol prices an entire Rs 1 lakh lower than the Boosterjet on the ex-showroom value itself.
Affordability and effectivity are the largest attracts for the 1.2-litre petrol unit.
Maruti doesn’t provide the Fronx 1.2L in fully-loaded high trims, and at Rs 8.72 lakh for the 1.2 Delta Plus, it slots smack in between the better-equipped Zeta (mid) and Alpha (high) variants of the Baleno on value. So actually, it boils right down to how a lot you actually need the crossover aptitude and a bit extra floor clearance.
Additionally See:
Maruti Suzuki Fronx video assessment
Maruti Suzuki Fronx: value, variants, options defined