Affordable Coupe-SUV Option in New Zealand: Introducing the Suzuki Fronx
New Suzuki Fronx to Debut in July: Affordable Mild Hybrid SUV
Suzuki New Zealand is set to launch a new car this July, the Fronx. This coupe-style SUV is smaller than the current Vitara and is expected to sit at a lower price point compared to the Toyota C-HR.
The Fronx is a mild hybrid vehicle, using Suzuki's SHVS technology. Unlike fully electric cars, the Fronx can't drive under electric power alone. Instead, it employs a simple 12-volt setup with an integrated starter generator (ISG), providing a mild power boost under certain circumstances.
The Fronx is based on the platform of the Baleno hatchback, a product of Maruti Suzuki in India. However, the Baleno hatchback was discontinued in New Zealand in 2022. The Kiwi version of the Fronx is likely to be front-wheel drive, with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The interior of the Fronx boasts a "conversation friendly" design, with a high-metered dash inner silencer and sound-insulating walls. Standard features include phone projection, a wireless phone charger, and adaptive cruise control.
The manufacturer of the new Fronx is Suzuki, produced through its Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki since 2023. The Fronx for export features a 1.5-litre engine with the Suzuki hybrid vehicle system (SHVS).
Suzuki New Zealand has been teasing the Fronx on social media and its official website, with the official launch scheduled for July. The Fronx is a portmanteau of "frontier" and "crossover", suggesting that Suzuki aims to push the boundaries of the SUV market with this new model.
The starting price for the current Vitara is $39,990, and while the exact price for the Fronx has not yet been announced, it's expected to be lower due to its smaller size and lower-end hybrid technology. Unfortunately, an all-wheel-drive model has not been confirmed for the Kiwi market.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Suzuki Fronx as we approach its official launch in July.
