SUZUKI has launched its newest cut-price crossover domestically, revealing the mild-hybrid Fronx to media in Brisbane because it gears as much as start electrifying its SUV vary – with the all-electric eVitara to comply with early subsequent yr.
The Fronx – which mixes the phrases ‘frontier’ and ‘crossover’ – replaces the Ignis however includes a mild-hybrid system that places it head-to-head with common fashions just like the extra superior (collection hybrid) Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid ($30,900) – albeit from a compelling $28,990 earlier than on-road prices.
That’s solely marginally greater than the smaller Swift Hybrid ($26,990) and the much more fundamental Ignis ($24,490) that it replaces, so it’s clearly priced to promote and Suzuki sees the mannequin competing throughout varied segments.
“I’ve conversations with sellers the place while within the business we prefer to assume that individuals are taking a look at vehicles inside a class, however very often a buyer goes ‘effectively I’ve bought this a lot cash, what can I get?’” mentioned Suzuki Queensland Basic Supervisor Paul Dillon.
“We see our (Fronx) clients as anybody inside that worth bracket, being a possible purchaser – and it doesn’t need to be an SUV, it is perhaps somebody taking a look at passenger vehicles.”
Except for the myriad Chinese language manufacturers providing sub-$30k driveaway worth tags, the Fronx undercuts Japanese opponents regardless of being a well-appointed, well-warrantied hybrid mannequin, and the group at Suzuki Australia hope model heritage is sufficient to win over patrons.
“We expect the purchasers who like Suzuki, or anyone that has owned a Suzuki or is aware of somebody who does, I might prefer to hope they transfer in the direction of this as a substitute of these different choices,” added Mr Dillon when discussing manufacturers newer to the Australian market.
The Fronx makes use of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 75kW/136Nm, that includes 12-volt mild-hybrid know-how that makes use of an built-in starter-generator and a lithium-ion battery, driving the entrance wheels through a six-speed computerized.
Based on Suzuki, the Fronx sips a claimed 4.9 litres per 100km (mixed) and, at simply over a tonne, its gentle weight probably performs a big function in reaching such frugal gas use.
Visually, the Fronx represents a daring new design for Suzuki, with pumped guards that run the size of the automobile, entrance and rear-end LED lights and a sloping crossover profile that appears suitably dominant.
Inside, the brand new mannequin includes a nine-inch infotainment show with wi-fi cellphone mirroring and a 360-degree digicam, whereas a Qi wi-fi charger and loads of USB ports deal with system charging.
A primary for Suzuki is a brand new head-up show that exhibits info like automobile pace, adaptive cruise standing, gas consumption, intersection knowledge and extra, lowering the necessity to look on the sprint.
It’s additionally spacious regardless of measuring up at simply 3995mm size – round 200mm shorter than a Yaris Cross – with 308 litres of rear baggage capability and respectable second-row legroom.
The Fronx additionally will get Suzuki’s newest lively security suite with options like ahead collision warning and brake help, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keep help and rear cross site visitors alert.
Suzuki has outlined that the Fronx will land at dealerships from September, provided with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Capped-price servicing, nonetheless, has been scrapped for Australian fashions.
2025 Suzuki Fronx pricing*:
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Hybrid (a)
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$28,990
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New mannequin
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*Pricing excludes on-road prices.
