Overview
AHEAD of a larger national launch, Suzuki Queensland last week had its new Fronx model on display for a small group of motoring media in Brisbane allowing for an early test drive of the incoming mild-hybrid crossover.
The big news on the day was that the Fronx will be priced from $28,990 before on-road costs, which is significantly less than its Japanese crossover competitors like the (series hybrid) Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid ($30,900) and only slightly more than the Swift Hybrid ($26,990).
Powering the Fronx is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 75kW/136Nm, featuring 12-volt mild-hybrid technology that uses an integrated starter-generator and a lithium-ion battery, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic.
A low kerb weight of just 1065kg allows Suzuki’s relatively simple mild-hybrid powertrain to achieve a claimed combined fuel consumption of just 4.9l/100km and we’d hazard a guess that the 1.5-litre engine would be a highly efficient runner regardless of the starter-generator.
This is down on series hybrid options like the aforementioned Yaris Cross, which use a dedicated electric motor to provide drive assist, but not by much with that example returning combined fuel use of 3.8l/100km.
Visually, the Fronx is a ground-up design that looks miles more modern – and sporty – than the outgoing Ignis it replaces in the Suzuki line-up with a particularly attractive rear-end that holds its own amongst the growing field of crossovers.
While Suzuki’s compact crossovers – the Ignis being a prime example – have looked more car than SUV in recent years, the Fronx is every bit an SUV and until the facelifted Vitara arrives sometime next year, we think it’s the best looking option from the brand.
Inside, the Fronx remains a relatively modern affair with enough technology to feel up-to-date with the competition but without the sweeping digital displays or screens the size of iPads many new cars feature – a plus in our eyes.
A nine-inch digital display takes care of infotainment offering wireless phone mirroring and a 360-degree camera – handy for tight inner-city parking – with a Qi wireless charger and plenty of USB ports throughout the cabin.
New for Suzuki is a head-up display that shows vehicle speed, adaptive cruise status, fuel consumption, intersection data, HVAC settings and more, which adds a premium feel to the otherwise simple cabin layout.
Interior space is impressive, given its city-friendly 3995mm length – around 150mm longer than a Swift – with 308 litres of rear luggage capacity and a second row that could easily accommodate three children or, in a pinch, adults.
In terms of safety the Fronx features standard ESP, hill-hold via the electric handbrake, six airbags plus ADAS features like forward collision warning with brake assist, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, and LED lights front and rear.
Suzuki provides a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for the Fronx, but the company advised it no longer offers capped-price servicing for any of its Australian models.
Driving Impressions
The Fronx was revealed to the media in Brisbane before we were handed the keys for a couple of hours.
We beelined for Mount Coot-Tha, offering a taste of inner-city driving and then a run across one of Brisbane’s most iconic mountain roads, before completing our time on the motorway.
From the outset, it was hard to shake the feeling that the Fronx feels eerily similar to the smaller Swift, with its compact body, sharp steering and rev-happy petrol engine – making it an undeniably fun ride around town.
Stretching its legs out of the city, it’s a relatively underpowered affair, but as a city-going crossover, and at this pricepoint, performance is adequate.
Like the Swift, though, its rev-happy nature does make it feel zippier than it is, and in Sport mode the six-speed auto holds gears right to redline, even at part throttle.
The infotainment offering does the job, with the wireless phone mirroring connected via the same mildly confusing process almost every new car requires, and the nine-inch display is useful without dominating the dash.
Comfort is solid, but road noise is present at speeds above 60km/h and that’s likely due to the Fronx’s low kerb weight.
While it isn’t a whisper quiet ride, the simple solution to road noise is to turn the sound system up and at this pricepoint buyers are unlikely to be phased.
Across the top of Mount Coot-Tha, the Fronx proved that it is indeed a fun ride, offering a simple driving experience with balanced steering, braking and enthusiastic acceleration as the engine willingly winds out.
The mild hybrid system, helping to reduce fuel use, is an added bonus – not that you notice it working away.
It was only a short drive, but our take – before borrowing it for a longer evaluation – is that the Fronx is a fun, no frills city crossover that combines the playful character of the Swift with the convenience of a larger body style.
