Maruti Suzuki Fronx Vs Baleno: Key Changes

Maruti Suzuki unveiled several new models and concepts at this year’s Auto Expo. While the Jimny 5-door may have taken the spotlight, it is the new FRONX which could be more important for the brand’s fortunes. Since the crossover is based on the Baleno, we take a closer look at the biggest changes between the two. 

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Vs Baleno: Exterior Design

While it is based on the Baleno, the design of the New FRONX is markedly different to the hatchback. It gets elements inspired from the New Grand Vitara. The front end features a split headlight setup flanking a large grille for a more aggressive look compared to the Baleno, which gets a more angular headlight and grille setup. Both vehicles’ side profile is similar, but the new crossover appears more rugged due to its flared wheel arches and black body cladding. Moving to the rear, the new FRONX provides LED tail lights connected by a light bar setup and a faux skid plate while the Baleno offers simple split units with a chrome bar in the middle.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Vs Baleno: Interior Features

Unlike the exterior, the interior of the new FRONX is almost the same as the Baleno’s except for the new brown and black theme for the crossover. Features also remain the same, you get Maruti’s Smartplay Pro+ 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, auto climate control, reverse parking sensors, keyless entry, a 360-degree camera, paddle shifters on the auto variants, Suzuki’s connected car tech, a 6-speaker audio setup from Arkamys, cruise control, ambient lighting, and more. The FRONX also adds wireless charging, something the Baleno misses out on.

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Maruti Suzuki Fronx Vs Baleno: Dimensions

One look at the numbers and you will notice that the Fronx and Baleno are very similar in size. This is not surprising as the crossover is underpinned by the same HEARTECT platform that is also used by the premium hatchback. Even the wheelbase stays the same at 2,520 mm while the Fronx has slightly more height, width, and length, mainly due to the increased ground clearance, extra body cladding, and bigger bumpers.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Vs Baleno: Powertrain Details

FRONX is being offered with two petrol powertrain choices. This includes the 1.2-litre K-Series N/A motor that also does duty on the Baleno, and makes the same power and torque outputs. Maruti is also bringing back its 1-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol motor for the crossover as it becomes the only model to be offered with this engine. Both powertrains get mild-hybrid tech, with the Boosterjet variant also getting regenerative braking and torque assist during acceleration.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Vs Baleno: Expected Pricing in India

Prices for Maruti Suzuki Baleno range from Rs 6.49 lakh for the Sigma trim, going up to Rs 9.71 lakh for the top-end Alpha AMT variant. While the automaker has not announced prices for the Fronx yet, it is expected that the crossover will cost around Rs 1 lakh more than the Baleno’s trims, with the flagship variant coming in at Rs 12 lakh or thereabouts. 

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