Having already achieved bestseller status in the domestic market, Fronx from Maruti Suzuki is poised to extend its popularity to international shores. As Maruti Suzuki continues to expand its SUV portfolio in response to growing opportunities in the segment, Fronx emerged as a notable addition, making its debut in April of this year. The model has garnered commendable sales traction, with 13,395 units sold in the month of July.
Notably, Fronx’s appeal is transcending borders, as it finds favor in various international markets. This includes destinations such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. In the month of July, Fronx earned the 21st position on the list of most exported made-in-India cars, with a total of 922 units shipped. This number is anticipated to witness an upward trajectory as demand for Fronx gains momentum on the global stage.
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Fronx gets only the 1.5L engine option overseas
South Africa has emerged as a significant market for Maruti Suzuki, introducing certain differentiations between the export models and those tailored for domestic consumption. The Fronx, in particular, exhibits a key variance in its engine options.
While Fronx is available in India with a 1.2-liter petrol and a 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine, the South African market exclusively offers the 1.5-liter petrol motor. This specific engine is already in use in Maruti vehicles such as the Brezza, Grand Vitara, Ertiga, and XL6. Notably, the Maruti Fronx in South Africa commences at a price of RAND 280k (approximately Rs 12.5 lakh).
In terms of performance, the 1.2-liter petrol engine generates 89.73 PS of maximum power and 113 Nm of peak torque, available with either a 5-speed manual or 5AMT gearbox. For the Indian market, the Fronx is also offered with a CNG option, producing 77.5 PS and 98.5 Nm. Meanwhile, the 1.0-liter turbo unit delivers 100.06 PS and 147.6 Nm, coupled with a 5MT or 6AT gearbox. The 1.5-liter K15C engine, utilized in South Africa, provides 100.06 PS and 136 Nm, with transmission options including 5MT and 6AT.
Divergent engine offerings across various markets are a common practice among automakers, influenced by factors such as emission regulations, production costs, pricing strategies, local consumer preferences, and specific government regulations. Maruti Suzuki exports an array of other models, including the S-Presso, Baleno, Swift, Dzire, Celerio, Ertiga, Grand Vitara, and Ciaz.
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Toyota derivative of Fronx will have the same engine options
In line with the collaborative efforts between Suzuki and Toyota, the latter is engaged in developing a rebadged iteration of the Fronx. Toyota has secured the trademark for the name ‘Urban Cruiser Taisor’, which is potentially intended for this rebranded variant of the Fronx. Distinguishing itself from previous badge-engineering endeavors, Toyota aims to create a version of the Fronx that reflects its contemporary visual identity more prominently.
It is noteworthy that the engine options for Toyota’s version of the Fronx will mirror those of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. This uniformity applies to units intended for both domestic and international markets. As a result, the Urban Cruiser Taisor in global markets will also feature the 1.5-liter petrol motor. The list of market-specific features and equipment is expected to be consistent as well.
