It must be very confusing when you’re shopping for a new small crossover or SUV nowadays. There are just so many to choose from.
Thankfully, there is a model from no less than a legacy brand that will meet most, if not all, of your subcompact crossover needs (and wants).
That model is the Fronx, the newest contender from the popular small car specialist, Suzuki. I got to drive the new Fronx twice in the last three months — the first was an overnight trip to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan in September, and more recently, for a week here within Metro Manila. Offhand, I can say that the Fronx is well poised to take over where the bestselling Suzuki Vitara left off three years ago.
First of all, the Fronx has the looks, sporting much more eye-catching styling than previous, or even recent, Suzuki models. The highly detailed front end has a boldly assertive blacked-out grille bracketed by upscale-looking slim DRLs. The triple-lens headlamps are mounted low on the bumper in their own distinctive housing. A very premium-looking fascia.
The side profile best showcases the Fronx’s sporty vibe, with taut lines and large fender openings that are squared off at the top. The roofline tapers downwards towards the rear, continuing with the sharply raked backlight, creating a very sporty coupe-like silhouette not unlike that of a Porsche Macan.
The rear view, often the least flattering for most vehicles, continues the perky, youthful vibe. Like the front, it also looks highly sculpted, with lots of detailing on the tailgate and bumper. The flared rear fenders add visual muscle, especially when viewed from the rear. Full-width LED taillamps, roof spoiler, and prominent under-bumper diffuser in matte silver add sporty and upscale elements. Altogether, the Fronx pulls off a style that elicits positive reactions on the road.
Does the performance live up to the sporty styling? It does, within reason, of course. Powering the Fronx is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine or the same 1.5-liter engine mated to Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid system (a mild hybrid system) that makes use of an Integrated Starter Generator and a lithium-ion battery. Three transmission options are available: a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic for the GL and a 6-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) for the midrange GLX and flagship SGX hybrid.
On the road, the Fronx proved to be a willing and eager companion. The naturally aspirated engine doesn’t deliver overwhelming power, put its peppy enough—and the transmission is responsive enough—to feel energetic in city driving. Overtaking on the expressways needs only a deeper press on the throttle, although the paddle shifters proved especially useful during spirited drives up winding roads to keep the engine in its torque sweet spot.
Riding comfort is top-notch for a small vehicle, even over bumps and potholes, while handling proved nimble through winding roads. Steering feel is excellent, while the brake pedal proved wonderfully easy to modulate. The stiffness of the chassis and the NVH suppression measures, evident in the low noise levels inside the cabin, likewise proved very impressive.
Best of all, Suzuki’s vaunted fuel economy was at the fore of the Fronx performance. On my drive up north, we logged a fuel consumption of 17 km/li with my heavy-footed driving. (An official AAP fuel economy run netted a highway figure of 27.98 km/li.)
The interior presents yet another solid effort. It looks great, has excellent build quality, offers good space, and boasts a generous array of comfort and convenience features. You won’t find a sunroof or power seats, but there’s not much else not to like inside the cabin. There’s good head and legroom up front and in the back seat. The gauges are easy to read. You’ll feel soft-touch materials on all touch points. The flagship SGX variant boasts a very upscale black-and-burgundy color theme with high-gloss silver accents.
There are audio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. The floating infotainment touchscreen isn’t competing to be the largest in its class, but it is easy and intuitive to use. There’s a wireless charging pad on the forward part of the center console (for the SGX variant), USB charging ports for the front and back, and AC vents for the rear occupants as well. Plus, points also for fitting analog buttons and switches for controls (i.e., side mirrors and AC) that too many new cars now require you to fiddle with on the touchscreen. The old school handbrake lever is a nice analog touch that never gets old.
On the safety front, the Fronx has recently been awarded the full 5-Star rating by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), attesting to its world-class standards in occupant safety in collisions. The flagship Fronx SGX comes with Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) features in its Suzuki Safety Support, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control, Head-up Display, 360-degree camera, six airbags (dual front, side and curtain) and more.
The Fronx comes in four eye-candy colors: Magma Gray Metallic, Snow White Pearl (available also in two-tone with a Cool Black Pearl Metallic roof), and Savannah Ivory Metallic and Ice Grayish Blue Pearl Metallic (both in two-tone with Cool Black Pearl Metallic roof).
The Suzuki Fronx starts at P1,059,000 for the entry-level GL, goes up to P1,219,000 for the mild hybrid GLX, and tops out at P1,299,000 for the range-topping two-tone mild hybrid SGX.
With top-notch styling, excellent build quality, a spacious interior, solid fuel economy, and polished driving performance, the Suzuki Fronx is one solid subcompact crossover that will put a smile on your face every time you look at it, drive it, or ride it.
Photos by the author
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