Is the “Baby Grand Vitara” still the king of compact SUVs, or should you wait for the massive 2026 update? Here is the honest truth.
If you have been eyeing the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, you are not alone. With over 2 lakh units already on Indian roads, it is the car everyone is talking about. It looks like a premium SUV, drives like a hatchback, and saves money like a true Maruti.
But before you sign that cheque, you need to know the real story—from the shocking safety news to the upcoming hybrid mileage beast.
1. The Look: Why We Love It
Let’s be honest, the Fronx is a looker. With its “Crafted Futurism” design, it borrows the bold front grille from the Grand Vitara and the sporty cuts of a coupe. It doesn’t look like a hatchback on stilts; it has a squat, wide stance that looks fantastic on 16-inch alloy wheels.
- Best Bit: The connected LED tail lamp bar at the back makes it look wider and premium at night.
2. Petrol vs. CNG: The Mileage Truth
Maruti knows Indian families love efficiency. Here is the real-world breakdown:
- For the Savers (CNG): The Fronx CNG is a wallet-saver. It claims 28.5 km/kg, bringing your running cost down to just ₹2.8 – ₹3.0 per km. However, you will lose boot space and have to shift gears manually.
- For the City Slickers (Petrol AT): If you hate traffic, the Petrol Automatic is “lazy in a good way”. It is smooth and effortless, but it will cost you about ₹6.5 – ₹7.0 per km to run.
- For the Enthusiasts (Turbo): The 1.0L Boosterjet engine is back! It does 0-60 km/h in 5.3 seconds. It’s punchy for overtaking but can get a bit boomy if you push it hard.
3. The Safety Warning: What You Must Know
Here is the controversial part. While the India-spec Fronx comes with standard 6 airbags, ESP, and Hill Hold Assist, the car recently faced a tough test internationally.
In the rigorous ANCAP (Australasian NCAP) crash test, the Fronx scored a 1-star rating. Why? The structural integrity wasn’t the sole blame. A specific failure occurred where the rear seatbelt detached during impact, which is a serious concern for rear passengers.
- Note: Maruti has recalled cars in Japan for a different issue (rear brake caliper bolts), showing they are active in fixing faults.
4. Leaked: The 2026 Hybrid Update!
If you can wait, something huge is coming. Reports suggest a Fronx Facelift is in the works for 2026 with a proper Series Hybrid system (HEV).
- The Hype: Expect a mileage of 35+ kmpl!
- New Tech: It is rumored to finally get ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and a refreshed interior.
5. Should You Buy It?
Buy it if: You want a stylish city car that is comfortable, feature-loaded (360-degree camera, Head-Up Display), and backed by Maruti’s service network. The 1.2L engine is a gem for reliability.
Skip it if: You frequently travel with adults in the back seat (headroom is tight and safety is currently under scrutiny) or if you absolutely need a sunroof and rear armrest, which are missing.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
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