NOW that ‘Dezember’ festive is done and dusted- its back to reality.
Reality was when I had a privilege to test the Suzuki Fronx unit for a longer period.
And yes, we did off-roads, gravel and potholes synonymous in my province Bokone Bophirima- North West. As a driver by now you should have an issue with your insurer- if you haven’t like me, then damn, you’re a good driver!
While outputs of 77 kW and 138 Nm aren’t significant, the Fronx has the advantage of a relatively low kerb weight (of 1 015 kg). With not much mass to propel, there’s no need for a punchy motor, so the Fronx doesn’t feel short of overtaking urge.
The average fuel consumption figured at 5.5 L/100 km and, despite our enthusiastic driving, Fronx indicated a stable 6.1 L/100 km. Visiting a filling station only took place after a long haul.
The K15B engine also has a free-revving nature and doesn’t mind being “spun” through the range, especially if you’re overtaking trucks, busses and tractors on the open road.
Boasting a generous ground clearance (170 mm) and chunkier tyres, it came in handy for wet roads and sometimes mud, as one approached a dorpie Sannieshof, that experienced a lot rain. Farmers should be smiling from ear to mouth this season, including yours truly, who has cattles.
Many were impressed its levels of ride refinement, noise-, vibration and harshness suppression in the cabin, as well as eager performance, thanks to its offroader-inspired elements such as extra ground clearance, high-profile tyres, wheel-arch cladding and chunky bumpers.
The auto derivative is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and its application develops 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque.
Safety is key in all Suzuki brands, and this was felt since most of the time, I was on long roads, if not delivering veggies for Gogo, it was picking up my Nieces, or Nephews.
They did enjoy the basics namely a smartphone-compatible infotainment screen, a reverse-view camera and climate control, and others.
Given the Fronx’s higher centre of gravity, it exhibits a degree of body roll when you corner enthusiastically. The steering is light and easy to use, though.
The back passenger windows are tinted which made it ‘cool’ as per admiration from my traveling crew Nieces and Nephews- and I remarked “nothing to frown about”.
It is not spacious including the boot but it will carry you from one point to the other safely.
The Fronx is the latest addition to Suzuki’s small crossover line-up. It’s essentially a raised-body variant of the Baleno hatchback.
It was launched in Cape Town in 2023 (I did attend the launch).
The Suzuki Fronx is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan as standard.
| Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL 5MT | R279 900 |
| Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL 4AT | R299 900 |
| Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 5MT | R315 900 |
| Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT | R335 900 |
Performance 1-10 (4)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Image (The Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL is a deal-breaker).
