This is Love

Introduction: Goodbye to the Vitara Brezza and a warm welcome to the Suzuki Fronx, produced by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki through its Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki. As a matter of interest, this vehicle was built from the ground up, with a total spend of nine billion rupees going into its development and manufacturing. So, where would such a trendy out the box name come from? I did some research and found that the name Fronx is a portmanteau of ‘Frontier and next! After consultation with my educated mates from St. Pin-e-ton’s, (one of SA’s most prestigious schools!!) and the Oxford dictionary, I can say with authority that this fancy word, “portmanteau” means “a word blending the sounds and combining the meaning of others.” So, like a long and meandering road found in the Swiss Alps, I can eventually tell you that Suzuki cleverly combined Frontier and Crossover (X), to derive the name Fronx.

Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: This compact cross over B segment SUV, boasts a 1.5 Liter K15B, 4-cylinder petrol engine (non-turbo) which produces 77 Kw and 138 Nm of torque, claiming a very good 5.5 Liters per 100 kms of combined driving – I got to 6.5, but my usual heavy foot was in play, especially when running late for the Sharks game, this past Saturday. I really enjoyed the 5-speed manual gearbox, which made for some wonderfully comfortable driving around Durban, whilst I put the Fronx through its paces from standstill to various speed limits and tackling sharp corners with diplomacy. The front and back seats provided ample support and with the five seatbelt warning bells and lights coming on, if you were not strapped up, added an extra peace of mind, whilst driving, knowing that even my naughty mate Marcus, would have been safely strapped in!

Features: The Fronx GLX comes with many standard features, which were a pleasant surprise at this level, but seemingly as the competition increases, the customers demands are too and we will expect more included in your second biggest purchase, apart from your home, going forward. I loved the 360-degree camera system, which is essentially the top Birdseye view projected by the linking of the various cameras around the vehicle. It is really useful and helpful for when parking and reversing and for those that have not been blessed with the ability to innately parallel park, an absolute must have. The convenience of the wireless charger below the dashboard was a bonus and it worked well, with two power sockets above, namely a 12V and A type USB socket. The rear has an aircon vent and 2 USB ports, which is impressive to have with the modern-day fixation and need of the cell phone. Other nice to haves are, Android and Apple car play, BT, EPS, EBD, ABS, 6 airbags, 22.8 cm HD touch infotainment system, LED RDL (Running Day Lights), HUP (Heads up Display) that pops up with the press of a button and gives you your speed and revs in front of you, rear seat ventilation, electric windows all round, electric steering, rear privacy glass, push button start, auto dimming mirrors, keyless entry remote and much more.

Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The Fronx has a definite touch of elegance, style, and presence, with the interior feeling and looking really good. Ergonomically its hard to beat and the quality of materials are of a high standard. I liked the triple tone swatch of black, silver, and burgundy and was overall impressed with the way it is all put together. I love the exterior with its outdoor rugged character combined with a dash of coupe and urban flare. The general styling is fantastic and the Fronx’s black plastic wheel arch trim, gives that added look of adventure and readiness to get out there or simply head into town with its 16-inch two tone multi spoked polished rims. The 308 Liter boot is ample for those trips when you have that sudden urge to get on the road or pack a hebbie, wood and over night bag for that braai celebrating the Sharks victory!

Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: From R324900, Warranty 5 years/ 200 000 kms, 4 years/ 60 000 km service plan with 15 000 km service intervals or every 12 months.

 In Summary: If this is love, then I love it. The Fronx is placed extremely well within this competitive segment, and I would say for exceptionally good reason. In the words of will.i.am, in his song, This is Love…..….if you love it like I love it, and you feel what I feel inside, if you want it like I want it, then baby lets get it tonight, if you feel it, say ”Hell, yeah” (hell yeah)……….!

*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact Suzuki SA*