Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the Fronx later this month, and we compare how the high-riding crossover compares to the car it is based on – the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The Fronx made its global debut at Auto Expo 2023 and sees the return of Maruti’s 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine.
We tell you how the two cars differ, on paper.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno powertrain
The powertrain for both models is the same because they are built on the same Heartect platform. The 1.2-liter gasoline engine in the Baleno produces 90 horsepower and 113 nm, and it can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The 1.2-liter engine that powers the hatchback’s CNG option has the same 77.5 horsepower and 98.5 Nm of torque, but it only works with the manual transmission.
- The Fronx is also offered with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the Baleno.
- But it also gets a 100hp, 148Nm, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
- The turbo-petrol engine also gets Maruti’s 48V mild-hybrid system.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno design differences
The Baleno and Fronx have completely different designs, despite sharing a platform. The Fronx is a crossover with a swooping roofline, whereas the Baleno is a classic hatchback. The Baleno gets a smaller, more streamlined grille, while the Fronx has a bigger grille that looks like the Grand Vitara’s. The Fronx’s addition of plastic cladding to enhance its off-road appeal is another distinction between the two models.
- An LED light bar connects the thin taillights of the Fronx to the car’s rear, while a chrome strip connects the C-shaped taillights of the Baleno.
- The number plate on the Baleno is housed in the back guard, however it is put on the rear end of the Fronx.
- The Fronx gets a shark blade recieving wire though the Baleno gets a traditional recieving wire.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno interior differences
On the inside, there are fewer and fewer differences between the two Maruti Suzuki models. Both get double tone insides, however where the Baleno has a blend of dull dark and blue, the Fronx gets a dark and burgundy finish. The dashboards of the Fronx and Baleno are also slightly different, with the former having thicker chrome accents.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx vs Baleno dimensions
- The Fronx is marginally bigger than the Baleno in all dimensions except the wheelbase, which is identical at 2,520mm.
- The former is 3,995mm long, 1,765 wide and has a height of 1,550mm.
- The Baleno, on the other hand, measures 3,990mm, 1,745mm and 1,500mm in length, width and height, respectively.
- The Fronx also has 20mm more ground clearance than the Baleno at 190mm.
Rivals and positioning
Despite being built on the same Heartect platform, the Baleno and Fronx compete against completely distinct market segments. The Baleno rivals any semblance of the Hyundai i20, Toyota Glanza and Goodbye Altroz while the Fronx contends with the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Hyundai Setting, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Goodbye Nexon.
The prices for the Baleno range between Rs 6.61 lakh-9.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). We expect the Fronx to be priced in the range of Rs 8 lakh-11 lakh.