2 weeks Ago By Surendhar M
Maruti Suzuki Fronx facelift is expected to launch next year in India and it will likely become the first compact SUV to feature strong hybrid tech The Maruti Suzuki Fronx was launched in India on April 24, 2023, after making its public debut at the Auto Expo 2023. Within just 10 months, the compact SUV coupe became the fastest model to reach 1 lakh sales in the domestic market. Capitalising on its success, Maruti Suzuki started exporting the Fronx to markets such as Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East in July 2023.
Manufactured exclusively at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat factory, the Fronx has achieved cumulative sales of over 2 lakh units in both domestic and export markets since its launch and competes directly with the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch in India. It is also the second Maruti Suzuki model to be exported to Japan, following the Baleno’s debut in 2016. Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have seen tremendous success with their Grand Vitara and Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrids.
As both automakers prepare to enter the electric vehicle market in 2025, India’s leading car manufacturer is also planning to expand its hybrid lineup across different price segments ant the Fronx will play a pivotal role in India. Also Read: Fronx Becomes First Maruti Suzuki SUV To Be Exported To Japan The upcoming Fronx facelift, scheduled for release next year, will be the first model to feature Maruti Suzuki’s in-house strong hybrid technology. This setup will utilise the Z12E engine, which debuted on the new Swift.
Future models, including the next generation Baleno, are also expected to adopt this advanced hybrid system. The Fronx will be the first compact SUV to incorporate HEV technology, potentially offering fuel efficiency exceeding 35 kmpl. The facelifted Fronx is expected to receive minor cosmetic and interior updates and will be followed by the hybridised next-gen Baleno and a compact MPV in 2026 with the all-new Swift hybrid reportedly arriving in 2027.
Also Read: Top 10 Compact SUVs July 2024 – Punch, Fronx, Sonet, XUV 3XO, Venue The in-house developed HEV system is said to be designed for easier operation and lower manufacturing costs. Similar to Nissan’s e-Power technology, the petrol engine in these hybrids will function as a range extender. With the market only gradually shifting towards electrification, the localised strong hybrid tech could come in handy as a viable solution for customers’ fuel economical needs.
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