Maruti Suzuki’s Fronx has crossed the 1 lakh sales milestone in record time, and the Indian auto giant isn’t resting on its laurels. To further solidify the Fronx’s market presence, Maruti is considering expanding its variant offerings, specifically focusing on introducing higher trims equipped with the trusted 1.2-litre petrol engine.
Powerhouse Under the Hood:
The 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, churning out 88bhp and 113Nm, is a veteran in Maruti’s lineup. Found in several models, it’s known for its robust performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Currently offered in the Fronx with a choice of 5-speed manual or AMT transmissions, this engine has already found favor with a significant portion of Fronx buyers.
Climbing the Trim Ladder:
Presently, the 1.2-litre petrol variant tops out at the Delta trim. However, Maruti is contemplating the introduction of top-spec Zeta and Alpha trims for the 1.2-litre engine, catering to customers seeking a more premium and feature-rich experience.
Price Point Predictions:
Expect a premium for these higher trims, potentially up to Rs 70,000 compared to the Delta Plus AGS/Delta CNG variants. This price difference would be justified by the additional features and enhanced driving experience offered by the Zeta and Alpha trims.
Feature Feast:
Here’s a breakdown of the potential feature upgrades from Delta Plus to Zeta and Alpha:
Zeta Variant:
- Safety additions like side and curtain airbags, rearview camera
- Convenience features like wireless charger, paddle shifters (AT only), tilt & telescopic steering, push start/stop, height-adjustable driver seat, front center armrest, rear AC vents, rear USB charging
- Interior accents like front footwell illumination, connected LED taillights with LED strip, rear wiper/washer, chrome door handles, Suzuki Connect suite
Alpha Variant (over Zeta):
- Tech highlights like head-up display, 360-degree camera, auto IRVM, 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with Arkamys Surround Sense, cruise control
- Premium touches like auto-foldable ORVMs, precision-cut alloy wheels, UV cut glass, dual-tone exterior option, leather-wrapped steering wheel
Facing the Competition:
The Fronx 1.2L will face stiff competition in the higher trim segment. Key rivals include:
- Hyundai Venue SX(O) Turbo: Starts at Rs 11.48 lakh
- **Tata Nexon XZ+ (O) DT: **Starts at Rs 12.75 lakh
- Kia Sonet GTX+ DCT: Starts at Rs 12.89 lakh
Conclusion:
Maruti Suzuki‘s move to introduce higher variants for the Fronx 1.2L demonstrates their commitment to catering to diverse customer preferences. By offering a wider range of options with varying features and price points, the Fronx is poised to attract a larger audience and solidify its position in the competitive compact SUV segment. With its established powertrain, feature-packed trims, and competitive pricing, the Fronx 1.2L’s premium variants hold significant promise in the Indian market. Stay tuned for official announcements and further updates on this strategic expansion by Maruti Suzuki.
