In the realm of compact SUVs running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the Hyundai Exter and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx stand out as noteworthy contenders. These vehicles offer a blend of efficiency, practicality, and features. Let’s delve into a comparison of the two to determine which one takes the lead in terms of technology and features.
Safety First: Hyundai Exter CNG Takes the Lead
When it comes to safety, the Hyundai Exter CNG takes a confident stride ahead. It impressively comes standard with six airbags across all variants, enhancing passenger protection in case of an unforeseen event. Additionally, all seats in the Exter are equipped with seat belt reminders, promoting seat belt usage for all passengers. On the other hand, while the Maruti Suzuki Fronx does offer six airbags, this feature is exclusive to the top-tier model. In the CNG variants of the Fronx, twin airbags are provided. Both vehicles ensure safety with 3-point seat belts and ISOFIX seat anchors for all seats.
Parking Made Easy: Hyundai Exter’s Advanced Rear Parking System
Hyundai goes the extra mile to ensure parking convenience and safety. The Exter is equipped with a rear parking camera and sensors, allowing drivers to maneuver their vehicle into tight spaces with confidence. This feature provides a visual aid, showing the driver the immediate surroundings and the distance to obstacles. In contrast, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx relies on traditional parking sensors that use ultrasonic technology to detect and calculate the distance between the vehicle and nearby objects. However, the effectiveness of these systems ultimately depends on the driver’s judgment.
Monitoring Tire Pressure: Exter’s Technological Edge
Hyundai’s commitment to safety extends to the Exter’s standard inclusion of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a pioneering feature in this segment. TPMS not only provides real-time tire pressure readings but also sends warnings if pressure drops below safe levels. Moreover, it offers valuable information about the distance to empty range. Tire pressure is a critical factor in vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, as it directly affects braking performance and overall road grip.
Infotainment Delights: Entertainment and Connectivity
Both the Exter and the Fronx offer impressive infotainment systems. The Exter boasts an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice command functionality and wired smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Furthermore, it treats passengers to a premium audio experience with six speakers. In contrast, the Fronx features a 7-inch touchscreen, but it compensates for the slightly smaller screen with the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The CNG trims for both models come with four speakers each, providing a decent audio experience. However, neither vehicle offers wireless phone chargers, a feature some tech-savvy consumers might miss.
Under the Hood: Engine Specs and Pricing
When it comes to power and pricing, both vehicles offer compelling options. The Hyundai Exter CNG is available in two variants: S CNG and SX CNG. The base S CNG is priced at Rs 8.24 lakh (ex-showroom), while the more feature-rich SX CNG comes in at Rs 8.97 lakh (ex-showroom). The Exter CNG is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine, delivering 68bhp and 95.2Nm of torque.
On the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG front, there are also two variants: Sigma and Delta. The Sigma variant is priced at Rs 8.41 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Delta variant is slightly more expensive at Rs 9.27 lakh (ex-showroom). Under the hood, the Fronx CNG boasts a 1.2-liter powertrain, producing a robust 76bhp and 113Nm of torque. Both vehicles come equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
In conclusion, the Hyundai Exter CNG and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG offer distinct advantages in various aspects. The Exter shines in safety, advanced technology with TPMS, and an appealing infotainment system. On the other hand, the Fronx counters with wireless smartphone connectivity and a slightly more powerful engine. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences, with each vehicle catering to a specific set of needs and desires in the compact CNG SUV segment.
