Maruti Fronx Facelift Spied With Possible ADAS, Rear Disc Brakes
The updated compact crossover could receive revised styling, additional safety equipment and the Baleno’s new 1.2-litre petrol engine.
Maruti Suzuki is working on a facelift for the Fronx, with a test vehicle recently spotted featuring changes to the front grille and hardware that could indicate additional safety equipment. The updated model is also expected to receive feature upgrades, potentially drawing from the recently refreshed Baleno.
While the test vehicle remains heavily camouflaged, the visible changes suggest that the facelift could focus on improving the Fronx’s equipment package alongside minor exterior revisions.
Maruti Fronx facelift: What has changed?
The most noticeable change is a redesigned front grille, which appears to accommodate a sensor module at the centre. This could be linked to an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), although its presence and the functions it might support have not been confirmed.
The test vehicle also appears to feature front parking sensors, an addition that would make low-speed manoeuvring easier compared with the current model.
The LED headlamps and daytime running lights appear unchanged. However, camouflage around the lower front section makes it difficult to establish the extent of the bumper revisions. Changes to the rear bumper are also possible, but the test vehicle does not reveal enough detail to confirm them.
In profile, the test mule appears to retain the existing dual-tone alloy wheel design. A more significant change is visible at the rear wheels, which appear to be equipped with disc brakes instead of the drum brakes offered on the current Fronx. This could improve braking performance, although the final specification will need to be confirmed.
Fronx facelift could get additional cabin features
The spy shots do not reveal the interior of the updated Fronx. However, the Baleno facelift could offer an indication of the equipment changes being considered for the crossover.
Potential additions include ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery and a Clarion-branded audio system. These features have not been confirmed for the Fronx facelift, and the dashboard layout is expected to remain broadly similar to the current model.
If introduced, the additional equipment could improve the Fronx’s appeal in a segment where convenience and comfort features play an important role in purchase decisions.
Maruti Fronx facelift may get Baleno’s new 1.2-litre engine
One of the more substantial potential changes concerns the naturally aspirated petrol engine. The facelifted Fronx could adopt the Baleno’s new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine in place of the existing 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K12N unit.
In the Baleno, the Z12E produces 83hp and 112Nm of torque, compared with 90 HP and 113 Nm from the Fronx’s current 1.2-litre engine. The new powertrain could therefore bring a modest reduction in peak output, with fuel efficiency potentially being one of its advantages.
The engine is expected to be offered with a 5-speed manual and an automated manual transmission (AMT). A factory-fitted CNG option could also be part of the updated range, although its availability and transmission combinations remain unconfirmed.
The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is expected to continue. In the current Fronx, it develops 100 HP and 148 Nm and is paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed torque-converter automatic.
Maruti Fronx facelift: Expected price and rivals
The current Fronx is priced between Rs. 6.90 lakhs and Rs. 12.03 lakhs (ex-showroom). The facelift could bring a price revision depending on the extent of the equipment and powertrain changes.
The updated model will continue to compete with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Citroen C3.
The addition of driver assistance technology, rear disc brakes and more cabin features could strengthen the Fronx’s equipment offering. However, the extent of these upgrades, the final engine lineup and the revised prices will become clearer closer to its launch.
