Maruti Suzuki Fronx Hybrid Spotted Testing: To Get ADAS
Maruti Suzuki is working on a major update to its hot-selling Fronx. The crossover SUV is expected to get a slew of new features and a hybrid powertrain on the facelift. Now, spy shots of the Fronx hybrid undergoing road tests have surfaced online, revealing interesting details. It will further expand Maruti Suzuki’s hybrid portfolio, which currently has just the Grand Vitara and the Invicto strong hybrid variants.
Fronx Hybrid: What Do The Spy Shots Suggest?
In the latest set of spy shots, the Fronx is seen without any camouflage. Almost all design cues remain the same as those of the outgoing model. The production model is likely to remain visually similar to the current Fronx. The new images show the rear of the test vehicle. Look closely and you will see the ‘Hybrid’ badge on the tailgate. We have seen similar badges on strong hybrid versions of the Grand Vitara and Invicto.
Another notable change on this mule is a new Lidar unit that sits on the rear bumper. Some kit can also be seen mounted on the roof. This looks like mounts for an ADAS calibration unit. The vehicle seems to be collecting data for ADAS. The person who clicked these pictures also says that the car’s rearview mirrors were blinking whenever someone got close. This is, in fact, the Blind Spot warning system.
The new Fronx is expected to come with level 2 ADAS and will likely have features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, high beam assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The crossover will continue to offer a 360-degree view camera as well.
Expected Powertrain
The upcoming Fronx hybrid will feature a newly developed series hybrid powertrain, based on the Z12E engine. This engine is, in fact, the same unit used in the fourth-generation Swift. It makes 81bhp and 108 Nm there. The hybrid setup will likely have more power and torque on offer.
The outgoing Fronx offers three engine options: 1.2L, 4-cylinder (K12N Dualjet) Petrol, 1.2L, 4-cylinder CNG and a 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol.
In the new car’s series hybrid setup, the electric motors will drive the wheels, while the engine will act as a generator to replenish the EV battery. Series hybrid setups are also known as ‘Range Extenders’ as they bring about major boosts in mileage. A mileage of over 35 kpl can be expected on the new car.
Series hybrids will also have a price advantage over other strong hybrids sold by Maruti. They will be easier to manufacture as well. In the future, we expect the new powertrain tech to be introduced on more Maruti Suzuki models.
The Fronx hybrid is expected to be out in 2026. It will compete with the likes of Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and more, in the Indian market.
Fronx Hybrid With ADAS: Video out!
A video shared on the channel Teguhku, shows the hybrid Fronx in detail. The car featured in this, however, has a 1.5-litre K15C strong hybrid powertrain- same as the Grand Vitara. (Maruti is yet to debut its series hybrid powertrain globally.)
On the design front, this Fronx remains unchanged from the model that’s currently on sale. Most of the features inside are identical as well. The highlight, however, is the level 2 ADAS suite.
It is unclear if the car featured in this video is a prototype or the final production form. The host clearly mentions this. In this, we can also see the driver taking his hands off the steering wheel and letting the car drive on its own, based on inputs from the ADAS suite.