Maruti NEXA Fronx

Maruti NEXA Fronx: My Personal Take

At the moment I initially heard of the Maruti NEXA Fronx, that familiar feeling anyone my age gets when they hear something that leaves them stunned: ”Wait, what?” A new crossover?"* moment. Honestly, it was as if I was in a friend discussing a new car model *“Are you sure this is from Maruti?”* Meaning, Maruti has often been predictable, conservative, and risk-averse, this time choosing to churn out more of what people are already buying off the shelf. But the Fronx? That, however, is Maruti attempting to stir the hornets’ nest a little. Well, you know me, I had to go in and see what is going on.

What All the controversy Around the Maruti NEXA Fronx?

It is the hype that is real, and to be honest I do not disagree. The Fronx is Maruti’s bold attempt to pull off the impossible: synthesize the tried-and-true formula that has made the carmaker’s Auris hatchback and RAV4 SUV so popular to create its 2016 new model — the Auris Cross. You can envision it as something halfway between functionality and the rough torque of an SUV. In a market that’s fallen head over heels for everything SUV, Maruti is attempting to twirl a finger around her nose and indicate that it too can play rough.

Now, it’s from Maruti’s NEXA lineup, which is intended to shout out *“premium”.* That’s why they’re going for the message to everyone that they are not all about cheap, bland commuter cars. And, let me tell you, they’ve added some blingers here or there which may actually make you crank up your brow and say to yourself *“Hey, wait a minute! This is Maruti?” It must be audacious to attempt to turn a space where many rounded contenders are already camping to become a segment.

Design and Styling: Breaking the Mold?

The very first picture I saw by the Fronx cannot be said to have pleased me, you know that moment when you are in a Casino and see the dealer for the first time. It does have that NEXA feeling about it — sleek, contempo and a hint of edginess. Their design starts with this big, brash intake below the bumper, and then the headlamps are shaped just so, making these cars look like they mean business. I really like those aero inspired body shields on two sides of the car. It affords a muscular stance to the Fronx, even though it is not in the true LUV class.

It is as if Maruti decided to retune a hatchback and pump up a little to become what is seen today as a better version of the first five models. Well, the sporty looks are quite attractive and I could just imagine people giving this a hard stare at red lights. It’s not flashy but it comes close to being edgy; that is, it may make you do a double take. If I had one in my driveway I wouldn’t have an issue with parallel parking next to some of the more massive SUVs out there.

Engine and Performance: What’s Under the Hood?

However, it gets quite exciting from here. Maruti is finally granting wishes like mine by launching a 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine. They’re also featuring the more conventional 1.2-litre naturally aspirated motor as well. To be honest, I have a kind of a preference of a turbo-charger. Why? It’s got that little something special is the way people like to put it. The kind of kick, which brings joy to the face and leg whenever you step the accelerator pedal.

The turbo engine should make city driving a great deal of fun. The throttle is instant, quick as a cat around curves and just a hint of that turbo sound when you prod it. It is quite exciting to imagine how the battery will fare in real life conditions. Well, the naturally aspirated engine is back to being your classic Maruti — reliable and silky, sure but not exactly spirited. If you’re a paranoid end kind of person, that is your guy. But me? Well personally I would take the turbo any day just in case the extra fun factor comes into play.

Handling and Ride Quality: Built for the Urban Jungle?

As it would be styled like the sporty Baleno which shares the platform with the Fronx, I do not think it would drive like a buffoonish SUV. The problem for Maruti, however, will be in achieving that right degree of comfort coupled with somewhat increased SUV appeal. Anyone would not want to be jerked around like that each time they run over a pothole, is it not?

I hope that Maruti has set the suspension just right – one that is rigid enough to negotiate high speeds but not overly firm to negotiated city traffic. Other views for the enhancement of which I would like to experiment are: steering feedbacks. It’s even said that compared with other rivals Maruti has comparatively low geared steering which is suitable for city drive but doesn’t offer sufficient feedback while driving at rated speed. If they have made it weightier and more responsive, then I’ll be impressed indeed. It is all about confidence that an individual has while behind the wheel, of course.

Features and Technology: Stepping Up the Game?

Now, this is where Maruti’s really delivering their punch. The Fronx arrives filled with features that you would normally get from rival brands that offer products for a premium price. A huge infotainment system, Apple car play, and Android auto system? Check. Automatic climate control? Check. And even a head-up display? Well that’s pretty darn cool if you ask me.

The interior to my mind also looks as if some serious thought has been provided for its enhancement as well. Properly shaped seats, reasonable plastics and a layout that does not immediately shout ‘budget car’ – it’s all part of a concerted effort here. I can also imagine this appealing to someone who’s on the lookout for a car that is practical and easy to live with day to day but isn’t boring in any way. If Maruti continues to offer this menacing price strategy, it may well have a formidable foe in the battle for compact SUVs.

Who Is It Maruti NEXA Fronx For?

Would I recommend it? Well, if there is something often used as an argument against SUV’s it’s that they are just too big to be useful for daily driving and that might just be where the Fronx comes in. It’s small enough for the city street use, it has enough suspension to tackle those curbs and bad roads, and it has Just the right amount of edge to It. It’s like the car after which the urban warrior is named — a fully prepared fight- er for the freel for the freewheeling mayhem of the city’s traffic.

Well, of course, it is not an actual SUV, though. And please do not expected it to climb mountains or trudge through deep mud. It is just like having a four door hatch with the looks of an SUV but with a lift kit. To that end, if that is what you’re looking for then the Fronx could well be your next bike.

What to Keep in Mind

Of course, no car is perfect. So before you jump to Fronx bandwagon there are a few things you will want to look at. First, that turbo engine is great fun, but as most people now know turbos and power equals fuel consumption if you have a lead foot. Thus, if fuel economy is an important factor, one may want to think twice......

And then there’s the space. It is certainly larger than your run of the mill, B-segment hatchback but don’t expect the sort of space that you would find in an SUV. Urban millennial: If you are a person that tends to carry a lot of items with them on the regular, they may seem a tad cramped. And, of course, the final, yet seemingly the most important condition Maruti has got to be really cautious with is the pricing strategy. Taking it up too much will put them against better-segmented competition such as Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon. Well, that is some stiff competition then.

Final Thoughts: Is the Maruti NEXA Fronx As Good as People Are Telling Us?

So, what’s my take? The Maruti NEXA Fronx is quite surely an exciting variant in the Maruti stable. You know what it has? Yup, style, and technology and if the prices are set right, get ready to have the manufactures in the crossover segment start looking over their shoulders. It’s not as serious or as technical as your standard compact SUVS but it is way classier than a run of the mill hatchback.

But hey, what do you think? Do you see the Fronx as your next car or do you see this as Maruti just giving a new face to an old product? You have any questions, want to discuss something — go ahead and write a comment now.