Maruti Fronx 1.2 AMT real world fuel economy tested, explained

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine option is the overwhelming favourite from the range for the buyers. While we’ve already tested the manual version, we have now got our hands on the Fronx 1.2 AMT and have put it through our instrumented real-world fuel efficiency tests.

• Maruti claims a fuel economy of 22.89kpl for the Fronx AMT
• Fronx AMT managed to do an overall 15.9kpl in our tests

Maruti Fronx 1.2 AMT fuel economy

The Fronx 1.2 uses Maruti’s tried-and-tested K12N engine that puts out 90hp and 113Nm, and, in this instance, is paired to a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox. Maruti claims the combined fuel efficiency of the Fronx 1.2 AMT is 22.89kpl, higher than the 21.8kpl of the manual. However, in our real-world tests, we managed to get 13kpl in the city and 18.8kpl out on the highway. In comparison, the Fronx 1.2 manual returned a higher 13.5kpl in the city and 20kpl on the highway.

Like the manual, the Fronx AMT also gets engine stop-start tech, which helps save fuel in the city. The feature will keep the car turned off at a set of traffic lights for a significant amount of time (around 2 minutes) before it starts up again to run the AC and cool down the cabin. The engine stop-start feature works seamlessly, shutting off the car as soon as you come to a complete stop and restarting it when you lift off the brake pedal. Meanwhile, on the highway, the Fronx’s engine spins at  2,600rpm at 100kph in fifth gear, which again aids fuel efficiency.

Autocar India’s fuel efficiency testing

Before our real-world fuel efficiency test, we fill the tanks of our test cars to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. These cars are driven in fixed city and highway loops, and we maintain certain average speeds. Throughout our test, we ran the air-con and other electricals like the audio system, indicators and wipers when required, just like how a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling them up to the brim again.

Also see: 

Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.2 petrol review: People’s choice

Maruti Suzuki Fronx review: Return of the Boosterjet