Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Fronx compact coupe-SUV as a petrol-only model at the Auto Expo 2023 back in January, ahead of its market launch in April this year. Now, a camouflaged Fronx mule has been spotted with emission testing equipment, and spy shots taken by our sister publication Whatcar? India confirm that this is a Fronx CNG that's being readied for a market launch.
- Fronx CNG will be come with 1.2-litre engine
- Will be fourth Nexa CNG product
- Bookings for Fronx petrol are currently open
Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG: what to expect?
Like other Maruti CNG models, the factory fitted CNG kit on the Fronx is expected to be offered only with the 1.2-litre engine. This engine produces 90hp and 113Nm in petrol mode, while in CNG mode, this dips to 77hp and 98.5Nm of torque. The Fronx CNG will likely be offered only with a 5-speed manual gearbox, according to sources.
Also see: Auto Expo 2023: Maruti Suzuki Fronx walkaround video
Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG: variants and features
Maruti is known to offer its factory fitted CNG kit on mid-level trims of its cars. The 1.2-litre engine is offered on the first three trims – Sigma, Delta and Delta+. The CNG kit can, therefore, be expected on the Fronx Delta and Delta+ trims. The Fronx Delta is reasonably well equipped with features such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SmartPlay Pro infotainment system, voice assistant features, over-the-air updates, 4-speaker sound system, electrically adjustable wing mirrors and steering wheel-mounted controls. The Delta+ adds LED headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lamps and 16-inch alloys.
Will be fourth Nexa CNG product
Maruti already offers factory fitted CNG on the Baleno, Grand Vitara and XL6 in its Nexa line-up. The Fronx, then, will be the carmaker’s fourth CNG model from the Nexa line-up. Up until 2022, CNG was only limited to Maruti’s Arena range, but the carmaker has since, increasingly, pushed for the adoption of CNG given rising petrol prices and the efficiency advantage CNG has over petrol. Maruti claims CNG does not conflict with Nexa’s premium image as customers are also increasingly conscious of running costs. Moreover, CNG hugely compensates for the lack of a diesel powertrain option in Maruti’s line-up.
Maruti Fronx CNG: launch timeline, expected price, rivals
It’s unclear whether Maruti will offer the CNG kit on the Fronx right from its launch in April or if it will be introduced later on. The Fronx is expected to be priced between Rs 8 lakh-11 lakh, and Maruti is known to price its CNG models about a lakh more than its petrol equivalent. Currently, no model in the compact SUV space is offered with a CNG kit, although Maruti’s own Brezza could receive a CNG powertrain soon.
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