New Suzuki Fronx Teased For Malaysia, Could Launch Very Soon

Earlier today, Suzuki Cars Malaysia (Naza Eastern Motors) dropped this new model teaser silhouette on its newly established official Facebook page.

The burgeoning local entry-level B-SUV market segment is about to get really crowded. Earlier today, importers and distributors Suzuki Cars Malaysia (Naza Eastern Motors Sdn Bhd) took to its new official Facebook page to tease the new Suzuki Fronx.

The firm did not reveal a full image of the compact B-SUV offering, choosing instead to tease a silhouette of which in a multiple-choice guessing game – a novel bid to drive more likes and followers for this newly established Facebook page it’s currently migrating to.

Despite its budget-focused development origins from the Japanese S-brand’s India-based partners Maruti Suzuki, the Fronx promises not to look nor feel ‘cheap’. The model was recently introduced in neighbouring Indonesia where it’s locally assembled (CKD) as well.

In said republic, the Suzuki Fronx is marketed across three main variants – GL, GX and SGX – with two powertrain choices on hand including a mild-hybrid (MHEV) choice (GX and SGX). All also see a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto transmission options available.

The Indonesia-made Suzuki Fronx adopts either a 1.5-litre petrol 4-cyl mill and an electrified mild-hybrid (MHEV) twin primed with an ISG.

The 1.5-litre 4-cyl MHEV petrol mill features a 12-volt lithium-ion battery plus an integrated starter generator (ISG), and it puts out 101 PS and 135 NM. The Base GL variant uses an un-electrified 1.5-litre -4cyl petrol mill instead, and it’s rated at 105 PS and 138 NM.

As for footprint, the Suzuki Fronx sits 3,995 MM long with a 2,520 MM wheelbase, 1,765 MM wide and 1,550 MM tall.  For perspective, it’s close in size to the Perodua Ativa, as well as both the Honda WR-V and the recently launched Chery Tiggo Cross.

Whilst developed by Maruti Suzuki in India to be a bargain-priced fighter, the Suzuki Fronx promises not to look nor feel 'cheap' thanks to its rich level of kit and amenities.

Sticking with the Indonesian market model still, it’s worth highlighting it comes brimmed with all-LED headlight and DRLs, automatic climate control, paddle-shifters, wireless charging pad, not forgetting a slew of ADAS features plus a 360-degree parking camera.

Whilst we at least know what to expect in terms of kit and features, what’s uncertain still is if Naza Eastern Motors will offer the Suzuki Fronx as either a fully imported (CBU) or locally assembled (CKD) offering.

What remains unclear is if Naza Eastern Motors will offer the Fronx as a CBU or CKD offering, though the latter seems unlikely.

Given that parent firm Naza Auto no longer possess or operates an assembly plant, all signs likely point towards the firm importing units form neighbouring Indonesia where – as noted earlier – it is locally built.

As to when will it launch, your guess is as good as ours. Given the firm elected to put up this teaser now, we are willing to bet the Suzuki Fronx could launch sometime in the final quarter (Q4) of this year.

In terms of size and price, the Suzuki Fronx will battle it out against the likes of the Honda WR-V, newly launched Chery Tiggo Cross, and the Perodua Ativa.

What’s also anyone’s guess now is price. For reference, the Honda WR-V commands RM89,900, whilst the Chery Tiggo Cross is tagged at RM88800 (1.5 Turbo) and RM99,800 (1.5 Hybrid).

The Perodua Ativa, on the other hand, is priced between RM62,500 (X) and RM73,400 (AV, two-tone).