Maruti Fronx facelift hybrid to offer 35 kmpl mileage, ADAS safety suite

Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest carmaker, is preparing to launch a new facelift version of its compact crossover SUV, the Fronx. The company recently launched the new Baleno facelift, and is now set to make another major move.

This time, the Fronx facelift will get the company's own in-house strong hybrid technology. The car is expected to deliver more than 35 kilometres per litre, a striking figure. The move is seen as a big step towards giving Indian customers an eco-friendly and more fuel-efficient option at an affordable price.

Maruti Suzuki currently has strong hybrid vehicles such as the Grand Vitara, Invicto and Victoris, which use Toyota's 1.5-litre engine. But the company is now developing an indigenous, in-house series hybrid powertrain for its mass-market cars. The new Fronx will be based on the brand's new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z-series petrol engine.

This new series hybrid system is expected to be more economical and cheaper than Toyota's setup, which is why the Fronx's mileage is expected to cross 35 kmpl directly. The same hybrid technology could also be seen in coming years in the Baleno, the next-generation Swift, the Brezza and new sub-4-metre MPVs.

The new Fronx will also be ahead on safety. Spy images of the Fronx facelift from recent testing suggest the 2027 Maruti Fronx facelift will get a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite for safety. This advanced safety package will include features such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane keep assist.

Apart from the hybrid badging, the new Fronx facelift's exterior design will largely remain similar to the existing petrol and CNG versions, with split headlights, 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and sporty front and rear bumpers. The cabin will get updated interior features such as ventilated front seats and a larger infotainment screen.

The Fronx hybrid could prove a strong option for buyers worried about rising petrol prices and those who want to make long trips without range anxiety. The launch of the new Fronx facelift is expected to stir up the Indian hybrid car market significantly, with a direct impact on major companies such as Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra, Toyota and Kia.