The Maruti Suzuki Fronx facelift, expected to launch next year in India, will likely be the first compact SUV to feature strong hybrid technology. Initially launched on April 24, 2023, after its debut at the Auto Expo 2023, the Fronx quickly gained popularity, becoming the fastest model to reach 1 lakh domestic sales within 10 months. Following this success, Maruti Suzuki began exporting the Fronx to Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East in July 2023. Manufactured exclusively at the Gujarat plant, the Fronx has surpassed 2 lakh units in cumulative sales across both domestic and international markets, directly competing with the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch in India.
Maruti Suzuki aims to expand its hybrid lineup across different price segments, with the Fronx playing a pivotal role in its strategy. The upcoming facelift will be the first to feature Maruti Suzuki’s in-house strong hybrid technology, utilizing the Z12E engine introduced in the new Swift. This hybrid setup is expected to deliver impressive fuel efficiency of over 35 km per liter. The Fronx facelift will be followed by the hybridized next-gen Baleno, a compact MPV in 2026, and an all-new Swift hybrid expected in 2027.
The locally developed Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system has been designed to be user-friendly and cost-effective. Drawing inspiration from Nissan’s e-Power technology, the petrol engine in these hybrids will primarily serve as a range extender. As the market moves gradually toward electrification, this strong hybrid technology offers a practical solution for customers seeking greater fuel efficiency.