2 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
AUTO ambitions: 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT review
While the 2025 Suzuki Fronx may not be one of the Japanese manufacturers best-sellers in its lineup, it's certainly one of the most compelling. Moreover, the 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT keeps all the good stuff from the slope-roofed, coupe-styled crossover that impressed us last year.
Let's also not forget how well the humble Japanese carmaker is doing in a contracting South African economy. The firm continues to set sales records, seemingly each month, according to NAAMSA sales data. As a result, the high-value marque is comfortably ensconced in third position for South African new-car sales in the passenger segment. There's no practical situation the 2025 Suzuki Fronx GLX 4AT doesn't handle with aplomb. Image: File
Now the brand has brought a 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT to market. Clearly, it's aimed at motorists who'd rather not bother with a manual gearshift and third pedal. And as excellent as the 5MT Fronx is, we totally accept South Africa's unique market demands. Chat to any layperson in the street about commuting and the vast majority will say they just want something easy in traffic.
Nevertheless, Suzuki's slope-roofed crossover joined the market somewhat late. But launching back in 2023 did at least allow the brand to survey the segment and make appropriate provisions. Key of which was the introduction of the 4AT in top-wrung GLX spec, retailing for R362 900. It hails from India – like most of Suzuki's cars sold in SA – because the Indian government gives tax breaks to cars manufactured that are shorter than four metres. Which, in turn, means savings are passed onto the consumer at the end of the day … Suzuki Fronx GLX 5MT model pictured. Image: File
Accordingly, the 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT measures 3 995 mm long to adhere to the Indian restriction. It is 1 765 mm wide and stands 1 550 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2 520 mm. Inside, there is no issue with head and shoulder space. The boot is rated at 304 litres, which is par for the course for compact crossovers nowadays. And you can fold the rear seats really easily for plenty of extra utility space.
What we most enjoy is that the GLX is the highest-spec Fronx on offer. So, there's the contrasting black roof that gives it a sleek silhouette. Gunmetal alloy wheels, distinctive two-tier LED headlamps and the largest 9-inch touchscreen available comes with wireless Apple CarPlay. Plus, a 360-degree reverse camera, 4.2-inch LCD driver-info display, automatic climate control and cruise control, mean you'll want for nothing in the 2025 Suzuki Fronx GLX. The Fronx is yet another impressive offering built in India for Suzuki. Image: File
As before, there's only one engine available in the 2025 Suzuki Fronx range. It's the bomb-proof naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol, which is good for 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. It's a rev-happy engine that combines comfortably with the easy-shifting, four-speed automatic gearbox. Unfortunately, like in the CVT Swift and auto Jimny models we drove recently, going for two pedals instead of three does have its downsides though.
Against the stopwatch the 2025 Suzuki Fronx 4AT is a bit tardier to 100 km/h, coming in slower than 10 seconds. Likewise, you'll be using more fuel to commute around. Our average eventually settled on 6.9 l/100 km, when the three pedal was closer to 5.9 l/100 km. Despite this, it accelerates in a linear fashion and is suitably easy-going and quiet at moderate throttle. You'll spot a 2025 Suzuki Fronx GLX by the contrasting roof and gunmetal alloy wheels. Image: File
On the evidence of our review, we think the 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT will find plenty of happy homes in South Africa. The high-spec 9-inch infotainment and other bells and whistles is worth the R362 900 price of admission alone. Likewise, the build quality for the sub-continental offering really impressed us. Perhaps, the only slightly divisive issue is the name: Fronx. 'Yes, I just brought a new Fronx!'. Which you can explain to your mates is a portmanteau of 'Frontier' and 'Crossover,' just by the way. However, when you experience its peppy drive and composed road manners, you'll care less what it's called. 2025 Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX 4AT
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
1.5-litre petrol Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4-speed automatic Power: 77 kW
77 kW Torque: 138 Nm
138 Nm 0-100 km/h: 10.20 seconds (tested)
10.20 seconds (tested) Top speed: 170 km/h
170 km/h Consumption: 6.9 l/100 km (tested)
6.9 l/100 km (tested) Price: R362 900
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