Hybrid crossover boosts line-up
Suzuki New Zealand is celebrating the arrival of the Fronx hybrid crossover-SUV to its model line-up.
The vehicle measures just under four metres long and comes with the latest Smart Hybrid self-charging technology and a new six-stage automatic transmission.
The car’s name, “Fronx”, blends the sounds and meanings of two words: “frontier” and “crossover”.
Features include a front split lamp design, a full-width LED tail lamp, a body-coloured shark fin roof antenna and 16-inch polished face alloy wheels.
The Fronx has a mild hybrid system that converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle to electrical energy during deceleration.
The automatic idle stop-start system stops the engine as the vehicle is coming to a stop, achieving further fuel efficiency, while a belt drive delivers a quiet restart.
Stored electricity drives the motor to help the engine during acceleration, when fuel consumption is high, reducing fuel consumption.
Powering the 1,055kg model is Suzuki’s all-aluminium K15C four-cylinder motor and the normally aspirated 1,462cu cm power unit has twin overhead camshafts with dual variable valve technology.
The motor develops 76kW at 6,000 rpm and 137Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. In official fuel economy tests rated it at 4.9 NEDC and 5.4 3P-WLTP litres/100km.
Fronx’s carbon dioxide emissions are 113g/km NEDC and 125g/km 3P-WLTP.
A heads-up display, the first for a Suzuki model, projects information such as speed, warnings, fuel consumption and smartphone navigation guidance on to the display in front of the driver.
Other comfort and safety features include dual sensor brake support, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring.
The rear cross traffic alert operates when reversing at speeds up to 8kph, with rear-mounted side radar sensors warning of approaching vehicles from either side.
Infotainment is provided by a nine-inch touchscreen and wireless phone charging is centrally located in the lower tray, with USB ports are positioned in the front console and behind the centre armrest for rear seat passengers.
Standard equipment includes a leather-covered multi-function steering wheel and heated, individually controlled front seats.
There is seating capacity for five and the luggage volume is rated at 605 litres with the rear seats folded and 304 litres when they are raised.
Suzuki is offering the new Fronx in a singular GLX grade and a choice of seven colours.
Pricing starts from $29,990 plus on-road costs and comes with Suzuki’s three-year/100,000km new vehicle warranty.
