2026 Maruti Suzuki Fronx Facelift Spied Testing [Video]
The Fronx is a hot-selling model in Maruti Suzuki’s India lineup. It was first launched in April 2023 and is now awaiting a mid-life update. The facelift has now been spied testing in India. A heavily camouflaged mule is seen driving through paved and broken roads. From what we know, the facelift will come with features like level 2 ADAS and will even have a new hybrid powertrain.
Shared on Instagram by Gearshift.Garaze, this video shows the front, side and rear views of the facelifted Fronx. It begins by showing the car taking a U-turn and running through a broken patch of road.
The camouflage makes sure that we don’t get to deduce the visual changes. Even so, the front fascia is likely to be updated on the facelift. The front and rear bumpers could also be revised. The LED tail lamps will likely have changes gone into it, as well. In the video, we see the car behaving well on the rough patches and on broken roads.
Of late, test mule sightings of the new Fronx have increased sharply. In the past, we have even seen some without any camouflage. All these could be pointing to an oncoming market launch.
This will be the first significant update to the car since its market entry in 2023. It is expected to make the Fronx more competitive within its segment. In terms of features, it is expected to get ventilated seats, level 2 ADAS and more. The outgoing model is well-kitted. The facelift will only make the deal sweeter.
The bigger change will be in the powertrain lineup. At present, two engines are available on the Fronx in India- 1.0L, three-cylinder turbo-petrol and 1.2L petrol engine with Dual Jet technology. In international markets like Australia, a 1.5L mild hybrid engine is also offered on the Fronx.
The facelift will reportedly see the addition of a new strong hybrid powertrain. Previously, a test mule was seen with ‘Hybrid’ badge on its tailgate, mechanical additions on its rear axle, roof-mounted sensors and a LIDAR unit on the rear bumper. While the Lidar and sensors confirmed the addition of an ADAS suite, the Hybrid badge confirmed the addition of a new powertrain.
Image source: CarIndiaTimes
This facelifted Fronx will have a new series hybrid setup. In most strong hybrid systems, the internal combustion engine and electric motors will both be powering the wheels. In series hybrid setups, the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. The petrol engine here, acts as a generator and charges the battery pack. The battery pack further powers the electric motor. This is also called the ‘Range Extender system’.
The setup here is much less complex than conventional strong hybrids, and is more cost-effective. In this system, the engine operates in its optimum efficiency, and generates electricity to charge the battery. Overall, range extender systems deliver excellent fuel efficiencies and are easier to manufacture.
In the case of the upcoming Fronx, the series hybrid system will have the Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine as its base. This 1.2L engine is also used by other Maruti Suzuki models like the outgoing Swift and Dzire. On those cars, it makes around 81hp and 108Nm. The series hybrid Fronx is expected to deliver a fuel efficiency of around 35kpl. If so, this crossover will become Maruti Suzuki’s most fuel-efficient car in India and its most affordable hybrid.
Maruti Suzuki also has plans to launch a flex-fuel version of the Fronx in the future. It will be able to handle fuel blends of up to E85.
There are also speculations of the new Fronx getting All Wheel Drive (AWD) system. These originate from the additional hardware seen on the rear axle of one of the previous test mules. The same is not clearly visible in the latest sighting.
Even if the Fronx gets AWD, it won’t be a hardcore 4x4 setup. It will be a simple AWD setup as seen models like the Grand Vitara, intended to improve grip and stability on tricky surfaces.
When launched in India, the updated Fronx will compete with B-segment SUVs like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon.