Hyundai Venue N Line vs Maruti Fronx: Best Sub-compact SUV?

Published on 4 Jul, 2024, 12:59 PM IST
Updated on 4 Jul, 2024, 12:59 PM IST

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The sub-compact SUV space is heating up as major players launching the new, stylish, and feature-packed models for young buyers. Two latest entrants aiming to sway this demanding audience are the Hyundai Venue N Line and Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

This comprehensive comparison analyses all significant aspects of the Venue N Line and Fronx ranges—from styling, interiors, driving dynamics, and performance to safety equipment, infotainment, and pricing. Discover which desirable sub-compact SUV ticks the right boxes for you!

Hyundai Venue N Line vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Hyundai Venue N Line vs Maruti Fronx: Pricing and Ownership Cost Comparison

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has the edge in sticker pricing, with variants ranging between ₹ 7.51  - ₹ 13.04 lakh. The sportier Hyundai Venue N Line is in a higher bracket, costing between ₹ 12.08  - ₹ 13.9 lakh. Hence, you pay ₹3 to 4 lakh extra for the N Line experience.

However, the cost of running in terms of mileage and resale values might change the small differences. Maruti seems to take the lead in this department, so take the final decision according to the expected amount of driving you will do each year.

Ownership Cost

Maruti offers ownership cost benefits courtesy of its vast service network, affordable labour charges, and readily available spare parts, ensuring low maintenance bills. The mild hybrid Fronx variants also return slightly better fuel efficiency than the Venue N Line, aiding running costs over years of usage.

Therefore, the Fronx makes better value for money, targeting budget-oriented customers wanting premium features without going overboard on sporting pretensions. But for enthusiasts, the performance and styling upgrades of the Venue N Line are worth stretching the budget. Personal preferences and budget bandwidth ultimately decide whether you pick excitement or economy!

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Hyundai Venue N Line vs Maruti Fronx: Exterior

Venue N Line

Both SUVs make a bold style statement using contrasting design themes regarding visual flair. The Venue N Line looks unmistakably sportier with its red accents on the grille, skid plates, brake calipers, and roof rails. The unique 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, twin exhausts, and tailgate spoiler further ramp the sporty appeal.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

By comparison, the Maruti Fronx follows a more conservative, yet contemporary enough direction. Its coupe-like silhouette sets it apart, as do funky details like the LED DRLs integrated into the wide chrome grille. Muscular haunches and sharp lines running across the coupe profile lend dynamism, while the 3D tail lamps graphically stretch across the entire rear horizontal hatch for distinction.

Dimensions

The Hyundai Venue N Line and Maruti Suzuki Fronx have a few key dimensional differences that affect how they feel and perform. Both are compact, fitting nicely into the sub-4 meter SUV category, which is great for city driving. The Venue N Line is a bit wider and taller, giving it a slightly roomier and more commanding cabin, and its 5 mm extra ground clearance can help with bumpy roads. Meanwhile, the Fronx has a longer wheelbase by 20 mm, which means more legroom in the back and a smoother ride on highways. Essentially, the Venue N Line feels sportier and more elevated, while the Fronx offers a tad more space and comfort for passengers.

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Hyundai Venue N Line vs Maruti Fronx: Interiors

Venue N Line

Step inside these sub-compact SUVs, and you’ll notice the divergence in design schemes again. The Venue N Line feels sportier thanks to red accents splashed across the N branded leather seats, door pads and gear knob, which contrast the all-black interior theme. Matching red ambient lighting, metal pedals, and dark chrome handles complete the racy look.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

In the Fronx, Maruti has chosen a relatively sober dual-tone black and beige layout made stylish via its unique forged brushed metal trim and accents. The curved dual-screen layout with 3D instrumentation also feels more radical. Round air conditioning vents and the wing-shaped dashboard add some flair.

Common Features

Both models get a large 7 to 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, automatic climate control, a cooled glovebox, steering controls, push-button start, and rear AC vents. Unique additions in the Fronx include wireless phone charging, a sunroof, 360 cameras, and connected tech with Suzuki Connect telematics.

In terms of space, the Fronx offers marginally better rear knee and headroom courtesy of its coupe-like body, which allows comfortable seating for tall passengers even behind a 6-footer driver's seat. Boot capacity is slightly different, as Hyundai has a boot capacity of 350 litres, whereas Fronx has 308 litres. The Fronx’s 60:40 split folding rear seats give it better variability to manage extra luggage.

The Venue N Line scores higher for interior design and practicality than the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Family buyers get better flexibility, while the funkier styling adds youthful appeal.

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Hyundai Venue N Line vs Maruti Fronx: Engine

Under the hood, both SUVs pack in modern turbo-petrol engines but go about delivering performance differently.

Venue N Line

The Hyundai Venue N Line borrows the enthusiast-focused 118 bhp 1.0-litre Turbo GDI petrol motor and 7-speed DCT gearbox from the European-spec i20 N Line hot hatch. It delivers strong acceleration similar to the Venue N Line, but with improved noise insulation for a smoother and more refined driving experience. Ride quality focuses more on compliance thanks to its softly sprung suspension, which handles uneven roads and speed breakers without jarring occupants. Mileage is slightly higher, too, aided by mild hybrid torque assist and brake energy regeneration to the lithium battery, saving every drop.

Output stands at a lively 118 bhp and 172Nm, promising energetic acceleration courtesy of the quick-shifting DCT, which hits 100 kmph: sport mode's sportier exhaust tone and tighter steering responses further this engaging dynamics positioning. Well-tuned suspension offers compliance for broken roads while keeping body roll in check.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx features a 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. Peak power is 100bhp, and 147Nm of torque enables 100 kmph in less than 12 seconds. Transmission options include a smooth-shifting 6-speed auto torque converter and a frugal 5-speed manual.

Maruti has calibrated the Fronx to balance performance and everyday comfort—a mature ride, linear throttle responses, and enough power for safe overtaking. For most buyers not pushing hard, the Fronx hits the sweet spot, blending driving enjoyment with comfort—crucial for Indian road conditions. It lacks the Venue N Line's addictively sharp responses, which appeal to hardcore enthusiasts.

Both SUVs promise sporty performance but go about it differently. Hyundai N engineers specifically tune the Venue N Line for driving enthusiasts with sharper turn-in, quicker gearbox responses via steering-mounted paddles, and louder sport exhaust. Stiffer damping makes it feel more tied down, attacking corners rapidly.

Hyundai Venue N Line vs Maruti Fronx: Features

With customers demanding premium features even in budget vehicles, both SUVs have equipment matching the categories above despite subcompact dimensions. Touchscreen infotainment system, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, air purifier, paddle shifters (auto only), sunroof, and connected technology are standard to both model ranges. Safety basics like 4-airbags, rear sensors and camera, ABS with EBD and brake assist are covered, too.

Hyundai Venue N Line

The Hyundai Venue N Line also debuts Level-1 Advanced Driver Assistance tech, comprising autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning functions. This adds confidence and safety reassurance, especially over long trips.

The BlueLink telematics system also offers convenient remote operation via smartphone or smartwatch and 60+ voice commands through Amazon Alexa. Finding my car, geo-fencing, AI-based recommendations, and built-in navigation further enhance user experience.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Meanwhile, rival Maruti Suzuki Fronx counters with unique futuristic features like an all-colour 3D driver display with sharp graphics, a head-up display projecting speed/navigation onto the windshield, and surround-view cameras for more accessible parking. Suzuki Connect offers 40+ connected features, including car status, driving analytics, service due reminders, and emergency alerts, which are accessible remotely.

While matching in most areas, in terms of wow factor, the Hyundai Venue N Line pulls further ahead courtesy of segment-first ADAS technology and a more comprehensive infotainment suite. Combined with a premium Bose sound system, BlueLink services and a 7-inch touchscreen, the Hyundai feels more advanced and luxury car rivaling.

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Which One Should You Buy?

The Hyundai Venue N Line and Maruti Suzuki Fronx have contrasting strengths and limitations that reflect their respective brand ethos. The Venue N line majors in racing-inspired aesthetics, driving dynamics, and the flashy tech—albeit at a premium of Rs 12.08 lakh plus price point. 

By comparison, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx focuses more on a balanced styling, and a practical consumer experience thanks to a rear 60:40 seat split, riding comfort over broken roads, and higher feature content to achieve a more vital value starting at Rs 7.51 lakh. Efficiency is also greater thanks to standard mild hybrid tech. But it misses out on sheer driving fun, exiting corners rapidly, or blazing hill route twisties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to Hyundai Venue N Line vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx

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What is the ground clearance of the Fronx compared to the Venue?

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has a ground clearance of approximately 190 mm, making it suitable for various road conditions and minor off-road adventures. The Hyundai Venue also offers the exact ground clearance of around 190 mm.

Does Hyundai Venue N Line have a sunroof?

Yes, the Hyundai Venue N Line comes equipped with an electric sunroof. This feature enhances the overall driving experience by providing a sense of openness and allowing natural light into the cabin. The sunroof is part of the Venue N Line's effort to offer a premium feel with sporty aesthetics and advanced features.

How does the infotainment system compare between the Fronx and Venue N Line?

The Hyundai Venue N Line features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BlueLink-connected technology. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx, on the other hand, offers a slightly smaller 7-inch touchscreen with Suzuki Connect, providing similar connected features.

What are the critical safety features of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx?

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has many safety features, including dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a high-speed alert system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a 360-degree camera for more accessible parking. 

Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency?

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx, with its 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine and 48V mild hybrid system, offers better fuel efficiency than the Hyundai Venue N Line. While offering energetic performance, the Venue N Line focuses more on driving dynamics, possibly resulting in slightly lower fuel efficiency.

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