India-Made Maruti Suzuki Fronx To Get ADAS, AWD In Japan

Maruti Suzuki has started exporting its Fronx to Japan, marking a significant milestone for the company, which has a long history of exporting Suzuki and Toyota-branded vehicles from India. The Japan-bound Fronx comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which differentiates it from the variant sold in India. Additionally, the Japanese version offers Suzuki’s AllGrip Select all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology, which is absent in other international markets where the Fronx is exported.

Bookings for the Fronx in Japan began earlier this month, and Maruti Suzuki has already secured over 700 orders ahead of the SUV’s official launch scheduled for October 16. Deliveries are expected to commence in the latter half of October. The first batch of 1,600 units, manufactured at Suzuki Motor Group's plant in Gujarat, has already been shipped.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Begins Export Of Made-In-India Fronx To Japan

The Japanese-spec Fronx features a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, similar to the variant sold in South Africa. The engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a torque converter automatic gearbox equipped with paddle shifters. This setup offers both performance and efficiency, tailored to meet the driving preferences of Japanese consumers.

Unlike the front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions sold in other countries, the Japanese Fronx comes with Suzuki’s AllGrip Select AWD system in higher trim levels. This AWD technology, a mid-tier system positioned between AllGrip Pro and AllGrip Auto, is similar to what is found in the Grand Vitara sold in India. The system offers four modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock, which allow the driver to adapt the vehicle’s performance based on road conditions. The AWD-equipped Fronx also features a customized rear torsion beam suspension system designed to handle the extra demands of the AWD setup.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Fronx Review: Newest Rival To Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet

The Japan-bound Fronx stands out with additional features that include an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), offering automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Other enhancements include front parking sensors, electronic parking brake (EPB) with hill hold, adaptive cruise control, and heated seats, all aimed at improving safety and comfort.

The interior design also sees notable changes. The Japanese model comes with a new interior colour scheme in dark brown and plum, along with an abundance of soft-touch materials on the door panels and dashboard. The dual-tone upholstery, featuring a blend of faux leather and fabric, adds to the premium feel, while the piano black accents on the central console, steering wheel, and door handles enhance the cabin's overall sophistication.