New Maruti Dzire vs Maruti Fronx – What To Buy?

The new Maruti Dzire has been the talk of the town since its launch, especially after the news of it becoming the first Maruti car to score a full 5-star safety rating at Global NCAP

In this post, I shall compare the new Maruti Dzire with the Maruti Fronx in terms of specs, features, prices, design, safety and dimensions. Dzire is the newest entrant into the Indian market. We find it in the 4th-generation which is the first Maruti car ever to score a full 5-star safety rating at the Global NCAP in India. That has already broken the perception people had about the lack of safety in Maruti cars. The recent breed of vehicles is certainly much better equipped than the previous cars. On the other hand, the Fronx is a crossover based on the Baleno premium hatchback. It is a popular product for those who want a muscular version of the Baleno with multiple powertrain options. Let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Maruti Dzire vs Maruti Fronx – Price Comparison

The new Maruti Dzire has an attractive price range between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 10.14 lakh, ex-showroom. These are still very competitive prices when we see the kind of updates it embodies in contrast to the outgoing model. On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx bears a price tag from Rs 7.51 lakh to Rs 13.04 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Dzire has a clear edge in this department.

New Maruti Dzire vs Maruti Fronx – Specs Comparison

Next up, let us take a look at the kind of powertrains these two popular cars possess. The new Maruti Dzire uses the same engine as the latest Swift. This means a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine with mild hybrid technology which generates a healthy 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The mileage figures stand at a jaw-dropping 24.79 km/l with the manual and 25.71 km/l with the AMT. Interestingly, the Dzire is also available with a CNG mill which is good for 70 PS and 102 Nm with a mileage of 33.73 km/kg. Clearly, potential buyers have compelling options.

On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx is available with two engine options – a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol mill. The power and torque outputs stand at a decent 90 PS / 113 Nm and 100 PS / 147 Nm, respectively. There are 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox options to choose from. The mileage figures are an impressive 21.79 kmpl from the manual version and an even better 22.89 kmpl with the AMT automatic. Even the Fronx gets a CNG option which makes 78 PS and 99 Nm of peak power and torque with a sole 5-speed manual gearbox. Hence, there is a wide range of engine-transmission combinations to choose from.

New Maruti Dzire vs Maruti Fronx – Features and Safety

We know that new car buyers want all the bells and whistles in their vehicles. That is the reason why carmakers equip their products with the latest gadgets and gizmos. These include the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and safety amenities. Firstly, let us see what the new Maruti Dzire comes with:

• Electric Sunroof (first-in-segment)
• 360-degree Camera (first-in-segment)
• Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel with Multimedia Controls
• Physical Toggle Switches for HVAC
• Push Button Start/Stop
• Large Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Lane Keep Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Cruise Control
• Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
• Connected Car Tech
• Wireless Charging
• Multiple USB Charging Ports for Front and Rear
• Brushed Metal Inserts on Door Panels
• Rear AC Vents
• Textured Dashboard
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD

On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx is also a feature-laden crossover. The main highlights include:

• 9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Onboard Voice Assistant with “Hi Suzuki” Command
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Update
• USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
• 6-speaker ARKAMYS Surround Sense Audio System
• Tilt Adjustment for Steering Wheel
• Electrically Foldable ORVMs
• Keyless Entry
• Wireless Charger
• Cruise Control
• Paddle Shifters
• Steering-Mounted Controls
• 60:40 Split Rear Seats
• Height Adjustable Driver Seat
• Front and Rear Adjustable Headrest
• Automatic Climate Control
• LED Multi-Reflector Headlamp
• 6 Airbags
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• All 3-Point ELR Seat Belts
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Manual IRVM (Day/Night)
• Head-Up Display
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist

Design and Dimensions Comparison

In terms of design, the new Maruti Dzire differs significantly from the previous-gen version. This is done to break away from Swift’s design shadow. At the front, it contains a fresh fascia with sleek LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. In addition to that, the Dzire even wears a colossal grille with horizontal stripes just below a piano black panel. On the edges of the bumper, it has fog lamps. On the sides, we get to witness stylish alloy wheels, black side pillars and a chrome belt underneath the window frame. Finally, the tail section has a shark fin antenna, LED taillamps, a boot lid-mounted spoiler and a thick chrome bar connecting the taillights. All in all, the new Dzire certainly bears a fresh appearance.

On the other hand, the Fronx represents the modern design philosophy of the Indo-Japanese car marque. Hence, we see the sleek LED DRLs on the edge of the bonnet with a massive grille in the middle and a chrome belt on that grille with the Suzuki logo. The main headlamp cluster is located on the extreme edges of the bumper. In the lower section, the sporty bumper even bears a sturdy skid plate to accentuate its sportiness. On the sides, there are chunky wheel arches with matte black cladding which contain stylish alloy wheels and rugged side body panels. There are black side pillars and faux roof rails. The tail section consists of a shark fin antenna, a roof-mounted spoiler, connected LED taillamps, and massive cladding in the lower part of the rear bumper. Both these vehicles have distinct on-road personalities.

My View

Choosing between these two enticing propositions can be a bit tricky. I believe it is all a matter of preference. If you want a comfortable and spacious sedan with a full 5-star safety rating and the latest design and tech features, opting for the new Maruti Dzire seems logical. It will also save you a lot of money. However, if you want a vehicle with an imposing road presence and a butch stance, the Fronx should be on your list. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: New Maruti Dzire vs Tata Punch – What To Buy?