Suzuki unveils 5-door Jimny and Fronx crossover at Auto Expo India 2023

When you're treated to the possibility of attending one of the most eagerly anticipated reveals of the year, you don't half mind a lengthy flight and 36 hours with only power naps and the odd coffee to keep you going. This was the adventure that awaited AutoTrader as we set off to India for the launch of two new, exciting Suzuki models at the biennial Auto Expo in New Delhi, India. 

Related: How much are car repayments on a new Suzuki Jimny ?

Maruti Suzuki is the market leader in new vehicle sales in India with numerous models exported to South Africa where Suzuki continues to gather momentum and build a reputable reputation on local roads. Affordability and cost-effective operational costs have seen Suzuki South Africa steadily grow to be a genuine contender in the compact vehicle categories. 

 

5-door Suzuki Jimny

The Auto Expo 2023 is a key event for Suzuki, presenting the global unveiling of two new models, both of which are destined for our local shores. The first is the legendary Jimny, a compact 4x4 that is well-respected and revered on our local trails. The latest version of this nameplate, the fourth-generation JB74W, has found favour with both the serious off-road community and the urban commuter, both appreciating its compact size, attractive styling and ease of use. Addressing the one concern often levelled against the model, Suzuki has developed a long-wheelbase version of the popular compact SUV, giving it additional interior space and two additional doors.

Ingress and egress of the rear have always been a concern in the current, 3-door version. Folding forward the front seats and trying to fold oneself into the rear has always been a challenge for those over 5-foot-nothing. Once in, the space is adequate but most owners will attest to having the rear seats folded forward 90% of the time. This addresses a second qualm for owners; the lack of rear boot space with the seats in their upright position.

 

 

The new 5-door version addresses both of these niggles by allowing rear passengers to enter and exit as they desire. The wheelbase has been extended by 340 mm to allow for the redesign that includes the two extra doors. This also allows for additional rear legroom and a more generous boot. Overall length also increases but the Jimny retains its characteristic styling and impressive 37-degree approach and 49-degree departure angles. The only statistic to suffer is the breakover angle, as is to be expected. It also retains its current ground clearance of 210 mm.

The rest remains largely the same. The engine is still the 75 kW K15B 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder with a choice of either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, paired to the AllGrip 4x4 system with low range. The interior is largely unchanged and current owners will see no difference in the dashboard design. The front seats are still capable of folding flat to allow for camping excursions and amicable overnight accommodation.

Pending homologation, the new 5-door Jimny is set to go on sale in the last quarter of 2023 in South Africa with pricing closer to the time.

 

 

Suzuki Fronx

Entering into the burgeoning compact SUV segment is a new release from Suzuki, the Fronx. Awkward name aside, the Fronx offers an alternative to the likes of the KIA Sonet, Hyundai Venue and soon-to-be-departing Ford EcoSport. Based on the Suzuki Baleno HEARTECT platform, the Fronx presents a stylish, modern crossover look with cost-effective mobility solutions. 

 

 

LED headlight and fog lamp elements framing the large front grille give the Fronx a decidedly urban look and feel, while the black wheel-arch cladding and roof rails lend some adventurous spirit. Attractive coupé-inspired styling at the rear is complemented by the LED taillight arrangement with the strip that spans the width of the tailgate and adds the impression of width. Silver skid plates and diffuser elements further lend off-road credence, despite the front-wheel-drive drivetrain.

The Indian market will have a choice of two engines; a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder or a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder. The South African powertrain is yet to be decided on and it's possible that neither of these engines will make their way into the local Fronx (but the name will, sadly).

 

 

Suzuki XL6

It has also been confirmed that the 6-seater XL6 is also under consideration for local shores. While not a new model in Suzuki's lineup, the XL6 will slot into a space above the Ertiga and just below the Grand Vitara. This 6-seater MPV allows for a car-like travelling experience with 6 individual seats rather than the bench-like approach found in other MPVs. More information on this to follow in the coming months.