Comparison: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Maruti Suzuki Baleno seem like the safer and tested hatchback while Maruti Suzuki Fronx aims to combine the best of both hatchbacks and SUVs.
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Maruti Fronx. New Car Launched in 2023
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The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been dominating the premium hatchback segment for over 7 years now. In early 2022, it underwent a revamp, receiving added features and a fresh design to align  with newer premium hatchbacks like the Altroz. Now picture this – the Baleno transformed into an SUV! Well, Maruti Suzuki made it happen with the Fronx, a crossover SUV born from the Baleno’s DNA.

Showcased earlier this year in its final form, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx immediately captivated fans and critics alike, with its eye-catching looks and unique design, unlike anything we’ve seen from Maruti Suzuki before. While the Baleno may seem like the safer bet, the Fronx aims to combine the best of both hatchbacks and SUVs.

If you’re currently in the market looking to buy a Maruti Suzuki Baleno but are contemplating whether or not you should wait for the Fronx, then this blog is for you

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Dimensions

Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
ParameterMaruti Suzuki BalenoMaruti Suzuki Fronx
Length (mm)3995 mm3995 mm
Width (mm)1745 mm1765 mm
Height (mm)1510 mm1550 mm
Wheelbase (mm)2520 mm2520 mm
Boot Space (L)318 L308 L
Ground clearance (mm)170 mm190mm

One can infer from the dimensions table that the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Fronx are exactly identical in terms of length. The Fronx is marginally wider than th by 20 mm from the Baleno, and is also quite higher by 40 mm, owing to its crossover tag. Wheelbase is also identical at 2520 mm, making both cars almost equal in terms of interior space. The Fronx is slightly wider, taller and has a higher ground clearance than the Baleno, something that adds to its relatively virile looks and enhances its road presence. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Engine and Transmission

Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
ParameterMaruti Suzuki BalenoMaruti Suzuki Fronx
Engine options (cc)1.2-litre (Petrol)1.0-litre (Turbo Petrol), 1.2-litre (Petrol)
Transmission options5-speed Manual/5-speed automatic (AMT)5 speed Manual, 5 speed AMT, 6 speed AT
Power (PS)89.789.73 (Petrol), 100.06 (Turbo Petrol)
Torque (Nm)113147.6 (Turbo Petrol), 113 (Petrol)
Mileage (kmpl)22.35 (Manual)-22.94 (AMT)20.01 (MT)-22.89 (AMT)

Both the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and the Baleno have a 1.2L petrol engine but produce different power and torque figures. On paper, it looks as if both cars will have the same performance when comparing the 1.2L petrol engine.  The Maruti Suzuki Fronx additionally has a 1L turbocharged petrol engine which is not available on the Baleno. However, the Baleno has a CNG option that may reduce the running cost. The Fronx may also introduce a CNG trim in the future.

Both cars have a 5-speed manual transmission and automatic transmission but the Fronx features a 5-speed AMT and a 6-speed AT rather than only a 5-speed AMT present on the Baleno. 

When it comes to the engine and transmission, the Fronx humbles the Baleno in every aspect. It has got more engine and transmission options, better power, and better torque than the Baleno. The Fronx also has an idle start/stop feature that improves fuel efficiency. 

While the power and torque figures of the turbo petrol Maruti Suzuki Fronx is still under homologation testing and are subject to variation, the naturally aspirated 1.2L petrol engine of the Fronx still delivers better power and similar torque as that of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno.  

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Features and Comfort

Maruti Fronx interior
FeatureMaruti Suzuki BalenoMaruti Suzuki Fronx
Infotainment System7 inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (9 inch for top variant)7 inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (9 inch for top variant)
Music System4 speakers and up to 2 tweeters (ARKAMYS Surround Sense for top variant)4 speakers and up to 2 tweeters (ARKAMYS Surround Sense for top variant)
Climate ControlAutomaticAutomatic 
Ventilated SeatsNot availableNot Available
Adjustable SteeringTilt and Telescopic Tilt and Telescopic 
Drive ModesNot availableNot available
Instrument ClusterAnalog with Heads up displayAnalog with Heads up display 
SunroofNot availableNot Available 
Adjustable Seats (Manual or Electric)Manual Not Specified
Rear AC VentsYesYes
60:40 Rear Seat SplitYesYes
Cruise ControlYes (for top variant)Yes (for top variant)

Both cars have an almost identical feature list. However, there is a wireless smartphone charger as well as a wireless integration support for smartphones in the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Apart from this, the Fronx gets additional paddle shifters for automatic variants, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, edging out the Baleno marginally in the feature department. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Safety Features

FeatureMaruti Suzuki BalenoMaruti Suzuki Fronx
GNCAP safety ratingsNot testedNot Disclosed
AirbagsDual front, Side and curtain airbags Dual front, Side and curtain airbags 
ABS with EBDAvailableAvailable
ESCAvailableAvailable
Traction controlNot availableNot available
Automatic headlampsAvailable in top-end variantAvailable in mid to top end variants
Rain sensing wipersAvailable in top-end variantAvailable in top-end variant
Hill hold assistAvailable in top-end variantAvailable
Hill descent controlNot availableNot available
Rear sensorsAvailable in top-end variantAvailable
Rear parking cameraAvailable in top-end variantAvailable
ISOFIX child seat anchor pointsAvailableAvailable
ADASNot availableNot Available

While many of the safety features are similar in both the Fronx and the Baleno, the Fronx gets a few features standard across all variants which is not seen in the Baleno. All five ELR three-point seat belts, electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), and hill hold assistance are standard on the Fronx while only four ELR seat belts, ESP, and hill assist are offered in automatic Baleno versions. While Maruti Suzuki hasn’t revealed the Fronx’s safety rating yet, it can be assumed that both the Fronx and Baleno will have the same rating being built on a similar platform. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: Price Comparison

VariantMaruti Suzuki BalenoMaruti Suzuki Fronx
Base₹5₹6.61 lakh₹7.46 lakh
Mid₹6.69 lakh₹8.32 lakh
Upper mid₹7.48 lakh₹8.73 lakh -9.73 lakh 
Top₹8.37 lakh₹10.56 lakh – 13.14 lakh 

Currently, due to the expected prices of the Fronx, Maruti Suzuki Baleno seems to be more affordable than Maruti Suzuki Fronx, as it has a lower starting price of Rs. 5.90 Lakh compared to the expected Rs. 8 Lakh for Fronx . However, the prices may vary depending on the variants, features and offers available for both cars. 

It can be said that the Maruti Suzuki Baleno offers a better value for money than the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The Baleno is cheaper than the Fronx across all variants. The Fronx, on the other hand, is more expensive than the Baleno and is on par in terms of mileage and service costs with the Baleno. 

The Fronx does offer more features and performance than the Baleno, but, at the same time it comes at a slightly higher cost. The Baleno may be the more economical and practical choice for most buyers, while the Fronx caters to those seeking more power, style, or a rugged off-road experience.

Summary

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx offers more performance thanks to its turbo petrol options, unique looks and a different style than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, but it is also more expensive. The Baleno offers more value for money, higher mileage, and lower maintenance cost than the Fronx, but it lacks some features and safety equipment. It all boils down to the customer’s preferences. 

FAQ

  1. Q. What are the dimensions of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx?

    Both cars have the same length and wheelbase, but the Fronx is wider and taller than the Baleno. The Fronx measures 3995 mm in length, 1765 mm in width, and 1550 mm in height, whereas the Baleno is 3995 mm long, 1745 mm wide, and 1510 mm high.

  2. Q. How do the engine options compare between the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx?

    The Baleno offers a 1.2L petrol engine, while the Fronx has both a 1.0L turbo petrol engine and a 1.2L petrol engine. The Fronx provides more power and torque options compared to the Baleno.

  3. Q. What is the fuel efficiency of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx compared to the Baleno?

    The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has a mileage of 20.01 kmpl (manual) to 22.89 kmpl (AMT), while the Baleno achieves 22.35 kmpl (manual) to 22.94 kmpl (AMT), making the Baleno slightly more fuel-efficient.

  4. Q. What are the key features of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx compared to the Baleno?

    Both models have similar features, but the Fronx includes additional features like wireless smartphone charging and paddle shifters for automatic variants, which are not available in the Baleno.

  5. Q. What is the price difference between the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx?

    The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is more expensive than the Baleno, with starting prices of approximately ₹7.46 lakh for the Fronx and ₹5.90 lakh for the Baleno.

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