It’s one of those rare cases where a mix that shouldn’t work actually does, brilliantly.
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It’s one of those rare cases where a mix that shouldn’t work actually does, brilliantly.
Ever tried mixing two things that really shouldn’t go together, only to be surprised when it actually works?
On paper, it seems all kinds of wrong. In reality… somehow, it just comes together. That’s exactly what Suzuki has done with the Fronx. A car that blends coupe-like style with crossover practicality in a way that honestly shouldn’t make sense. But it does. And brilliantly at that.
Since landing in South Africa in 2023 through the Toyota–Suzuki partnership, the Fronx has steadily gone from new kid on the block to something you see almost everywhere. And it’s easy to understand why. Suzuki’s been moving serious numbers. In October alone, the brand sold 1,369 units. Do the math. That’s about 44 cars a day. Forty-four! Every single day. That’s a proper success story.
Climbing into the range-topping GLX with the auto ‘box, the Fronx’s coupe-like silhouette has always been a stance I absolutely love, paired with a design that even its sibling, the Toyota Starlet Cross, can’t quite match. Yes, I know they’re essentially the same car, but there’s something uniquely Fronx about it, especially from the front and rear angles.
The thing that really lets the Fronx down, though, is the 4-speed automatic. If I were in the market, I’d opt for the 5-speed manual without so much as a second thought. The problem with the automatic gearbox is simple: it struggles to pick the right gear at the right engine speed. There were more than a few moments where I’d plant my foot down during overtaking, expecting a surge, and… nothing. The car stubbornly clung to a single gear, resulting in nothing more than frustration.
Don’t get me wrong, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is a gem. Smooth, willing, and surprisingly punchy for its size, it really shines when paired with a manual. I’ve experienced this engine in other Suzuki products, and with the 5-speed manual, it’s a proper little champ, nimble, responsive, and fun to drive. The auto, however, saps a bit of that personality. It’s not terrible, but it certainly doesn’t make the most of what the Fronx is capable of.
But here’s the thing: despite all that, the Fronx makes for a genuinely great highway companion. Once you’re out on the open road, it settles into its stride beautifully. It cruises with an easygoing confidence, the cabin is nicely cushioned from most bumps, and the suspension does a commendable job of soaking up rough patches. It actually feels planted and comfortable, which is exactly what many buyers often prioritise in the respective segment.
Step inside, and the Fronx feels exactly like a daily crossover SUV should. Everything sits where it’s meant to; the hard plastics don’t rattle, squeak, or make any weird noises, even after being on the market since 2023 and having more mileage on it than most cars we test. It all just feels… solid. Sure, the interior could do with a bit of a refresh, especially when you compare it to rivals like the Kiger or Sonet, but it still operates well. Physical buttons handle most of the functions (yes, real buttons, not just touchscreens), and there’s even a wireless smartphone charger, cruise control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and three USB ports (one upfront and two at the back). If we’re honest, that’s all you need for day-to-day convenience.
Space also won’t leave you complaining. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom, even for rear passengers, despite the sloping roofline. The boot comes in at 304 litres, so no, you won’t be fitting anything more than a few carry-ons in there, but it’s more than enough for all your day-to-day duties.
Sure, there’s a bit of road and wind noise that enters the cabin at highway speeds, but truthfully, at this price point, it’s easy to forgive. The overall refinement is more than acceptable, and the way it goes about its business reminds you why Suzuki’s carved such a strong reputation for building cars that just work. Just look at how well the Swift is currently doing in the market. Even on the efficiency front, the Fronx holds its own. I averaged 5.4l/100km, a pretty respectable number for a naturally aspirated petrol crossover. Drive it with a bit of mechanical sympathy, and you can easily dip below that figure.
Looking at the Fronx as a whole, it’s one of those rare cases where a mix that shouldn’t work actually does. It may not have the flashiest badge or the most tech-heavy cabin, but it nails what really matters while proving that when you get the basics right and throw in just the right amount of flair, the result can be something unexpectedly good.
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