Maruti Fronx vs Baleno: Similarities And Dissimilarities In 10 Images

The Maruti Fronx broke cover at the Auto Expo alongside the Maruti Jimny. While the latter is obviously based on its standard three-door variant, the Fronx is a brand new product. However, it is based on the Maruti Baleno, and at the same time looks nothing like it. So until we get behind the wheel, we compare the two using 10 images.

Being based on the same HEARTECT platform, the Fronx boasts a similar wheelbase as the Baleno. It is slightly larger in length, width, and height; all of which is down to its extra cladding, beefy bumpers and extra ground clearance. 

Even though the Fronx is based on the Baleno, its design would make you think otherwise. That’s because it takes inspiration from the Grand Vitara. The front sports a large grille and split headlight setup similar to the bigger SUV. In contrast, the Baleno has its own identity up front, with a smaller nose and less chunky elements. 

The similarities become prominent in profile with the sloping roofline but the Fronx gets a host of beefy elements like the flared wheel arches and front and rear fenders. The sloping roofline along with the extended rear end gives the Fronx a crossover-like shape, while the Baleno’s is unmistakably a hatchback.

Come to the rear and the similarities diminish significantly. Both sport distinguished tail light design with a connected setup for the Fronx, while the Baleno’s setup is rather conventional split units. In general, the Fronx looks a lot more cladded up, giving it a more butch look in comparison. 

In contrast to the exterior design, the Fronx’s interior is largely similar to the Baleno in terms of cabin layout. The dashboard design is very familiar with identical positioning of the infotainment and the centre console. 

However, the Baleno’s blue and greyish-black theme for the cabin is replaced by burgundy and blacktheme in the Fronx borrowed from the Grand Vitara. 

Maruti has carried over the Baleno’s entire features list for the Fronx including the nine-inch infotainment screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, auto AC, and push start-stop button. Even the safety kit is the same with up to six airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, and a 360-degree camera. The only change for the SUV is the addition of wireless phone charging.

Both the Fronx and the Baleno get a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 90PS and 113Nm. It sends power to the front wheels only via a five speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. 

Now apart from the naturally aspirated unit, Maruti has also equipped the Fronx with a1-litre turbo-petrol engine (with mild hybrid) with an output of 100PS and 148Nm. Transmission options for this unit include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox. This engine was offered earlier in the sportier Baleno RS that sold in very less numbers.

While the prices for the Fronx aren’t out yet, we believe the SUV will be priced at a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the Baleno’s trims, the prices for which range between Rs 6.49 lakh to Rs 9.71 lakh (ex-showroom prices). The Fronx’s top-spec variants could retail around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Also Read: Everything About Maruti’s Latest Fronx SUV Detailed In 10 Images

The Baleno is a known rival to the likes of the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Toyota Glanza, and Honda Jazz. The Fronx on the other hand will cater to a different demographic and will take the fight to the likes of the Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue.