Daily TribuneSuzuki’s hybrid crossover makes city driving easier
ITS Bold grille, slim lighting and raised ride height give the Fronx a distinctive look on Metro Manila streets.
Photographs by Enrique Garcia for DAILY TRIBUNE
THE Suzuki Fronx Hybrid combines a compact footprint with a sporty stance that suits city driving.
340-LITER cargo area easily carries groceries and other items for daily family use.
DRIVER-FOCUSED cabin keeps the main controls within easy reach and makes the Fronx comfortable to settle into.
REAR passengers get adequate headroom and legroom for school runs, errands and regular city trips.
I spent four days with the Suzuki Fronx SGX 1.5L AT MHEV around Metro Manila.
Most of the test involved regular city travel, including a trip to bring my son to his university.
A school run does not need much power, only comfort and a car that makes heavy traffic easier to manage. The Fronx did all that.
I liked the Fronx even before I drove it. The color suited its stance, while its shape gave it a sportier look than the upright Suzukis we usually see.
It looks larger than it is, yet remains compact enough for narrow streets and crowded parking areas.
The driving position felt comfortable and natural. The seat, steering wheel and controls were all easy to reach, so I settled in quickly.
That may seem like a small detail, but many new vehicles bury basic controls in the touchscreen. The Fronx keeps things simple, including the air-conditioning controls.
The Fronx was easy to drive from the start. Its light steering and 4.8-meter turning radius made U-turns easier to handle.
Its compact size also made it easier to judge its width, especially when motorcycles squeezed past and other cars encroached into my lane.
Acceleration was adequate for Metro Manila driving. The Fronx responded well when I needed to change lanes.
The SGX uses a 1.5-liter engine with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system and a six-speed automatic transmission. Official output is about 100 PS with 135 Nm of torque, while the hybrid system provides assistance rather than the stronger electric pull found in a full hybrid.
The suspension handled uneven roads well, while braking remained smooth and predictable. The Fronx felt best when driven at a relaxed pace.
The average fuel economy shown on the instrument cluster was 11.4 km/L in light to moderate traffic. That was decent, although the hybrid badge had led me to expect slightly more.
Four days was too short for a full fuel economy test, so the figure should only be taken as an indication of city use.
Rear-seat space and headroom were comfortable enough, while the 304-liter cargo area easily handled our groceries.
Cabin storage was adequate for daily use. Its compact size limits space, but also makes the Fronx easier to park.
The blind-spot monitor and lane assistance worked smoothly during my test. They provided timely warnings without becoming distracting.
Safety systems are most useful when they stay in the background until needed. The SGX also includes features such as lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic high beam.
The Fronx Hybrid suits small families and city drivers who want a crossover without the bulk of a larger SUV.
At P1.299 million for the two-tone SGX Hybrid, the Fronx offers a good mix of comfort, safety and fuel-saving technology in a compact package. It is easy to drive, easy to park and well suited to daily city use.
The Fronx works well as a daily car because it is easy to drive, comfortable in traffic and practical enough for school runs, errands and family trips.
The Fronx made daily city driving easier. That may be its most convincing reason to own one.
