- Maruti unveiled the Fronx at the Auto Expo 2023 which is essentially a crossover based on the Baleno.
- Baleno is the highest-selling premium hatchback in the country.
- Let us compare these two to determine which one suits your needs better.
Here is a comparison between the Maruti Fronx and Baleno in terms of specs, dimensions, features and more. Maruti recently unveiled the Fronx crossover SUV at the Auto Expo 2023. It was spotted testing with camouflage multiple times before. Based on the Baleno, it will sit between the Baleno and Brezza. On the other hand, Baleno is a premium hatchback that needs no introduction. It is the highest-selling premium hatchback in the country by a mile. Let us take a look at which product makes more sense for which customers.
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Maruti Fronx vs Baleno Comparison – Specs
The Maruti Fronx comes powered by a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine that once powered the Baleno RS which makes a cool 100 PS and 147.6 Nm of peak power and torque. Additionally, there is also the option of a 1.2-litre K-Series Dual Jet VVT engine that makes 88 hp and 113 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine comes mated to a 5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT and a 6-speed Automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Interestingly, it comes equipped with an all-wheel-drive configuration.
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The Maruti Suzuki Baleno, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K-Series petrol engine with Idle Start Stop (ISS) System. This engine can churn out 88 hp and 113 Nm of peak power and torque. As standard, Maruti is offering the Baleno with a 5-speed manual transmission. However, a 5-speed automated manual transmission is available in select variants.
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| Specifications | Maruti Baleno | Maruti Fronx |
| Engine Displacement | 1.2-litre petrol | 1.2-litre petrol / 1.0-litre turbo petrol |
| Maximum Power | 88 hp | 88 hp / 100 PS |
| Peak Torque | 113 Nm | 113 Nm / 147.6 Nm |
| Transmission Options | 5 MT / 5 AMT | 5 MT / 5 AMT / 6 AT |
| Boot Capacity | 318 Liters | 308 Liters |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Crossover SUV |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | AWD |
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Dimension Comparison
Now, the Fronx is a crossover SV but is based on the same platform as the Baleno. Hence, it might look like it is a large vehicle, but the dimensions are rather comparable with the Baleno hatchback. Both these products measure under 4m in length to take advantage of the tax benefits. From the table below, you can see that the Fronx is marginally large than the Baleno in all respects but the wheelbase is identical. Interestingly, it has a slightly smaller boot compartment than the Baleno.
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| Dimension Comparison (in mm) | Maruti Baleno | Maruti Fronx |
| Length | 3,990 | 3,995 |
| Width | 1,745 | 1,765 |
| Height | 1,500 | 1,550 |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 | 2,520 |
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Maruti Fronx vs Baleno Comparison – Features
The Fronx is the latest addition to Maruti’s India lineup which means that it has the latest features and cabin. It comes equipped with a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ Infotainment System powered by Arkamys, a 360 View Camera, Wireless Charging, Heads-Up Display, TFT Instrument Cluster Next-Gen Suzuki Connect with 40+ Intelligent Connect Car Features, 6-speaker Premium Arkamys Audio System, 6 Airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Auto IRVM, Hill Hold Assist, all seats have 3-point ELR seat belts and more.
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On the other hand, the Baleno also comes with a 9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with SmartPlay Pro+ OS, OTA Updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Heads-Up Display, a 360-Degree Camera, Alexa Support, ARKAMYS Sound System, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, Auto-Dimming IRVM, Cruise Control, Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat, Voice Commands, 6 Airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Points, ESP, Hill Hold Assist and more.
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Verdict
Both these products come packed with features to the brim. We will have to wait for the prices of the Fronx to be announced. But it will be higher than the Baleno. Hence, we can conclude by saying that if you are fond of the SUV-ish silhouette and are looking for a powerful engine and don’t mind spending a bit more, then the Fronx is the one for you. It will also get you the handy all-wheel-drive configuration that could be a critical point for a whole lot of buyers.
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However, if you are not swept away by the SUV wave and are looking for a value-for-money product, then Baleno should do the trick. It has all the modern features in the current-gen model that were updated just a few months ago. That is the reason why it has been selling so well for a long time in our market. But we must still wait a bit to know how much of a premium the new Fronx command over the Baleno. In any case, you can’t really go wrong with either of these.
