Maruti Suzuki Wins Big at CarBlogIndia’s Annual Auto Awards 2024

Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Fronx bag the prestigious accolades at CarBlogIndia’s Annual Auto Awards 2024. Every year, we organize this event to recognize the outstanding products in multiple categories of the Indian automobile market. This year, the Jimny secured the title of ‘SUV of the Year’, while the Fronx was able to take home the crown in the ‘Viewers’ Choice Car of the Year’ category.

Maruti Jimny Bags CarBlogIndia’s SUV of the Year 2024 Title

The Maruti Jimny was selected as the ‘SUV of the Year’ by our experienced jury. The competition was stiff with all carmakers offering an SUV in some form. But Jimny was able to take the cake for being a true-blue off-roader, thereby offering a distinct proposition. We know that Jimny brings with it a rich and impressive legacy of around 5 decades. However, this is the first time it has been made available in the 5-door version, specifically tailored for the Indian market. That has enhanced its practicality. People derive huge value by owning something which is family friendly in addition to being one of the best lightweight budget off-roaders on the planet.

In fact, as a part of the media drive, we had the Jimny with us on a rather challenging terrain. During this time, we even took it out to the highway, did some urban commute and even put it in its natural habitat – off-road. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that despite being an off-roader, it managed to fit into all roles. The availability of 5 doors ensures that the passengers don’t feel uncomfortable during ingress and egress. The extended wheelbase allows more space inside. Finally, the sophisticated hardcore off-roading hardware allows it to be a confident companion when you decide to leave the tarmac.

Specs

The Maruti Jimny draws power from a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated K15B petrol engine which generates a decent 103 hp and 134 Nm of peak power and torque. There is either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox with this engine. The Jimny comes with Suzuki’s trademark ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 system. It ensures that the owners are able to take the Jimny to just about any terrain. It retails from Rs 12.74 lakh to Rs 14.95 lakh, ex-showroom.

Maruti Fronx Becomes CarBlogIndia’s Viewer’s Choice Car of the Year

The other vehicle which secures a prominent title at CarBlogIndia’s Annual Auto is the Fronx. It took home the bragging rights for the “Viewers’ Choice Car of the Year” tag. We conducted a poll where we gave our viewers the option to choose the best vehicle among the nominees. They picked the Fronx,which is a unique product amidst a sea of compact cars. The Fronx is based on the mighty popular Baleno premium hatchback. However, it blends in the flavor of an SUV. The result is a fusion between the hatchback and SUV body types, leading to the creation of a crossover. In fact, the updates are so effective that one is often hard-pressed to draw a parallel with the donor model.

Building on long features list on the Baleno, the Fronx offers some more goodies. Plus, it enjoys a unique distinct identity due to reworked exterior styling which makes it look bold and butch. That is what contributes to the road presence which draws people in. Apart from that, it even gets the option of choosing between the tried and tested 1.2-litre K-Series and the peppy 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine. The latter is the go-to choice for a whole bunch of potential buyers who love to drive enthusiastic cars without having to spend exorbitant money. All these factors ensure that Fronx remains a standout choice despite countless alternatives at this price point. The fact that it has been able to hold its own despite such fierce competition is a testament to how well the customers have embraced it.

Specs

As mentioned previously, the Maruti Fronx comes with two engine options – a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol mill generating a decent 90 PS / 113 Nm and 100 PS / 147 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Buyers can choose between either a 5-speed manual, an automatic or an AMT gearbox. In fact, there is also the alternative of a CNG mill with the 1.2-litre version. That puts out a usable 78 PS and 99 Nm of peak power and torque. As a matter of fact, this engine option is also a huge reason why it resonated with the potential buyers so much. People looking for low running costs often opt for CNG cars. Fronx retails between Rs 7.51 lakh and Rs 13.04 lakh, ex-showroom.

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