The replacement for the long-lived Suzuki Ignis is finally waiting in the wings – and it’s the Fronx.
Yes, we’ve known the small SUV has been bound for Australia since a week after its global unveiling early in 2023. But questions about pricing, engine specification and exactly where the small SUV would exist within the existing local line-up have remained unanswered.
Now, according to Suzuki Australia General Manager Michael Pachota, there is some clarity surrounding both the old Ignis and the new Fronx.
“With Fronx, our timeline (has always had it beginning) in 2025 unfortunately, with Suzuki Motor Company’s production plan (causing us to wait for it),” he admitted to CarsGuide.
“At this stage, we’re looking at running Ignis into 2025. But we will have new models coming in 2025 that may take its place. And within NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard that is coming into force from January 1 next year), we obviously have to plan accordingly, because we want to meet all those targets as well.”
2025 Suzuki Fronx hybrid.
Clarifying later the Fronx is the new model in question, this strongly suggests that – like the mild-hybrid-only Swift range (excluding the continuing old-shape Sport turbo) – Suzuki had sat tight to see what the Federal Government’s plan for reducing carbon dioxide emissions would be, before deciding to follow Europe in offering the Fronx with some level of electrification for Australia.
This leaves two mild-hybrid options that we currently know about, beginning with a 76kW/137Nm 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, using a 48-volt system, integrated starter generator/electric motor and small lithium-ion battery, driving the front wheels via the choice of a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
2025 Suzuki Fronx hybrid.
The ageing Vitara is also set to receive this powertrain early next year, so it’s the strongest contender for Australia.
Above that is a 73kW/148Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine also using the same hybrid and transmission technologies, while in South Africa (and likely some other markets), there’s also a 77kW/138Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine available in five-speed manual or four-speed auto.
2025 Suzuki Fronx hybrid.
That option’s unlikely to get the green light for Australia given Pachota’s NVES comment, as well as past announcements saying that all Suzukis from 2025 will feature some sort of hybrid system.
The Fronx hybrid is also heading to Japan evidently, with a teaser video on the company’s home-market website proclaiming that “the new Fronx is finally coming to Japan!” complete with hybrid badge clearly visible.
2025 Suzuki Fronx hybrid.
As for the vital question of pricing, Pachota has reportedly hinted strongly that it may slip in at even less than the Swift Hybrid, which begins at $24,490 drive-away for the manual and $26,990 drive-away for the expected volume-selling automatic.
In contrast, the smaller, older Ignis GL kicks off from $21,490 before on-road costs in manual form, and $1000 more for the auto.
Crucially, the latter and Swift are sourced from Japan, whilst the Fronx is built in India by subsidiary Maruti, which should help keep the Fronx’s price competitive.
Whether it matches the expected key rivals – including the bestselling MG ZS, Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue that all start in the low-$20,000 bracket – remains to be seen.
Watch this space.
PS: There’s a Toyota badged version of the Fronx in Zimbabwe called the Starlet Cross. How about it, TMCA?
2025 Suzuki Fronx hybrid.