The upcoming addition to India's car market from the Toyota-Maruti Suzuki partnership is another SUV-inspired model. Toyota is currently developing its rendition of the Maruti Fronx, with some sources suggesting a launch date within the first quarter of 2024, potentially as late as March.
Drawing inspiration from previous shared models between Maruti and Toyota, the reimagined Fronx is anticipated to feature a distinct grille and front bumper design. Similarly, the cabin layout may retain the Fronx's design, while receiving a unique colour palette, mirroring the approach taken with the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder.
The Toyota-branded Fronx is expected to adopt the same comprehensive list of features and amenities offered by its Maruti counterpart. The vehicle boasts a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera for enhanced parking manoeuvres, LED lighting for a stylish and illuminated interior, automatic climate control for optimal comfort, a wireless phone charger for convenient device charging, and up to six airbags for advanced safety protection.
The Toyota-badged Fronx will also inherit the same engine and transmission options. the Toyota Fronx will feature a 1.2-litre petrol engine (90 PS/ 113 Nm) paired. The higher variants, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (100 PS/ 148 Nm) will be offered.
The Fronx also offers the option of CNG fuel for the 1.2-litre petrol engine, available exclusively with a 5-speed MT. Building upon the success of the Toyota Hyryder and in the absence of plans for a rebadged Maruti Brezza, Toyota seeks to solidify its presence in the sub-4m SUV segment.
With the Fronx sharing its underpinnings with the Baleno hatchback, also sold as the Toyota Glanza, this crossover SUV presents an enticing opportunity for the Japanese automaker to expand its market share.