[Aditya]

The Maruti Fronx (read the full review here), is offered with two petrol engine options – a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit and a 1.0-litre turbocharged motor. You can also choose between a 5-speed manual transmission, an AMT or a 6-speed torque converter AT. The chart below should give you a better idea.

So if you were in the market for the Maruti Fronx, which engine and gearbox combination would you pick & why?



The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine puts out 99 BHP & 148 Nm. This unit is the more exciting of the two and delivers brisk performance. It is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. You can read our drive report of the MT in detail here. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is not available in the base variant of the Fronx.



The 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine develops 89 BHP & 113 Nm. This engine is more refined compared to the Boosterjet because of the extra cylinder. It is not as fast as the turbo-petrol, but it is more fuel efficient. It is available with the option of a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed AMT. You can read our drive report of the MT and AMT in detail here. This naturally aspirated petrol is not available in the top variant of the Fronx.

[GTO]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

Am so glad that Maruti brought the turbo-petrol back into the fray! That, and a proper 6-speed torque converter AT. No AMTs for me, ever.

[shankar.balan]

I totally agree that the Turbo Petrol plus 6 AT Torque Converter is the best combo of the available ones in the Fronx.

[SedateGuy]

If possible I think we should include - none - as one of the choices. Just a thought.

[m8002?]

Definitely the 1.0 Turbo engine with MT or AT based on convenience

I tried the AMT in the Baleno just after a short test drive of the 1.0 AT. The difference is night and day. I am not sure why Maruti is still continuing with AMT...it just ruins that smooth K12 engine experience.

Maybe should go the Hyundai way of providing IMT in the lower versions.

[Shreyans_Jain]

The 1.2 NA petrol is rather underwhelming in this category of cars where turbo petrols generally rule. The AMT is lame. With the booster jet, the 6AT should the transmission of choice. Problem is, it is extremely overpriced. They want a 2L rupee on road premium for what is a rather average slush box, which is totally unjustified. Net net, this is a car best bought as a manual. NA or turbo, depending on budget.

Overall, while the lower variants are still just about acceptable value for money, the car in the whole is pretty meh. Better to spend a little more for Brezza or Nexon or Sonet.

[ralto]

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

With the booster jet, the 6AT should the transmission of choice. The problem is, it is extremely overpriced.

Echoing the same sentiment. There is no doubt that Turbo petrol + 6AT is probably the best pick but that on-road price is dreadful. I visited Nexa a few times to get a test drive, but the car was unavailable. And when they finally announced the price, I just dropped the car from the consideration list entirely and moved a segment below to Ignis (MT/AMT).

[07CR]

Originally Posted by SedateGuy

If possible I think we should include - none - as one of the choices. Just a thought.

I agree. A "None- I will buy something else in Maruti or competition" makes sense. I believe in this case it will garner significant number of votes.

[bijims]

The 1.0 L Boosterjet with Torque Converter AT gearbox seems to be the best version of the Fronx but with pricing the Fronx Zeta AT in the same territory as the Kia Sonet HTX DCT and the Fronx Alpha AT at par with the Hyundai Venue SX(O) DCT, I feel the Korean twins are more value for money than the Fronx in this segment.

To add to that the Venue S(O) DCT sells for around 62k less than what the Zeta AT Fronx costs ex-showroom. So, the Fronx really does have its work cut out for itself.

[fhdowntheline]

I wonder why MsIL cant give a remap to the 1.0 and give it something like 110 bhp/ 170 NM , put it in the G Vitara and compete with the compact SUVs?

[VRSriram]

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain

The 1.2 NA petrol is rather underwhelming in this category of cars where turbo petrols generally rule. The AMT is lame. With the booster jet, the 6AT should the transmission of choice. Problem is, it is extremely overpriced. They want a 2L rupee on road premium for what is a rather average slush box, which is totally unjustified. Net net, this is a car best bought as a manual. NA or turbo, depending on budget.

Overall, while the lower variants are still just about acceptable value for money, the car in the whole is pretty meh. Better to spend a little more for Brezza or Nexon or Sonet.

Also the seating position is same as Baleno and is low. Yes, Brezza has brilliant suspension tune, engine refinement, low end torque, robust build and best seating position.

[Bhalla]

Voted for 1.2 MT. Voted for MT as I hate AMTs. Wish, Maruti offered TC or CVT in 1.2 NA engine rather than AMT.

[Carpainter]

I voted for 1.2 MT. It will be the most reliable combo and vfm. The turbo variant is 10hp more but the vfm is not there and the performance gain is not as much as the decrease in fuel economy. If you want a fun to drive car buy something else. In fact if you're not head over heels with Fronx, buy Baleno. I think Maruti is getting greedy these days with pricing of Brezza and now Fronx. Toyota effect?

[pgoyal1996]

Would have gone for 1.2 NA + MT, if it was available in the top end trim.

Not sure about the reliability and longevity of the turbo engine, since I guess the cumulative sales for models bearing this engine is quite low [References and links to insights are welcome].

Plus, the thrill to ride on the turbo boost is just too much so, the AFE will surely take a dip.

[KPR]

One thing that MS will never disappoint is mileage. I have to wait and see real world figures of this 1.0 turbo petrol. until then AMT 1.2 for me.