Maruti Suzuki x Auto Expo 2023

Maruti Suzuki is showcasing a range of sustainable offerings at Auto Expo 2023, and has launched two formidable SUVs in the Indian market – Jimmy and Fronx.

Building on its commitment towards sustainable motoring and reinforcing its vision of developing sustainable powertrain systems through continuous technological development and innovation, the company unveiled the Concept Electric SUV eVX. The ‘Emotional Versatile Cruiser,’ – Concept eVX is a mid-size electric SUV concept designed and developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan offering futuristic SUV design elements with an upright posture and commanding high-seating. The Concept Electric SUV eVX will be powered by a 60kWh battery pack offering up to 550km of driving range.

Concept Electric SUV eVX specifications:

• Dimensions: L x W x H:  4,300mm x 1,800mm x 1,600mm 
• Platform: All-new dedicated EV platform
• Battery Capacity: 60kWh battery pack with safe battery technology 
• Driving Range: up to 550km 

Concept eVX’s unmistakable progressive SUV silhouette is instantly distinct from that of a conventional SUV. The eVX’s upright posture, horizontal hood, commanding high seating, maximised cabin size, long wheelbase, large wheels, high ground clearance, and signature LED light elements are unmistakable design elements derived from Suzuki’s SUV heritage. Futuristic design elements have been engineered to deliver high levels of aerodynamic efficiency by lowering the drag coefficient, distinguishing it as a car with advanced technology. 

Concept Electric SUV eVX highlights: 

• Unmistakable SUV silhouette: The eVX bears Suzuki’s signature SUV design with aerodynamic silhouette, long wheelbase, shorter overhangs, and optimum ground clearance
• Class leading functionality: With Dedicated EV platform offering safe battery technology, the Concept Electric SUV eVX is designed to offer class leading cabin comfort, convenience & connected features. 

Concept eVX is a part of Suzuki’s vision for the future of developing EVs to contribute to the company’s mission of sustainability in India and around the world. 

Other Green Technology on Display:

Overall, the company has displayed an array of 16 vehicles at the Expo, including the Grand Vitara, XL6, Ciaz, Ertiga, Brezza, WagonR Flex Fuel, Baleno, and Swift among others. A range of sustainable product offerings like WagonR Flex Fuel prototype, Brezza S-CNG^* and Grand Vitara Intelligent Electric Hybrid have also been showcased.

• WagonR Flex Fuel Prototype: To showcase Maruti Suzuki’s efforts towards flex fuel technology, the company is showcasing a flex fuel compliant Wagon R prototype that can run even on E85 fuel. Flex Fuel vehicles are developed to run on 20%-85% ethanol blending and offer similar performance and better running cost considering possible fuel price differential in gasoline fuel price and E85 fuel. 
• Hot and Techy Brezza S-CNG: The Company also showcased its yet to be launched Brezza S-CNG at the expo. Maruti Suzuki has the largest range of 14 factory-fitted S-CNG vehicles 
• Grand Vitara Intelligent Electric Hybrid: The Grand Vitara with Intelligent Electric Hybrid system and e-CVT transmission offers a sophisticated dual powertrain system to deliver superior acceleration, performance, and fuel-efficiency. The Grand Vitara Intelligent Electric Hybrid is India’s most fuel-efficient SUV⁺ with a best-in-class efficiency** of 27.97 km/l.

Global Premiere of Sporty Compact SUV FRONX & Legendry Off-Roader JIMNY

Featuring high-end powertrain technologies and the best of Suzuki’s SUV lineage, both FRONX and JIMNY aim to strengthen Maruti Suzuki’s SUV line-up.

The sporty compact SUV FRONX introduces a new design trend into the SUV segment. With its fresh design, spirited performance, advanced technology and safety features, the FRONX will present a new dimension to the segment.

The much-awaited legendary off-roader JIMNY will attract passionate & professional off-roaders, and SUV customers alike. The JIMNY which was originally launched in global markets in 1970, has been breaking stereotypes the world over thanks to its unique design and all terrain capability, powered by Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO (4WD) technology.

FRONX:

Conceptualized, designed and developed in India for young aspirational car buyers, FRONX pioneers a ‘Shape of New’ compact SUVs in the country. It is is based on the Baleno platform and for context, can be referred to as a Baleno Cross with Grand Vitara styling inputs. Aimed at young trailblazers, FRONX has an aerodynamic silhouette, an upright stance and a sloping rear, with roof rails and a wide bonnet to give it a commanding road presence. SUV design elements bring out the FRONXs’ sporty nature with chiselled wheel arches, muscular fenders and side body cladding. The signature NEXWave grille, chrome garnish, and signature NEXTre crystal block DRLs exemplify NEXA’s unmistakable ‘Crafted Futurism’ design language for the FRONX. The rear comes with a sculpted upright profile accentuated by wide sweeping LED Rear Combination Lamps running across the width of the vehicle. The FRONX also gets a dual-finish bold step type geometric design for the precision cut alloy wheels that complement its overall dynamic design.

Youthful and contemporary interiors resonate the stylish and premium design language of the exterior. Inspired by a sense of spaciousness, the FRONX offers bold design elements with dynamic elegance for an engaging driving experience. The Black and Bordeaux contrasting colour scheme fits into NEXA’s brand philosophy seamlessly. Similarly, to create a strong SUV image, the FRONX gets a special forged metal-like matte finish on the dashboard to highlight its rugged character, that is further accentuated by high gloss silver inserts.

Powering the FRONX are two powertrain options. Performance enthusiasts who seek power and excitement can choose the all-new 1.0L K-series Turbo Boosterjet Direct Injection engine with Progressive Smart Hybrid technology with peak power of 100Ps @ 5,500rpm and 147.6Nm torque @ 2,000 – 4,500rpm. The FRONX with Turbo Boosterjet engine will be available with the choice of 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Customers can also choose an Advanced 1.2L K-series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine which offers Idle Start Stop technology and transmission options of 5-speed manual and AGS. It has a peak power output of 89.73Ps @ 6,000rpm and 113Nm torque @ 4,400rpm.

FRONX comes with a range of connectivity features such as Head Up Display with turn-by-turn navigation, 360 view camera, wireless charger, 22.86cm (9”) HD Smart Play Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Infotainment system also boasts premium sound acoustic tuning through “Surround Sense” powered by “ARKAMYS”, offering signature ambiences created to suit various moods. With the in-built next-gen telematics system Suzuki Connect, customers can experience 40+ intelligent connected car features ranging from Safety and Security, location and trips, Vehicle Information and Alerts, and other functionalities. Customers can remotely access AC operation^, door lock, headlamp off, and many more features through the Suzuki Connect App on smartphones and smartwatches. It is equipped with 6 airbags (driver, co-driver, side & curtain), 3-point ELR seat belts, ESP with Hill Hold Assist & roll over mitigation, ABS with EBD & brake assist (BA), ISOFIX child seat anchorages, among other safety features.

JIMNY:

The global unveil of JIMNY in its 5-door avatar was followed by the announcement that it will be introduced in India first, followed by Suzuki’s global markets. The JIMNY is built on the 4 essentials of an off-road machine – Ladder Frame Chassis, Ample Body Angles, 3-link rigid axle suspension and ALLGRIP PRO (4WD) with low range transfer gear (4L mode). ALLGRIP PRO offers extreme off-road ability to meet the driver’s spirit of adventure.  Carrying forward its strong legacy of over 50 years of global success, the JIMNY is meant to go deeper, higher and farther. An off-road machine built for purpose, the JIMNY is developed to navigate treacherous terrains, manoeuvre through dense woods, and conquer the toughest terrains with ease. Additionally, it offers a comfortable ride as a daily driver.

The JIMNY is designed in a naturally intuitive manner to optimize functionality. The globally renowned SUV comes equipped with all the necessary technologies that offers a solid foundation for exemplary all-round performance. With a body-on-frame design, it provides a sense of solidity and its squared body proportions instil confidence and gives the driver better visibility of the surroundings especially on treacherous topography. It boasts of a strong body frame built with proven ALLGRIP PRO for the toughest terrain for uncompromised off-roading performance. The 5-door version of JIMNY inherits the signature design elements such as the clamshell bonnet, vertical slits in the front grille and iconic round headlamps from the legendary Suzuki JIMNY.

The interiors of the JIMNY are optimized through minimalism to avoid distractions. This is achieved with basic black shades to avoid distraction while silver inserts highlight functional elements. The dashboard and centre console have been designed to maximise the driver’s awareness of the angle of the car on undulated surfaces. Sections of the interior have a pattern resembling the body of a high-grade single lens reflex camera that conceals small scratches, suppress reflections and are easy to grip. This JIMNY comes with 9” Smart Play Pro+ infotainment system with HD display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Infotainment system also boasts premium sound acoustic tuning through “Surround Sense” powered by ARKAMYS.

JIMNY comes loaded with safety features that inspire confidence while driving through the wilderness. 6-airbags, Brake (LSD) Limited Slip Differential, ESP with hill hold assist, hill decent control, rear-view camera, and ABS with EBD ensure a sense of safety while you plan to take the roads less travelled.

Powered by the proven K-series 1.5-litre engine – delivering 104Ps @ 6000rpm and 134Nm torque @ 4000rpm – with Idle Start Stop technology, the JIMNY offers unrivalled agility, thanks to optimised torque delivery, complemented by specially tuned 5-speed Manual and 4-speed Automatic Transmission options.

Sporting Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO technology, the JIMNY is capable of extreme off-roading while undertaking tough challenges. The special 4WD transfer case lets you shift seamlessly from 2H two-wheel drive to 4H four-wheel drive on-the-fly. Effortless shifting to 4L (low range transfer gear) drive mode gives the JIMNY maximum torque and traction for the most challenging off-road terrains. This true blue off-roader has been chosen by experts around the world who seek the ruggedness of a 4×4 with the agility of the JIMNY, a badge of honour that Suzuki has held for itself for 50 years.