Maruti Fronx facelift spied: ADAS radar, parking sensors and rear disc brakes spotted

Spy shots of the Maruti Fronx facelift have surfaced online. They show a few exterior changes and a couple of new safety features. The Fronx is based on the Baleno, which got a facelift in September with a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and extra features. We expect some of those changes, if not all, to reach the facelifted Fronx.

Exterior
The test mule has a revised grille. A box in the centre looks like a radar sensor for the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite. The LED headlights and LED daytime running lamps look the same as on the current model. Sharp-eyed viewers can also spot front parking sensors, which the current Fronx does not have. The front bumper is heavily camouflaged, so it could get some design changes too.

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The side profile looks mostly familiar. The test mule uses the same dual-tone alloy wheels as the current model. A closer look shows disc brakes on the rear wheels. The current Fronx does not offer those. The camouflage hides most of the rear. Still, we expect slightly revised lighting and a fresh rear bumper.

New features
The spy shots do not show the cabin. The changes could match the Baleno facelift. The Fronx may get front-seat ventilation and a Clarion sound system. The dashboard should stay the same. The seats will likely get leatherette upholstery so the ventilation function can work.

Engine options
The biggest change could sit under the bonnet. A new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E engine could replace the current 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K12N. The Baleno made the same switch. The new engine makes 83hp and 112Nm. That is 7hp and 1Nm less than before. It will come with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). A 70hp CNG version is also likely, with both manual and AMT options. The power drop is small, and the new engine should be more fuel-efficient. The Baleno shows the same gain.

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The 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Boosterjet turbo-petrol should stay on sale. It makes 100hp and 148Nm. It comes with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.

Price and rivals
Maruti will likely revise the Fronx's price with the facelift. The current model costs Rs 6.90 lakh to Rs 12.03 lakh (ex-showroom). It will keep taking on compact SUVs like the Toyota Taisor, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Citroen C3.