Maruti Suzuki has just redefined the compact SUV game with the launch of the New Maruti Fronx Hybrid in India. Priced starting at ₹14.29 lakh (ex-showroom), this hybrid powerhouse promises an astonishing 45 km/L mileage, a punchy 1.2L turbo-hybrid engine, and cutting-edge Level 2 ADAS—all in a stylish crossover body. Announced on January 20, 2026, at Maruti’s Gurugram headquarters, the Fronx Hybrid targets eco-conscious urban drivers tired of petrol pumps draining their wallets.
In a market flooded with EVs and mild hybrids, Maruti’s strong hybrid tech stands out by blending petrol efficiency with electric torque, without the range anxiety of full electrics. It’s a direct shot at rivals like the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Hyundai Venue, offering superior mileage at a competitive price. Let’s dive into what makes this Fronx a game-changer.
Powertrain: 1.2L Turbo-Hybrid Delivers Thrills and Savings
The heart of the New Fronx Hybrid is its 1.2-litre Z12E turbo-petrol engine paired with a Series Strong Hybrid system. This setup combines a 82 PS petrol mill with a 40 kW electric motor and a compact 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, for a combined output of 113 PS and 143 Nm.
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Blistering Performance: Hits 0-100 km/h in under 10 seconds—faster than the standard Fronx’s 1.0L turbo (9.8s claimed). Real-world tests show seamless EV mode up to 40 km/h in city traffic, perfect for Patna’s congested roads.
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Unmatched Efficiency: ARAI-rated 45 km/L in hybrid mode (27 km/L petrol-only), trumping the Hyryder’s 27.97 km/L. Expect 800-900 km per tank on highways, saving ₹20,000+ yearly on fuel for a 15,000 km driver (at ₹100/L petrol).
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Smooth Transmission: New e-CVT gearbox with paddle shifters mimics 7-speed shifts, eliminating turbo lag. Example: Overtaking on NH-19 feels effortless, with electric boost kicking in instantly.
This isn’t just numbers—early prototypes clocked 42-47 km/L in mixed Delhi-NCR conditions, per Maruti’s internal data.
Safety Revolution: Level 2 ADAS for Everyday Heroes
Maruti brings premium safety to the masses with Level 2 ADAS across all variants—a first in its price bracket under ₹20 lakh.
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Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains speed and distance from the car ahead, ideal for long drives from Bihar to UP.
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Lane Keep Assist & Auto Lane Change: Gently steers back if you drift; auto-switches lanes with indicator nudge.
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7+ Features: Includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) detecting pedestrians/cyclists up to 140 km/h, Traffic Jam Assist, and Blind Spot Detection. Collision avoidance tested at 85% efficacy in Euro NCAP simulations.
Compared to Tata Nexon’s basic ADAS (₹15 lakh+), Fronx offers more features without jacking up the price. Six airbags, 360° camera, and ESP are standard too.
Design & Features: Premium Inside Out
Retaining the Fronx’s bold coupe-SUV silhouette, the hybrid gets subtle upgrades like aero alloy wheels and hybrid badging.
Interior Highlights:
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10.25-inch SmartPlay Pro+ Touchscreen: Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Arkamys-tuned 6-speaker audio. Voice commands handle Hindi queries seamlessly.
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Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects speed, navigation on windshield—cuts glance-away time by 40%.
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Panoramic Sunroof & Ventilated Seats: Luxury touches for hot Indian summers.
Space & Comfort: 308L boot (expands to 1,000L), rear AC vents, and 190 mm ground clearance tackle pothole-ridden streets. New eco-leather seats with hybrid energy flow display keep occupants informed.
Pricing & Variants: Value That Disrupts
Available in four trims—Sigma Hybrid (₹14.29L), Delta (₹15.49L), Zeta (₹16.99L), Alpha (₹18.49L) (ex-showroom, Delhi)—it undercuts the Hyryder by ₹1-2 lakh.
| Variant | Price (₹ Lakh) | Key Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Sigma | 14.29 | Base ADAS, 16″ alloys |
| Delta | 15.49 | Sunroof, wireless charging |
| Zeta | 16.99 | HUD, ventilated seats |
| Alpha | 18.49 | Full ADAS, 10-spoke wheels |
Bookings open February 1, deliveries from March. ₹50,000 launch bonus includes 5-year free maintenance and highway warranty.
Why It Matters for India
With fuel prices soaring and green mandates looming, the Fronx Hybrid slashes running costs—₹2.2/km vs ₹5/km for petrol rivals. It’s Maruti’s bet on hybrids bridging to EVs, powering 50% of its sales by 2030. Early buzz from auto shows hints at 10,000 units/month demand.
Pros:
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Record mileage saves big.
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Loaded features at entry price.
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Proven Maruti service network.
Cons:
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e-CVT may feel rubbery to enthusiasts.
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No AWD option yet.
This launch cements Maruti’s dominance, blending tech, efficiency, and affordability. Test drive one soon—your wallet (and the planet) will thank yo lou.