MBABANE – Local drivers eyeing Suzuki’s new Fronx might want to consider the manual version, following a road test in Johannesburg that revealed noticeable differences in performance and fuel economy.
South African motoring journalist Eyaaz Matwadia recently drove both the Suzuki Fronx and the Toyota Starlet Cross – vehicles built from the same design blueprint through a partnership between Toyota and Suzuki. While the Starlet Cross carries Toyota branding, it is manufactured alongside the Fronx, with only slight styling differences in the front grille, bumper and lights.
Both models come equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 77kW of power and 138Nm of torque. Matwadia, however, pointed to the gearbox as the biggest distinction. The Fronx was tested in a four-speed automatic while the Starlet Cross was driven in a five-speed manual.
“There’s a noticeable lag with the automatic Fronx when overtaking or going up hills,” said Matwadia, adding that the manual version felt more responsive, especially on highways.
Fuel efficiency also tipped in favour of the manual. The Starlet Cross delivered a low 5.2 litres per 100km compared to 6.8 litres per 100km from the automatic Fronx, making the manual more appealing for those conscious of rising fuel costs.
Inside the cabin, the Fronx comes with modern features such as a touchscreen infotainment system (7 or 9 inches depending on the model), Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, three USB charging ports, and cruise control. The higher-end GLX model includes extras like a head-up display, wireless charging, push-button start and extra interior lighting.
Pricing starts at R297 000 for the base GL model, while the fully loaded GLX manual costs R334 900. The automatic GLX tops the range at R354 900.
Matwadia said for drivers in countries like Eswatini, where long-distance driving is common, the manual option offers better value and improved control without sacrificing comfort.
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