The Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are new players in the sub-four-metre market but in the SUV segment. As for powertrain options, both vehicles are available in petrol and CNG. But unlike the Exter, the Fronx has an optional turbocharged engine.
In terms of pricing, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx commands a premium over the Hyundai Exter. That said, the Hyundai Exter’s price starts from Rs 6 lakh, while the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is priced at Rs 7.46 lakh. Both are ex-showroom figures.
But by paying a premium, you would get extra offerings from the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
So, let’s begin weighing these two indigenous offerings and understand how they are different from each other. Let’s read on, then.
Specifications
For starters, let’s talk about the underpinnings of these two vehicles. As for the Hyundai Exter, it is based on the Hyundai-Kia K1 platform, which makes it closely related to the Grand i10 (hatchback). On the other hand, the Fronx is based on the Heartect B platform that underpins other Maruti Suzuki cars, such as the Baleno, Ignis, Swift, Dzire, Wagon R, and S-Presso.
Further, both vehicles are available in petrol and CNG.
As for the figures, let’s begin with the Hyundai Exter. Its petrol iteration is powered by a 1.2-litre (Kappa), four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which is tuned to churn out 82 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113.8 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. In parallel, the CNG version uses the same petrol engine but has a low engine output. That said, it generates 68 bhp at 6000 rpm and 95.2 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.
The five-speed manual is available in petrol and CNG, while the five-speed AMT is exclusive to the petrol version. You can check out the Exter price list here.
On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx has three engine options: a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and CNG.
The 1.2-litre engine pumps out 89 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113 Nm of peak torque at 4400 rpm. In parallel, the CNG kit is coupled with the 1.2-litre engine but delivers less output, rated at 76 bhp at 6000 rpm and 98.5 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm. The last option includes a 1.0-litre (Turbo Boosterjet), three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that generates 99 bhp at 5500 rpm and 147.6 Nm of peak torque at 2000 rpm.
The available transmission options include a five-speed manual, a five-speed AMT, and a six-speed automatic unit.
As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the Hyundai Exter’s mileage ranges between 19.2 km/l and 27.1 km/kg. On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx’s mileage ranges between 20.1 km/l and 28.51 km/kg. All are ARAI-certified figures.
Apart from Exter CNG, you can check out other Hyundai cars that can be had in other fuel types.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that the mileage figures can vary with the engine and transmission combination, local traffic conditions and individuals’ driving styles.
Suspensions, Brakes and Tyres
Before delving straight into their suspension setups, it should be worth noting that these vehicles are engineered by keeping the conditions of Indian roads in mind.
In addition, both vehicles have more or less the setup. As for the Hyundai Exter, it stands on a McPherson Strut at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. To get an opinion of our expert, you can check out the Hyundai Exter review.
As mentioned earlier, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx has the same setup. But, as they have different offerings, you can expect a slightly different suspension tuning. That said, it is recommended to take a test drive.
Apart from their suspension setups, the top variants of the Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx run on alloy wheels. The former has a tyre profile of 175/65 R15, while the latter has a tyre profile of 195/60 R16. Both have a steel rim as their spare wheels.
Active Safety Features
The common active safety features include ABS, EBD, ESP, hill hold control and traction control. There is one feature, which is exclusive to the Fronx- brake assist. The exclusive safety offerings of the Hyundai Exter include a tyre pressure monitoring system and a dual-view dashcam. Last, but not least, both vehicles are equipped with six airbags.
Features- Comfort, Convenience and Entertainment
On the features front, both vehicles have a long list of it. But, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx boasts slightly more features. Given the Fronx price, which commands a premium, one would expect more offerings. And, that is true. Unlike the Exter, the Fronx boasts an auto-dimming IRVM, a 360-degree camera, a driver armrest with storage, an adjustable cluster brightness, a head-up display (HUD), and a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (both wireless).
As for the Hyundai Exter’s exclusive features, it has a dual-view dashcam, a tyre pressure monitoring system, dual 12V sockets, a leather-wrapped gear-knob, a cooled glove box, and an electric single-pane sunroof. It also has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, also with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can, however, compare cars based on your personal preferences on the autoX website.
Both vehicles also have a connected car technology but have a different set of features within that technology. For reference, the Exter’s variants with the ‘Connect’ moniker support the connected car technology.
The Exter has OTA updates, while the Fronx has a Find My Car, vehicle status via the app, geo-fencing, emergency calls, and Alexa compatibility. Further, both have electric ORVMs, a rear wiper with a washer, voice command, steering-mounted controls, USB and auxiliary ports, and a wireless charger.
Prices and Variants
The Korean car manufacturer offers the Hyundai Exter in five trims: EX, S, SX, SX (O) and SX (O) Connect. In addition, the CNG versions are exclusive to the S and SX trims. It has a total of seventeen variants.
As for the Hyundai Exter price, it starts at Rs 6 lakh for the base variant, the EX Petrol MT, and goes up to Rs 10.15 lakh for the top variant, the SX(O) Connect DT AMT.
In parallel, the indigenous manufacturer offers the Maruti Suzuki Fronx in five trims: Sigma, Delta, Delta+, Zeta and Alpha. It has a total of fourteen variants. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx’s price starts at Rs 7.46 lakh for the base variant, the Sigma Petrol MT, and goes up to Rs 13.13 lakh for the top variant, the Alpha Turbo DT AT.
All are ex-showroom prices in Delhi, as of October 2023. Please note that these prices are subject to change without any prior notice to the customer. You can, however, visit the autoX website to access the latest location-based price list for your dream vehicle. For more, visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. So, stay tuned!
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