I’m planning to buy a car under ₹8 lakh with a focus on engine quality, mileage and safety. I’m confused between the Maruti Baleno and Fronx. Is the Fronx truly safer than the Baleno? Since the Fronx has a 4-star rating in Japan NCAP, can we assume similar build quality for the India model? Please guide.

Autocar India

•15w

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is based on the Baleno, and mechanically and structurally, both are very similar.

Thus, both will be very similar when it comes to safety, too. As for the crash safety rating, yes, the Fronx has secured a 4-star rating in the Japan NCAP crash tests; however, the Baleno has secured a 5-star rating in the BNCAP tests.

So the Baleno is safe too, if not safer, you must bear in mind that there could be differences in the export model. As for the engines, both Fronx and Baleno use the same 1.2 liter naturally aspirated unit. However, the Fronx also comes with the choice of a more peppy and lively 1.0 liter turbo petrol engine

Explore cars mentioned

Maruti Suzuki

Fronx

from ₹8.07 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki

Baleno

from ₹7.07 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

nithin pm

•3d

My budget is around ₹10.5 lakh (± ₹50,000). My monthly running is approximately 400 km, and I prefer a petrol car with a city mileage of around 11-14 km/l. I have analysed the Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, and Toyota Taisor. I am also expecting good resale value. Please suggest the best option.

Autocar India

•20h

Of your shortlisted cars, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx (or its equivalent, the Toyota Taisor) makes the most sense. In your budget of Rs 10-11 lakh, you get a choice of a 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. While the 1.2 is more than sufficient, we would recommend the Turbo for its additional pep, with little penalty to mileage and running costs. Unless driven with an overly heavy foot, it should easily meet your target of 11-14kpl. Maruti vehicles are also great when it comes to resale value, with some of the best long-term residual values on the market. The next best bet is the Hyundai Venue, which is more spacious and comfortable, but it won't be as good as the Maruti when it comes to mileage or resale value.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

Hyundai Venue

Abhilash K

•5d

I am looking for an automatic car. It will be driven mostly in Trivandrum city and will do a monthly long drive of 500km. Please suggest a good option between 10-12 lakh, on-road in Trivandrum.

Autocar India

•2d

Since most of your driving is in the city, a torque-converter automatic would be a good choice. With that in mind, there are several options in your price range, but the Fronx and the XUV 3XO stand out.The Maruti Suzuki Fronx with the Boosterjet engine offers decent performance and is responsive at low speeds, thanks in part to the mild-hybrid system’s ISG motor, which also helps improve fuel efficiency. The 6-speed Aisin-sourced automatic is very smooth in operation and reliable. Cabin space and overall comfort are good, and highway stability will feel reassuring on your longer trips.Similarly, the Mahindra XUV 3XO with the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine offers good performance and a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. It offers a spacious and plush cabin that can comfortably accommodate five passengers. The suspension is comfortable and has a robust feel. Before you decide, take a test drive of both cars.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Mahindra XUV 3XO

B P Jyrwa

•1w

I own a Ford Figo Aspire 2016 petrol model. Please suggest a compact sub-4 metre car as a replacement. My budget is ₹8-9 lakh, and the car will run mostly in the city.

Autocar India

•2d

There is a wide range of sub-4m cars available in your budget. We've listed the best city cars for each body style:1) Hatchbacks: Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Glanza 2) Compact sedans: Maruti Suzuki Dzire3) Crossover/compact SUV: Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Citroen C3

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