I am planning to buy the Maruti Suzuki Fronx but am confused between the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and the 1.0-litre turbo 3-cylinder engine. My driving will be around 30% in the city and 70% on highways. Could you please suggest which engine option would be better suited for my usage?

Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx 1.0 Boosterjet Zeta MT - your 70% highway use will benefit from its stronger mid‑range punch (about 147 Nm vs 113 Nm) for safer overtakes and fewer downshifts.

With 70% highway driving, the 1.0 turbo’s extra shove makes a clear difference when going from 60-100 km/h or climbing inclines; it has around 100 PS/147 Nm versus the 1.2’s ~90 PS/113 Nm. That extra ~34 Nm means easier overtakes with 3-4 people on board and a more relaxed cruise. For your 30% city runs, the turbo’s low‑gear pull helps in slow traffic, and the Fronx’s compact size keeps parking simple. If your monthly km is higher, the stronger mid‑range will feel rewarding on every trip.

The one thing you give up is the 1.2’s smoother, quieter 4‑cylinder feel; the 3‑cylinder turbo has a mild thrum at idle and can sound a bit busier when cruising.

If your usage shifts to mostly city (over 60%) or you prefer a calmer, linear engine and a lower upfront price, consider the Fronx 1.2 Zeta MT instead; check with the dealer for current pricing.

On the test drive, in the 1.0 do a 40-80 km/h pull in 3rd gear and then hold 100 km/h; note mid‑range response, engine noise, and whether you need frequent downshifts to maintain pace.