Fronx-ing up - Suzuki electrifies SUV range

Suzuki is joining the small-medium SUV market with the Fronx

THE first fully-electric Vitara is one of the headline acts as Suzuki introduces a range of electrified SUVs, including the all-new Fronx hybrid coupe-crossover model.

Drawing its name from ‘Frontier Crossover’, the Fronx is a high-riding four-door hatch, offering enhanced ground clearance in a small-medium sloping rear body style.

While Suzuki is not releasing full details of the driveline or other key specifications until closer to the September 1 on-sale date, the Fronx is not expected to be a plug-in hybrid, meaning it will use regenerative braking to capture power for the drive battery.

With Suzuki pitching the Fronx as a ‘stepping stone’ between small hatches and an SUV, giving a clue to sizing, between the current Swift and Vitara.

Also joining the line-up are two new Vitara models, a hybrid and Suzuki’s first full EV, the e Vitara, with both expected to arrive in early 2026.

Already a popular fixture in the small SUV/4WD category, the Vitara has a long history in Australia, with a mix of three- and five-door versions, combining light weight with good off-road ability.

The e Vitara will debut Suzuki’s ALLGRIP-e electric 4WD driveline, which the company says will combine off-road capability with ‘powerful performance on any surface’.

Suzuki is similarly tight-lipped on the Vitara Hybrid’s specifications, however given the company’s experience with the Swift Hybrid, the petrol engine will likely be under 1.6-litres, with a choice of a traditional manual or Continuously Variable Transmissions with all-wheel-drive.