Suzuki has built its reputation in the Philippines on small cars that deliver big value. From the S-Presso to the Ertiga, the brand has consistently given buyers practical choices for city driving and family life. The newest member of the lineup, the Suzuki Fronx, aims to slot neatly between the two. It’s a subcompact SUV – essentially a spiritual replacement to the Vitara – that promises efficiency, agility, and more technology than you’d expect at its price point.

After taking it through a mix of highways and mountain roads before its official launch in the Philippines, it’s clear the Fronx has plenty going for it. But like any car, there are also areas where it could improve. Here are five things we love about the Suzuki Fronx, and five things that could be better.

What We Love

Excellent Fuel Efficiency

The Fronx sets itself apart early with its strong fuel economy. During an economy run that covered 160 kilometers, the instrument cluster reported a fuel consumption of around 25 km/L. However, even after an hour’s worth of twisty-road driving – complete with engine braking and sudden, harsh acceleration – the figure still hovered at a very respectable 21 km/L.

Much of this is thanks to the new 6-speed automatic, a first for Suzuki in the Philippines. It climbs quickly through gears to keep revs low, clearly tuned with efficiency in mind.

Paddle Shifters for Control

Since the transmission prefers to upshift almost immediately, paddle shifters become a useful tool. They’re not lightning-fast, but they give you the ability to hold gears longer, which comes in handy for engine braking on winding roads or when overtaking.

With 99 horsepower on tap, the Fronx isn’t built for outright speed, but with the paddles, it offers a sense of control and engagement that makes driving more enjoyable.

Confident Handling

The most pleasant surprise is how well the Fronx drives through corners. Grip remained secure, the steering had just the right amount of weight, and body roll was minimal. Braking performance was reassuring, too, even during repeated downhill stretches.

In the city, its compact footprint makes it easy to weave through traffic and park in tight spots. It strikes an outstanding balance between urban practicality and road-trip readiness.

Smart Cabin Space

Suzuki has done a good job of maximizing the Fronx’s interior. Even at the back, sitting behind my own driving position (I’m 5’6″), there was still comfortable legroom. Add in generous storage spaces and cubbyholes, and the cabin feels functional without being cramped.

The trunk, despite not having a flat floor, has plenty of usable space. The hard tonneau is a nice touch as well.

Big on Tech for the Price

This is where the Fronx punches above its weight. The 9-inch floating touchscreen, wireless charging, and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist all add absolute convenience. I also appreciate how it utilizes its cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle as you start the vehicle, which is a useful feature in terms of security and safety.

The top-spec SGX that we tested goes even further, featuring leather seats, a heads-up display, and Suzuki Safety Support – a comprehensive package of driver assists that includes collision alerts, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and the aforementioned adaptive cruise control. For something priced around P1.3 million, that’s a lot of car.

What Could Be Better

Smallish Wheels

The 16-inch wheels are functional, but they look undersized against the Fronx’s body. The narrow design and darker finish make the wheel wells look larger than they are, which affects the SUV’s stance. A slightly bigger or bolder set would make the Fronx look as confident as it drives, and something I’d probably replace immediately if I buy one.

Conservative Styling

Suzuki calls the Fronx coupe-inspired, but the overall design leans toward conservative. It’s neat and inoffensive, though it doesn’t immediately stand out in today’s crossover-heavy traffic. For some buyers, that understated approach might actually be appealing – but those looking for a more distinctive design might find it a little too subtle. Save maybe for those three-pronged headlamps. They are a plus in my book.

Distracting Heads-Up Display

The idea of a heads-up display is excellent on paper, but in practice, its implementation in the Fronx can be a little distracting. The projection isn’t as seamless as more premium systems, and after a while, it’s easier to rely on the main gauges simply. Still, it’s a thoughtful addition that could be refined further in future models.

Mild-Hybrid Limitations

The SHVS mild-hybrid system works well for boosting efficiency, but it isn’t a full hybrid. That means no electric-only mode and no coding exemption in Metro Manila. For everyday use, the gains in fuel economy are welcome – but a full hybrid would’ve made it even more attractive, especially for city-based buyers.

Needs More Cabin Refinement

While the Fronx drives smoothly, it could use a bit more sound insulation. At higher speeds, engine and road noise are more noticeable than in some competitors. It’s not a deal-breaker, but more refinement here would make the driving experience better.

Initial Verdict

The Suzuki Fronx is proof that small can still be versatile. Sure, there are areas where it could improve (every car has), but these don’t overshadow what Suzuki has accomplished here. The Fronx is a strong contender in the crowded subcompact SUV segment, which is filled with Chinese contenders that offer a lot of tech but lack driving chops.

For drivers who want an affordable, fuel-efficient SUV with more than a touch of modern tech, the Suzuki Fronx is very much worth a closer look.