Absolutely useful! I’ve driven over some nasty speed bumps and rough patches that would have scraped a regular hatchback. Indian conditions are a real advantage.

But I don’t think it’s fair to call it just a jacked up Baleno. Fronx has its own character and that unique front end design is something. Technically true, but misses the point, it's like saying the Brezza is just a tall Swift.

I've seen it in person and it's something that grows on you. I was so confused when I first saw it in photos, but it has a presence on the road that photos can’t quite capture.

The turbo is great but think long term costs. With turbo engines, you’ll probably have to spend more on repair in the long run, and in most cases they require more maintenance.

Maruti has really stepped up their game with the Fronx I think. However, the interior does feel a lot more premium than older Marutis, though it isn’t quite at Hyundai’s level.

The Baleno Sigma model is priced at Rs. 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The Fronx base model offers additional features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 60-40 split rear seatbacks, larger 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, Hill Start Assist (HSA), 5x adjustable rear headrests, 5x 3-point seatbelts, faux skid plates, all-around cladding and a shark-fin antenna. According to the in-house algorithm, this additional value adds up to approximately Rs. 30,000. Moreover, the Fronx offers aggressive styling, higher ground clearance, and a smaller boot space.

The Fronx range has two engine options, with the Sigma trim featuring the less powerful 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine only with a 5-speed manual transmission. The higher Delta and Delta+ trims have the same engine, but have the option of a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

Safety features include rear parking sensors, hill-hold assist, dual airbags, and ESP. It also comes with a rear defogger but no rear wash-wipe. To access more features like a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, steering-mounted controls, voice assistant, and electrically adjustable wing mirrors, you have to upgrade to the Delta variant.

On the inside, the Fronx Sigma is dressed in a stylish dual-tone black and blue theme and comes with power windows, tilt adjustment for the steering wheel, and even automatic climate control. While there is no factory-fitted stereo and the steering wheel lacks controls, it does feature 60:40 split folding rear seats, keyless entry and go, and fabric seat upholstery.

Unfortunately, Maruti FRONX does not currently offer an automatic variant.