The 2025 Suzuki Fronx, a compact city SUV, has been officially confirmed for an Australian release in mid-2025. This new model is expected to compete directly with other budget-friendly SUVs in the market, such as the MG ZS, GWM Haval Jolion, and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. The Fronx will serve as the successor to the Suzuki Ignis, a compact city hatchback that was introduced in Australia in 2017. However, the Ignis has reached the end of its production life due to its inability to meet Australia’s new safety regulations, specifically the mandatory inclusion of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology, which comes into effect on March 1, 2025. This regulation has rendered the Ignis obsolete, paving the way for the Fronx to take its place in Suzuki’s lineup.
The Suzuki Fronx, a five-seater SUV, was first unveiled in India in January 2023, where it will also be manufactured for the Australian market. Initially, the Fronx was expected to launch in Australia by the end of 2023, but its release has been delayed until mid-2025. According to government approval documents, the Fronx will be equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 100 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque. This engine will be paired with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, which includes an integrated starter generator. This system allows the electric motor to assist the engine during acceleration and also enables the engine to start more efficiently. The Fronx will come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels and a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
In terms of features, the Fronx will offer a range of modern amenities designed to enhance both comfort and safety. These include a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, LED headlights and tail-lights, single-zone climate control, black and burgundy upholstery, a 360-degree camera, and a flip-up head-up display. In Japan, the Fronx is equipped with Suzuki’s advanced ‘dual-sensor’ AEB system, which is capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and even potential hazards at intersections. Additionally, the Fronx comes with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and six airbags, ensuring a high level of safety for its occupants.
The Fronx shares its platform with the Suzuki Baleno hatchback, which is no longer available in Australia due to Suzuki’s decision not to invest in the necessary safety upgrades to comply with the stricter Australian Design Rule (ADR) side-impact regulations introduced in November 2021. However, the Fronx meets all current ADR requirements for newly introduced vehicles, including the AEB mandate (ADR 98/00) designed to prevent rear-end collisions. This regulation has also impacted other Suzuki models, such as the Jimny three-door, Vitara, S-Cross, Swift Sport, and Ignis. Furthermore, the Fronx complies with the ADR 98/01 requirement, which mandates AEB detection for pedestrians. This regulation has been in effect for newly introduced vehicles since August 2024 and will apply to all new vehicles sold in Australia from August 2026.
In preparation for the new safety regulations, Suzuki has temporarily halted production of the Jimny three-door, Vitara, and S-Cross for the Australian market. Meanwhile, the Swift Sport and Ignis have been discontinued entirely. Suzuki plans to reintroduce mild-hybrid versions of the Vitara and S-Cross in late 2025, equipped with updated AEB systems to meet the new standards. The Jimny three-door is also expected to receive an update in the coming months.
In terms of pricing, the Fronx is expected to occupy a similar market position as the soon-to-be-discontinued Ignis, which currently starts at $24,490 drive-away for the automatic transmission variant. This price point makes the Ignis one of the most affordable Suzuki vehicles in Australia, alongside the manual-transmission Swift mild-hybrid hatch. If the Fronx is launched with an entry price of around $25,000, it will become one of the most affordable SUVs in Australia, positioning it as a strong competitor against models like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and MG ZS. With its combination of modern features, safety technology, and competitive pricing, the Suzuki Fronx is poised to make a significant impact in the Australian SUV market.