Broadening market

Suzuki will soon add another SUV to its bustling line-up with the introduction of the coupestyle Fronx light SUV.

The Japanese importer describes the Fronx as a ‘new-genre SUV with a coupe style that’s strong and fluid’ and says the compact model is ‘easy to drive’.

It features a bold and thick grille reminiscent of the Grand Vitara and offers ‘powerfulness’ and ‘the strong presence of an SUV’, Suzuki says.

Like most Suzuki SUV models, the Fronx will offer a big-on-the-inside feel with what Suzuki says is a highquality interior similar to that of the new S Cross, and ‘advanced equipment’ including 360-degree camera technology, head-up display, wireless device charging and rear seat airconditioning outlets.

Unveiled in India as an indirect replacement for the aging Baleno small hatchback — in much the same way Hyundai’s Venue replaced the Accent — the Fronx is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms from next year.

The Fronx measures 3995mm long, 1550mm high and 1765mm wide.

Power is supplied courtesy of a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine — the same found under the bonnet of Baleno and Swift variants.

Outputs are listed at 74kW and 148Nm, which are channeled to the front wheels via the choice of a fivespeed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated fourcylinder unit is also understood to be available, the Swift-sourced engine providing 66kW and 113Nm.

The engine is paired with a fivespeed manual as standard.

Suzuki Australia general manager of automobiles, Michael Pachota, said the introduction of the Fronx would solidify the brand’s presence in the light SUV segment.

“With the launch of the all-new Fronx, we’re combining unique sporty styling with SUV heritage to deliver an exciting new product to our lineup,” he said. “This not only solidifies our presence in the light SUV segment, but this vehicle will also open doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback.”

“That comes with huge risks and we wanted to trace that as well.

“Now we also have lithium and nickel traced in Polestar 3, and that enables us to, via the power and beauty of digitalisation, to get data that is immutable through all layers of the supply chain – including transport.”

But Ms Klarén said there were still transparency limitations at play.

She said a resource’s journey throughout the supply chain was not always clear.

“We know where it comes from. It doesn’t promise that everything’s good, or everything is sustainable at the site. There we need other control mechanisms,” she said.

Ms Klarén said there was potential for a leadership role in this emerging element of the market.

She said Australia, being a nation known for its abundant natural resources and one of the largest developed mining countries in the world behind China, the United States and

Russia, could be a benchmark-setter if it chose to be.

“I think Australia has an amazing possibility here, because I know that you’re doing so much in the mining sector in Australia in terms of environmental stewardship, and also social issues,” she said.

“So you can really be a provider of ethically-sourced minerals and metals, but you still need to prove that it comes from Australia.

“For us as an end customer, if we say that we want the nickel to come from, say Australia, it still needs to be proven that it comes from Australia.

“So you have a great possibility here to both create these ways of mining responsibly, but also adding blockchain as that final step.”

She said the brand was ‘open’ to sourcing materials from ‘all kinds of places’.

“We have minerals coming in from Australia in our cars today,” she said.

“We’re all over the place.

“We’re looking for responsible partners and we’re not making any limitations on where those partners can be, because we know that we’re going to grow into a global company.

“We’re going to have global sales, and also manufacturing footprints all over the world.

“So we’re very keen on finding innovative, responsible partners — wherever they may be.”

Polestar sells just one model in Australia, being the Polestar 2 crossover fastback.

The electric-only model is available in several different specification levels, including single- and dual-motor layouts.

A second Polestar model, the Polestar 3 SUV, will join the Australian market in 2023.

This new all-electric model – which is likely to compete with the BMW iX, among other premium electric SUVs, is expected to cost more than $135,000.

The Suzuki Australia range comprises a slew of light and small segment hatch and SUV models, including the Baleno at $18,490, Ignis from $19,490, Jimny from $26,990, S-Cross from $40,990, Swift from $20,490 and Vitara from $26,490. Prices are also subject to on-road costs.

Further bolstering the range will be the addition of a five-door Jimny fourwheel drive variant later this year.

Suzuki Australia achieved total sales of 21,578 units throughout last year — a 23.5 percent improvement compared to the year prior, giving it a two percent share of the market overall.

GoAuto understands Suzuki is also expected to introduce its first allelectric model, the eVX, to Australia within the next 18 to 24 months, competing directly with the likes of the MG ZS EV.

— Matt Brogan

From the moment it made its way onto our shores over 50 years ago, the Hilux quickly established itself as an Australian classic. A workhorse and family mover, no adventure is complete without one. And for good reason. Combining power with on-road presence, the Hilux continues to prove itself from generation to generation. Nothing beats the unbreakable connection between you and your Hilux.

Visit your local Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/HiLux