The Maruti Suzuki Fronx test mule was spotted with an advanced sensor setup, hinting at ADAS development for the upcoming update.
Maruti Suzuki has just released the facelifted version of the Baleno, and it seems like the Fronx is up next for a major overhaul. The current Maruti Suzuki Fronx was launched in India in 2023 and lacks ADAS technology that most of its rivals offer. The test mule was spotted carrying roof-mounted sensors that suggest advanced data-gathering equipment to fine-tune the technology for Indian driving conditions.
Tech Breakdown
The roof-mounted apparatus is an elevated 360-degree LiDAR turret and modular roof rack. This, along with the sensors on the front wheel arches and rear bumper, collects data that can be used for calibrating vision algorithms and obstacle detection for Indian traffic scenarios.
These sensors can also be used for surveying urban roads for localised HD navigation and real-world driving data collection.
Level 2 ADAS has become a major selling point in sub-4-metre and compact crossovers like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO. Maruti Suzuki is trying to play catch-up with rival brands by including driver-assistance technology across its lineup, and the Fronx seems to be the latest addition.
While full LiDAR is too expensive to be used in mass-market vehicles, especially in the sub-4-metre SUV segment, LiDAR rigs are routinely used during R&D testing to calibrate cheaper camera- and radar-based production ADAS suites.
Conclusion
Though the test car looked like a regular Maruti Suzuki Fronx with LiDAR equipment mounted on it, we expect design changes when the car is launched. The revisions could include a new front bumper with a bigger grille and ventilated seats, as seen in the Baleno. The 1.2-litre K-Series engine could also be ditched for the 1.2-litre Z-Series three-cylinder petrol engine for better performance, along with Level 2 ADAS technology.
Given that hybrid cars are becoming more common, we just might see a strong-hybrid version of the Fronx at launch.
