The automotive market is undergoing drastic changes, with technological advancements at an all-time high and top carmakers taking significant steps to offer cutting-edge features with their cars. The advent of EVs as an eco-friendly commute option, along with steady improvements in conventional ICE vehicles, has revealed two promising SUVs, the Tata Nexon EV from Tata Motors and the Fronx from Maruti Suzuki. Both cars cater to different customer preferences but have key overlapping areas like price and features. If you are planning to buy either of the two, this article offers a detailed comparison of their prices along with some key features to help you make the best choice.
Inspecting the Prices
The Tata Nexon EV comes in nine variants with an on-road Delhi price range of ₹14.67 lakhs to ₹19.43 lakhs. This is a promising price range in the EV market, considering the additional features and performance that the Nexon EV offers. The Fronx comes in twelve variants, and the Fronx price ranges between ₹8.23 lakhs and ₹14.55 lakhs (on-road price Delhi). This affordable price tag has equally impressive performance and features without compromising quality.
| Variant | TATA NEXON EV | MARUTI SUZUKI FRONX | DIFFERENCE |
| Base Model | ₹14.67 lakhs | ₹8.23 lakhs | ₹6.44 lakhs |
| Top Model | ₹19.43 lakhs | ₹14.55 lakhs | ₹4.88 lakhs |
| Automatic | ₹14.67 lakhs – ₹19.43 lakhs | ₹9.77 lakhs – ₹14.55 lakhs | ₹4.9 lakhs (base variant) |
There is a significant disparity in the prices of the Nexon EV and the Fronx, both in terms of top and base variants. This makes the Fronx a much more affordable choice for car buyers on a budget. Moreover, an extended number of variants of the Fronx further offers more variety in the competitive price range.
Conversely, it should be remembered that EVs generally have significantly lower maintenance costs. They do not require frequent oil changes or engine inspections. Also, the cost of electricity that charges an EV is also cheap. ICE vehicles demand scheduled maintenance and upkeep. The cost of fuel is also on a steady rise. However, the Fronx comes with Maruti’s well-regarded assurance of durability and longevity.
Evaluating the Performance Metrics
A critical factor determining the price of a car is its performance and engine. In fact, this is the only factor, in essence, that determines how fuel-efficient the car will be and how much savings it will offer in the long term.
Tata Nexon EV
The Nexon EV comes in two Lithium-ion battery pack options. A 30kWh battery and a larger 40.5 kWh battery. The 30kWh battery has a 95kWh motor and offers a max power of 127.39bhp and a max torque of 215Nm. It offers a range of 325 km and can take the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. The Nexon EV offers a top speed of 150 km/h. The AC 7.2kWh charging time is 4hrs 20 mins from 10 to 100%, and the DC 50kWh charging time is 56 mins from 10 to 80%.
The 40.5kWh battery generates power from a 106.4 kW motor and offers a max power of 142.68bhp and a max torque of 215 Nm. It provides a full range of 465km. It offers the same top speed but takes 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km. Its 7.2 kW AC charging takes 6 hours to charge from 10 to 100%, and the 50kW DC charging takes 56 minutes to charge from 10 to 80%.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx comes in two engine options. A 1-litre turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid technology is mated to a 5-speed manual or 6-speed AT gearbox. And a 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine mated to a 5-speed MT or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The CNG variant with 5-speed MT uses the 1.2-litre engine. The 1197cc 1.2L Dual jet Dual VVT engine offers a power of 88.50bhp@6000rpm and torque of 113Nm@4400rpm. The 998cc 1.0L Turbo Boosterjet engine delivers a max power of 98.69bhp @5500rpm and a max torque of 147.6Nm @2000-4500rpm. The mileage offers are:
- 1-litre MT: 21.5 kmpl
- 1-litre AT: 20.1 kmpl
- 2-litre MT: 21.79 kmpl
- 2-litre AMT: 22.89 kmpl
- 2-litre CNG: 28.51 km/kg
It offers a top speed of 180 km/h and can travel from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds.
Both the Tata Nexon EV and Maruti Suzuki Fronx offer good performance with their respective powertrains. The Nexon EV excels in instant electric torque, while the Fronx provides efficient and reliable performance with its petrol and CNG options. Each has its benefits depending on your driving preferences and needs.
Exploring the Design and Features
The aesthetic appeal feature offerings of a car are also a key factor in making a purchase design.
Tata Nexon EV
The Tata Nexon EV boasts a futuristic exterior featuring sleek connected LED DRLs, sequential turn indicators, and aerodynamic 16-inch alloy wheels. The rear showcases connected LED tail lamps with a welcome light function and a redesigned boot with ‘Nexon. ev’ branding. Inside, the new interior design flaunts two large displays, a 2-spoke illuminated logo steering wheel, and customisable themes like black and blue, black and purple, and black and white.
The main highlight is the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports connected car features, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a premium 9-speaker JBL sound system with a subwoofer. In addition, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold and descent control, auto-dimming IRVM, electronic stability control (ESC), six airbags, and a 360-degree camera are included.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has a sporty look thanks to its peppy design language complimented by an attractive front NEXWave grille, alloy wheel, a roof-end spoiler, shark fin antenna, and NEXTre LED DRLs (available top trims). Its dynamic presence is further enhanced by the connected LED RCL. The base variants get equally attractive additions minus the NEXA package. Its interior features include a dual-tone design, cupholders, a rear parcel tray, keyless entry, a 60:40 split foldable back seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel (top model).
In addition to a head-up display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, it also gets an ARKAMYS sound system, 360-degree view camera, and over forty connected car features like an onboard voice assistant and Multi-Information Display. The 9-inch SmartPlay Pro Plus touchscreen enables wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Fronx has a 360-degree camera, an electronic stability programme (ESP), six airbags, hill-hold help, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Tata Nexon EV and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is difficult. For individuals seeking to switch to electric vehicles, reduce their operating expenses, and make an eco-friendly purchase, the Tata Nexon EV is a better option. With time, cheaper maintenance and operating costs more than makeup for its greater original cost.
For people who value a lower initial cost and prefer the experience of driving ICE vehicles, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is the better option. At a more affordable price range, it provides a well-balanced combination of features, performance, and efficiency. To conclude, each car has advantages and appeals to a specific market of consumers. You can decide whether a car is a better purchase for you by considering your preferences, budget, and unique needs.
