At the recent launch of the Suzuki Fronx, held last September 12, 2025 at The Lakehall at Nena’s Sanctuary in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Suzuki Philippines’ media and bank partners were given a rare glimpse into the story and inspiration behind Suzuki’s newest SUV. Takashi Yokoyama, Chief Engineer, Automobile Line B&C Segment Division, Product Planning at Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, shared how the Fronx was born – not just as a product of engineering, but as a vision shaped by passion, inspiration, and a pursuit of new value in a competitive market.
According to Yokoyama, the idea behind the Fronx was clear from the very start: to build a compact, easy-to-handle SUV that could delight both owners and their families, while also standing out stylishly in urban streets. In a booming SUV segment already filled with strong competitors, Suzuki aimed to introduce something fresh – something that embodied strength, beauty, and individuality.
The true spark of inspiration came during a conversation with a customer. When asked what they considered beautiful, the customer replied: “Something that combines strength, power, and style.” At first, Yokoyama found it difficult to visualize – until the customer pointed to a photograph of a thoroughbred horse running at full speed. “Strong, graceful, and beautiful – that was exactly the image we wanted to achieve,” Yokoyama-san recalled. From that moment, the Fronx’s design direction crystallized, leading to the birth of its coupe-SUV form.
Design development took place simultaneously in India and Japan, with teams competing under the themes of “Sports,” “Crossover,” and “Coupe.” Instead of following safe, conservative styling, Suzuki chose a daring and modern design – a blend of urban sophistication and rugged strength. The result: a striking coupe-SUV silhouette with sharp headlamps, muscular fenders, a bold sloping rear door, and a dynamic body profile inspired by agility and power. Inside, the cabin combines space, comfort, and premium textures, designed not just for the driver but for families to enjoy together.
For Suzuki, family remained at the heart of the project. The Fronx offers spacious rear seating, quiet cabin refinement, and enhanced ride comfort – ensuring smiles from everyone on board. Yokoyama explained that their goal was to create “a cabin where conversations flow naturally,” achieved through careful tuning of quietness at the frequency range of human speech.
Under the hood, the Fronx is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with available mild hybrid technology, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission—chosen deliberately over CVT for a more direct and responsive driving feel. Combined with agile handling and advanced safety features such as Dual Sensor Brake Support II, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist, the Fronx promises both excitement and peace of mind.
Even its name carries the spirit of its creation. “Fronx” comes from “Frontier” – signifying new possibilities – and the letter X, which stands for “Crossover.” Together, it symbolizes Suzuki’s bold step into uncharted territory, pushing boundaries while creating a vehicle that blends practicality with style.
Summing up his team’s journey, Yokoyama proudly declared:
“The Fronx was born with strength and beauty as its theme. It is not only a stylish coupe SUV, but also a car designed to bring smiles to everyone who rides in it. As Suzuki’s new flagship SUV, we are confident it will set a new standard in the compact SUV segment.”
From the image of a galloping thoroughbred to the smiles of families enjoying the ride, the Suzuki Fronx is more than just a car — it is a statement of strength, beauty, and innovation.