Renault Arkana vs Suzuki Fronx
What's the difference?

Renault Arkana

$29,990 - $40,990

2024 price

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Suzuki Fronx

$28,990 - $29,990

2026 price

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Summary

2024 Renault Arkana

2026 Suzuki Fronx

By Dom Tripolone

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.3L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Good looks
Punchy engine
Decent equipment list

Simple and easy
Light weight dynamics
Convincing value

Dislikes

Glitchy transmission
Firmish ride
Not the cheapest

Interior looks outdated
Unimpressive mild-hybrid
It’s called 'Fronx'

2024 Renault Arkana Summary

Renault’s Arkana coupe-style compact SUV has been hit with its first makeover, which ushers in a range of styling changes, increased equipment and new model grade names.

There are few cars like it in the compact SUV segment, where vehicles usually favour the boxier, traditional SUV wagon shape over the stylish but often internal space compromised coupe SUVs.

Renault Australia is only expecting about one per cent share of the segment or around 1500 sales a year.

But if you want to stand out from the crowd of Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX and Toyota Corolla Cross small SUVs then the Arkana might be for you.

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2026 Suzuki Fronx Summary

If there’s one brand that can lay claim to be the best in the ‘cheap and cheerful’ category, it’s probably Suzuki. Not only have its cars been consistently affordable and basic, but also broadly loved by owners.

Now, with small SUVs becoming more and more prominent, Suzuki is bringing a new sub-$30K hybrid light SUV to the market - the Fronx.

Weird name aside, the Fronx promises a fair bit on paper. But can it deliver on the road? We jumped in for a quick spin at its Australian launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Renault Arkana 2026 Suzuki Fronx

Verdict

The Arkana is a stylish alternative in a sea of same-same compact SUVs. It's relatively well equipped and has some hidden gems in its ownership and running costs that elevate it above some of the competition.

It’s not a bad thing to steer, either, but the lurchy dual-clutch could be a deal breaker for some.

The sweet spot is the Techno, which misses out on the Esprit Alpine’s special touches but represents the most bang for your buck.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

If you’re considering a small car, particularly if an SUV is the goal, a Suzuki should in most cases be on the shopping list. Back-to-basics motoring is key to the brand’s identity. Its most popular model is a tiny ladder-frame 4X4, for example. Hi Jimny.

The Fronx doesn’t break new ground in any practical sense, but it does come in with a decent price and list of features that should sway plenty of small-car fans in the showroom.

It’s decent to look at, comfortable for the segment, and easy to get used to and drive. The numerical rating on this review betrays just how likeable the car is.

It’s not extremely refined and it starts to lose its dynamic shine on rough roads, but in an urban setting the Fronx should excel.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Renault Arkana vs Suzuki Fronx What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Arkana vs Suzuki Fronx
What's the difference?