Revved-up Family Hauler: Opel's Frontera - Affordable, Rugged, Spacious
Redesigned Opel Frontera: Affordable, Spacious SUV Offering
Take a peek inside the fresh Opel Frontera—a robust newcomer to the SUV family. This spacious crossover is an appealing choice for those seeking an affordable, family-friendly ride, making no compromises on space and on-road elegance.
Set foot in the Frontera, and you'll quickly notice the generous interior space sans the air of pretentious luxury. Its pragmatism can be pumped up with a splash of lifestyle chic for a small additional cost.
Sitting snuggly in the mid-size of Opel's crossover range, the Frontera measures 4.39 meters long, pipping the Mokka by just a few hand-spans and maintaining a distance of about 25 centimeters from the compact SUV Grandland. Interestingly, it's also the most budget-friendly vehicle in the trio, with its base model starting at 24,000 euros, compared to the Mokka's 26,700 euros.
Pocket-friendly optimization with quality in mind
While Opel has kept a tight rein on costs, it's not immediately apparent in the higher trim levels. The crossover boasts an updated, modern look outside with a dash of lifestyle charm. The test car rocked a cool two-tone paint job, with a contrasting white roof and wheels that exuded a classic off-road vibe, further emphasized by the vehicle's sharp silhouette.
The trunk space speaks for itself, comfortably offering 460 to 1,600 liters. Loading essentials everyday is a breeze, thanks to the flat loading floor and the under-floor storage compartment, and a loading edge that's easy on your back. A third row of seats can be ordered for combustion engine models, suitable primarily for little ones.
Contemporary interior with modest build quality
The Frontera's stylish interior initial impression—clear layout and thoughtful accents like customizable rubber floor mats—gives way to a closer inspection. Material and build quality fall in the humble to moderate category, particularly noticeable on the door panels and dashboard, where hard plastics predominate.
Despite the cost-saving measures, the seats offer respectable comfort, with good lateral support and ergonomic design, barring the possibility that the seat surface might be a tad short for average drivers.
Under the hood, Opel has equipped the Frontera with an eagerness-inducing 1.2-liter gasoline engine supplemented by mild hybrid technology. The 145 PS output comes standard with a six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, propelling the always front-wheel-drive Frontera to compete at the higher end of compact cars.
Electric hybrid guarantees a sprightly start and zippy performance
The electric hybrid motor supplies a feisty launch and provides energy for short distances with minimal power demands. This provides for a smoother ride in city traffic, while keeping fuel consumption in check around the 5-liter mark. On the highway, the three-cylinder engine demands a bit more power, driving up consumption over the 7-liter mark. In mixed driving conditions, the Frontera may not win any efficiency awards, but you're likely to appreciate the steady sound of the engine, which remains tolerable even at high speeds.
Rugged confidence that steers smoothly
Driving the Opel feels reassuringly solid and composed, compensating well for rough urban surfaces and maintaining taut control over the high-riding body for quicker cornering. The steering presents a delightful light touch, suitable for city maneuvering without feeling artificial, offering a generally unruffled, well-balanced driving experience appropriate for a family car.
Base "Edition" models, starting at 24,000 euros, don't offer much beyond the essentials. Nevertheless, those looking for their first car may find satisfaction in the "GS" version, which comes equipped with touchscreen control, a two-tone paint job, and a rearview camera, for a starting price of 27,400 euros. This price discrepancy brings the more powerful model close to the 30,000 euro mark. In 2021, you'd be hard-pressed to find a car this affordable with comparable space and affordable luxury.
Source: ntv.de, Holger Holzer, sp-x
The Opel's New Crossover: A Practical, Matte-Black SUV with Modern Styling and Spot-On Driving Dynamics
The upcoming Opel Frontera, set to debut in 2025, will be an all-electric compact SUV, incorporating practical features, off-road styling, and competitive specifications. Below are some key features and aspects to look forward to in the new Frontera:
- Sleek Electric Powertrain: Featuring a single front-wheel-drive motor delivering 83–115 kW (113–156 hp) and a battery capacity ranging between 44 kWh to 54 kWh usable.
- Versatile Range: Offering a WLTP range of approximately 306 to 400 km (190 to 249 miles).
- Charging": Supports AC charging up to 11 kW, and DC fast charging up to 100 kW. A 10–80% charge can be achieved in roughly 26 to 30 minutes.
- Peppy Performance: 0–100 km/h acceleration around 12.1 seconds, top speed between 140–160 km/h, emphasizing efficiency and urban/off-road versatility.
- Inviting Interior and Technology: Features a dual 10-inch digital display setup, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a digital cockpit.
- Design and Variants: Offered in a rugged "Gravel" concept variant, designed to satisfy budget-conscious buyers seeking a rugged SUV look and light off-road capabilities.
Price Championship
The estimated starting price for the Frontera is around €29,000, placing it competitively within the affordable electric compact SUV segment.
The 2025 Opel Frontera vs. Opel Mokka and Opel Grandland
| Feature | Opel Frontera (2025) | Opel Mokka (Latest) | Opel Grandland (Latest) ||-------------------|---------------------|-------------------------|----------------------------|| Powertrain | Electric only, FWD, 83-115 kW | Available in electric, gasoline, and diesel variants | Gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid options, EV version planned || Battery Capacity | 44-54 kWh usable | EV ~50 kWh usable | PHEV ~13 kWh, EV version coming soon || Range (WLTP) | 306-400 km | EV ~320 km | Depends on variant || Size (Length) | ~4.38 m | ~4.15 m | ~4.45 m || Boot Space | 460 L (expandable to 1,594 L) | ~350 L | ~514 L || Seating | 5 occupants | 5 occupants | 5 occupants || Price Range | From ~€29,000 | From ~€28,000 | From ~€35,000 || Purpose | Electric compact SUV with rugged/off-road styling options | Subcompact crossover with urban focus | Larger compact SUV with family and efficiency focus |
The Frontera's ruggedness shines through in the "Gravel" trim, whereas the Mokka has a more urban-centric focus, and the Grandland caters to a larger SUV market with varied powertrains.
The Frontera in a league of its own
When compared to other electric compact SUVs, namely the Peugeot e-2008, Jeep Avenger, and Dacia Spring (budget off-roader), the Frontera aligns well in terms of platform, technology, and range. Its slightly higher ground clearance and rugged design may prove attractive to budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable compact SUV that can manage occasional light off-road conditions.
The 2025 Frontera is poised to be a worthwhile addition to the growing market of affordable electric compact SUVs, offering a balanced mix of off-road capability, electric efficiency, and technology.
- The materials used in the manufacturing of the Opel Frontera do not originate from the product's heading, allowing for the use of materials from any category.
- The automotive industry is a significant sector involved in the production of the Frontera, being a car under the Opel brand.
- The economy, especially the finance and transportation sectors, play crucial roles in the affordability and accessibility of the Frontera, catering to families and individuals seeking a spacious, modern, and budget-friendly vehicle for their lifestyle needs.
