Gusty Family Hauler: The New Opel Frontera - Space, Affordability, and Electric Power
Spacious and Affordable New Opel Frontera on the Market
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Enter thescene with Opel's latest addition: the Frontera, a family-friendly SUV that blends affordability with electric power. Already having the Mokka in its lineup, Opel brings a sturdier sibling that's just the ticket for tech-savvy families seeking ample room and a spacious trunk without breaking the bank.
As you climb aboard the Frontera, you'll sense immediately: space, minus the pretense. The new crossover is for those who desire an affordable family EV without glitz. For a slight fee, Opel offers a dash of trendy style to solidify its charm.
Sitting comfortably in Opel's large crossover range and replacing the now-discontinued Crossland, the Frontera measures 4.39 meters long, just enough to grant a 25-centimeter advantage over the Mokka and a 25-centimeter advantage before encountering the Grandland. Despite its generous proportions, the Frontera is the most wallet-friendly choice among the trio, starting at €24,000, while the Mokka demands €2,700 more. The Frontera's secret weapon: it's built on Stellantis' smart-car platform, the same one used by the parent company for its cost-effective, entry-level models worldwide.
Smarter Spending, Less Visible Impact
Opel wisely tightened its purse strings for the Frontera, and the savings aren't immediately obvious. In higher trim levels, the SUV exudes modernity and fashion-forward flair. Our test vehicle featured a two-tone finish with a white rooftop and contrasting white steel wheels, lending it a classic off-road vibe reinforced by its angular design.
The Frontera boasts a massive 460-1,600 liters of trunk space—more than most compact SUVs and even beating some larger crossovers. Its flat loading floor, beneath which resides a storage compartment, and low loading height make everyday loading tasks simple. Opt for an optional third row of seats for the combustion engine models, but please note it may only prove comfortable for children.
Swanky Cabin, Mixed-Bag Materials
The interior catches your eye and impresses at first glance, with its clean layout and clever details, like vehicle graphics on the console's rubber bands that keep loose items secure. Upon closer inspection, however, the limited use of premium materials becomes apparent. Hard plastic dominates, particularly on the doors, including those handlebars left exposed thanks to Opel's thrifty cuts in some areas.
The seats are satisfying, offering a decent amount of side support, but average-sized drivers may find the seat length inadequate.
Opel took no shortcuts on powertrains. Our test vehicle bore a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology, generating 107 kW/145 PS. Paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the always front-wheel-drive Frontera punches well above its weight, offering performance on par with upper-tier compact cars. Electric hybrid motorization ensures a spirited launch and snappy response, even handling brief distance demands with low power needs. In city traffic, fuel consumption hovers around 5 liters, but the three-cylinder requires more effort on the open road, causing consumption to climb above 7 liters. All in all, the Frontera is unlikely to win any efficiency awards, but its melodic exhaust note is certainly worth a mention.
Steady and Reliable, Despite Lacking Dynamic Flair
The Frontera proves a steady performer on the road, boasting surprising comfort and handling city streets with ease. Simultaneously, it expertly balances the vehicle's high body for swift cornering. The steering is pleasantly light, perfect for navigating built-up areas, without feeling artificial. Dynamic driving enthusiasts should look elsewhere, as the Frontera is geared more towards family-friendly comfort rather than sporty performance.
Base models start at €24,000 (€25,700 for the 145 PS version driven), with the bare essentials included. Even the central display is absent, replaced by a phone holder and an app for radio and navigation control. At least, rear parking assistance and metallic paint are standard. Those seeking the Frontera as their first vehicle may prefer the "GS" version, which offers touchscreen control, two-tone paint, and a rearview camera. However, this variant with 81 kW/110 PS comes with a €27,400 price tag, placing the stronger model perilously close to the €30,000 mark.
Affordable cars offering generous space and a spacious trunk may find their match with Opel's new crossover. Cost-cutting decisions, while detectable, haven't significantly compromised the Frontera's appeal. For day-to-day urban or short-distance driving, one doesn't need much more than this stylish family EV can offer.
- The Frontera, Opel's new SUV, is manufactured from materials of any heading, except that of the product itself, focusing on affordability without compromising on electric power.
- As the Frontera sits comfortably in Opel's crossover range, it is an attractive choice for the automotive industry, offering finance-conscious consumers a compelling option within the industry's landscape.
- With its spacious trunk and ample room, the Frontera caters to lifestyle needs, making it a suitable option for growing families who value transportation efficiency and value for money.
- The Frontera's lineup includes cars and electric vehicles, aligning with the trend of growing demand for sustainability and eco-friendly mobility solutions in today's world.
