New Opel Frontera Electric – A Thoroughly Modern Reinvention.
New Opel Frontera Electric – A Thoroughly Modern Reinvention.
The Opel Frontera name returns under Stellantis ownership, aiming to capture budget-conscious family buyers. The Frontera name first appeared on an Isuzu-based SUV, which ceased production in 2004 after a 13-year production run, with the name remaining redundant until now. Available with the option of a highly-efficient 48-volt hybrid or fully-electric powertrain (as tested), the new-generation Frontera is positioned as an SUV between the B and C segments, replacing the Crossland in Opel’s lineup.
Single Electric Motor.
The new Frontera Electric is available in SC, Elegance and GS trim variants, all of which can be specified with a 44kW battery with a range of up to 300km on a WLTP combined driving cycle, or a 54kW battery, which increases the achievable range to approximately 403km. The single electric motor produces 113hp and 125Nm of torque, and its 0-100km/h sprint time of 12.8-13.0 seconds is more than adequate for everyday urban and motorway driving scenarios. With a rapid charging capability of up to 100kW, the 44kWh battery can be charged from 20-80% in as little as 26 minutes, with the larger battery taking just 2 minutes more to achieve the same charge.
Eye-Catching & Functional.
The all-new Frontera boasts a “square-jawed” style that provides a distinctive and modern aesthetic, whilst prioritising practicality for family use, and the design is both eye-catching and functional, appealing to a broad range of buyers. The upright, striking stance of the new Frontera results in a confident, tough, and expressive look, with the Opel Vizor forming the centrepiece at the front. The Opel Vizor is a signature, single-module design that spans the width of the car, integrating LED lighting, high-tech sensors, and the Opel Blitz emblem under a sleek, dark panel. Inspired by the 1970s Opel Manta, it represents a bold, clean, and modern “compass” aesthetic that defines all new Opel models. The instantly recognisable Opel wing signature is featured, with three lighting blocks separated by black inserts. The side view reveals a distinctive C-pillar design, clean surfaces, and strong shoulder lines, while the pronounced wheel arches provide the Frontera with a modern, rugged look.
Clever Cabin Design.
The Frontera’s modern look continues into the interior where clever design meets practicality. Wide horizontal decors on the instrument panel and doors visually widen the airy cabin. Opel’s Multimedia Pure Panel Navigation system is standard from Elegance trim, and consists of a 10-inch colour touchscreen, 10-inch digital information cluster, AM/FM/DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, natural voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and front USB-C connection. Also standard from Elegance trim are patented ‘Intelli-Seat’ front seats, designed to relieve pressure on the tailbone, whilst ensuring outstanding comfort – even during long journeys. In addition, the seats are not only richly crafted and sculpted, but are also eye-catching thanks to the contrast stitching. Seat fabrics in fully-sustainable recycled materials are also available. Large electronic devices, such as tablets, can be safely stored in the centre console thanks to a flexible strap that holds them in place. Further open storage areas in the cabin feature rubber lining preventing rattling and sliding. Rear passengers can take advantage of the integrated smartphone pockets in the back rests of the front seats. With a footprint that measures 4.39 metres long and 1.79 metres wide, Opel engineers were able to maximise headroom and legroom up front and in the rear. Boot capacity has also been maximised, with a class-leading 460 litres available in 5 seat mode, and up to 1,600 litres available with the rear seats folded.
Test Car Details
My test car was a new Frontera Electric 54kWh GS, which was finished in Khaki Green metallic paintwork with a contrasting black roof. In addition to a generous array of standard features in SC and Elegance trim variants, key standard GS equipment consists of front parking sensors, high-gloss door mirror casings, metallic black roof, black Opel logo in front Vizor panel, rear privacy glass, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, roof rails, LED tail-lights, power-folding door mirrors, and Blind Spot Detection. The electric motor provides quick, respectable acceleration off-the-line, and the car has a solid, planted feel that exudes confidence. A relatively low centre of gravity, achieved by placing batteries beneath the floor, provides a comfortable ride quality, and the car glides effortlessly over speed ramps and all-too-common road imperfections. The Frontera Electric’s light steering, and city-friendly dimensions, makes urban manoeuvring easy, and the standard front & rear parking sensors, and rear-view camera system in GS trim definitely helps in this regard too. Braking performance is more than adequate, and there is good feedback through the brake pedal, with the vehicle maintaining composed behaviour in normal driving conditions. The Frontera Electric simplifies driving with a single, optimised driving mode, rather than multiple selectable modes. It features a single-speed electric motor and standard brake regeneration, with “Comfort” (C) mode available if the driver wishes to allow the car to coast more freely, rather than applying immediate heavy regenerative braking when they lift off the accelerator. The cabin is designed for practicality, with a high seating position for enhanced visibility, comfortable seats, and family-friendly versatility.
Verdict & Price.
The new Opel Frontera is a strong contender in the affordable electric SUV market segment, and its impressive boot capacity, spacious cabin and generous levels of standard equipment make it a genuinely usable family SUV. The Frontera Electric demonstrates convincingly that electric vehicles can be both practical and affordable – broadening the appeal of EVs to a far wider audience than before. With ex-delivery prices starting from just €24,606 (after EV incentives), the Frontera Electric makes a compelling and hard-to-ignore case for itself.
Visit www.opel.ie for further information.
