New Opel Frontera Hybrid Gets 2 Extra Seats.
Opel Frontera Hybrid Gets 2 Extra Seats.
The Opel Frontera name returns under Stellantis ownership, aiming to capture budget-conscious family buyers. While the regular 5-seat Frontera is available with the option of a highly-efficient 48-volt mild hybrid or fully-electric powertrain, the new Frontera 7-Seater is only available with a mild hybrid powertrain. Buyers have the choice of 110PS or 145PS power outputs – both of which are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. While the 5-seater Frontera is available in SC, Elegance and GS trim variants, the 7-seater is only available in range-topping GS trim.
Eye-Catching & Functional.
The all-new Frontera boasts a “squared-jaw” 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, 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 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. Large electronic devices, such as tablets, can be safely stored in the centre console thanks to a flexible strap that holds them in place, and 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 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 Frontera 7-Seater GS 145PS model, which was finished in Arctic White paintwork (a no-cost option) with a contrasting black roof, black mirror covers and black door handles as standard. Additional GS equipment consists of front & rear parking sensors, 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, along with a host of comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features befitting a range-topping family car. The 1.2 litre petrol engine and 48-volt mild-hybrid system in my test car produces 145PS and 230Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-100km/h sprint time of 9.0 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 180km/h (where permitted). It is possible to achieve fuel efficiency of 5.3L/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle, and with Co2 emissions of just 120g/km, annual road tax is just €200. The 3-cylinder engine pulls strongly from a standing start, and the smooth 6-speed e-DCT automatic transmission simplifies the driving experience. In my opinion, the additional cost of €1,000 for the 145PS engine over the 110PS unit is well justified in terms of responsiveness and top-end power. The car has a solid, planted feel that exudes confidence, and thanks to its comfortable ride quality, the car glides effortlessly over speed ramps and all-too-common road imperfections. The Frontera’s light steering, and city-friendly dimensions, make 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 third-row seats are permanently attached to the floor rather than completely removable, and with the rearmost seats in use, luggage space is quite minimal, to say the least. The third row seats are perfectly suited to young children, making them ideal for school runs and the likes. Legroom in tight for adults in row 3, but children of a certain age or height should find the space available to them to be fine.
Verdict & Price.
The new Opel Frontera 7-Seater Hybrid is a strong contender in the affordable 7-Seat SUV market segment, and its impressive boot capacity (in 5-seat mode), spacious cabin and generous levels of standard equipment make it a genuinely usable family SUV. With prices starting from €33,595 (ex-delivery), the Frontera 7-Seater Hybrid makes a hard-to-ignore case for itself.
Visit www.opel.ie for further information.
