New Opel Frontera: same name, different approach

Opel wants to regain its strength in the European market and, to do so, intends to launch new models that will serve as a lever to reactivate sales. Thus, the upcoming launches expected to have strong appeal should be Frontera and Grandland.

As a result of the agreement with Leap Motors and sharing a platform with the new Citroën C3, this new edition of the Opel Frontera has been developed, which seeks to preserve some of the brand’s features, such as the integration of the Opel Blitz logo in the centre of the Vizor and at the rear, the interpretation of the lightning bolt signature with three lighting blocks, with LED headlights and separate rear lights, wide wheel arches and a very horizontal, raised bonnet to convey an image of robustness.

Also new is the option to choose a two-tone paint finish, with a black roof, which includes black gloss mirror housings, door handles and roof rails, capable of supporting a load of up to 240 kg.

Large capacity

Its dimensions, with a length of 4.38 metres and a generous wheelbase, comfortably accommodate five occupants, although they have announced that a seven-seat variant will follow later. For its part, the boot offers 460 litres of capacity with five seats and 1,600 litres with the rear seatbacks folded down (60:40), a volume similar to that of the Astra Wagon. It features a double floor with a removable tray and a wide, very square loading opening.

The interior is simple, with a clear focus on essentials, highlighted by a driver’s position with two 10-inch screens for the best-equipped variants, called GS, where important functions can also be operated via physical buttons. It features wireless charging and connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an innovative phone holder with a connection for the infotainment system in the base trim level, which can be controlled via the steering wheel buttons.

It also has four USB ports (two at the front and two at the rear) for mobile devices, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and some unusual front seats with two independent cushions, called Intelli-Seat, which are said to relieve pressure on the coccyx to make rest on board easier.

It also has storage solutions with rubber lining and elastic straps to prevent sliding and increase capacity, as well as pockets for holding phones on the front seatbacks.

Hybrid and electric engines

The Frontera Electric is equipped with an electric motor of 113 CV, with which it could cover up to 300 km, although a variant with a larger-capacity battery, capable of reaching a range of 400 km, is planned for later. For its part, the charging system supports power of 11 kW in alternating current and up to 100 kW in direct current, which would allow it to charge from 20 to 80% in about 26 minutes.

The Hybrid version, with 48-volt technology, will be offered from summer in two power levels: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 74 kW/100 CV, or the 100 kW/136 CV variant, paired with a 21 kW/28 CV electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

No further details of the model are yet known, but management announces very competitive prices starting at 24,000 euros for the hybrid versions and 29,000 euros (excluding subsidies) for the fully electric variants.