The Frontera name may not be the most memorable in Opel’s history, but this SUV, which had quite good off-road capability, is undoubtedly very well known in Lithuania.
Now the “Frontera” name is being brought back for a new C-segment SUV, which in terms of size sits between the “Opel Mokka” and “Opel Grandland” cars. It is very important that, in terms of price, the “Frontera” is positioned even below the “Opel Mokka” model – the newcomer’s price competes with cheaper SUVs such as the “Dacia Duster”.
On paper, the “Frontera” looks incredibly good, thanks to an excellent price-quality ratio. Compared to the more expensive “Opel Mokka”, the “Frontera” is significantly larger, with decent equipment, and most importantly, offers both hybrid and fully electric versions.
Body design and what makes the Opel Frontera stand out from competitors
Standardly, the “Frontera” is a five-seater car, but what will help it stand out from other C-segment SUVs is that the “Frontera” is also available with seven seats. This is a very important criterion when looking for a practical car, as usually only significantly larger or premium segment cars offer such options.
The car’s exterior design is subtle and simple – with its simplicity, square shape, vertical sides, and rounded lines, it somewhat resembles the original 90s Frontera. However, their similarities end there – the new “Frontera” features the same “Vizor” style glossy panel and headlights as other cars of this brand, while the rear has oddly shaped lights that look neither organic nor in Opel’s style.
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“Although the not-so-expensive SUV looks “ok”, I think Opel designers missed a great opportunity to give the “Frontera” a huge advantage – a retro style, just like other manufacturers such as “Mercedes-Benz” with the G-Class SUV, “Range Rover” with the Defender model, or “Toyota” with the new Land Cruiser Prado model did.
In that case, the “Frontera” would not only be one of the few (if not the only) non-premium segment SUVs with a retro style, but would also stand out more from other “Opel” cars, which would also help in forming a different image for the “Frontera” – the image of a cheaper, more practical, but technologically modern car,” says Nerijus Paketūras, car analyst at the review and classifieds website Autoasas.lt.
Regarding the car’s weight, the five-seater hybrid weighs only 1344 kg, the seven-seater hybrid weighs just 32 kg more, and the electric version weighs only 1514 kg. These are truly impressive numbers, and for an electric SUV – almost unbelievable.
Interior and practicality
As an affordable family car, the “Frontera” will not offer you great luxury – the driver is equipped with a typical manufacturer’s digital “Pure Panel” workstation with two 10-inch screens slightly angled towards the driver and a multimedia infotainment system. The interesting shape of the steering wheel and the extremely strict and even archaic forms of the front panel and door trims catch the eye.
There are physical climate controls, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Audio system controls are accessible either via the central touchscreen or buttons on the steering wheel. The central touchscreen is easily accessible, has a clear display and a menu interface that is very easy to operate, partly because it is extremely simple and not overloaded with functions.
The seats seem strangely firm, but are comfortable enough, have adequate side support, and a patented “Intelli-Seat” function ensuring greater comfort on long journeys. The new Frontera’s trunk has 460 liters of space for items, and with the seats folded down, the capacity increases to 1600 liters. For comparison, the “Dacia Duster” Hybrid version has 496 liters. Additional versatility is provided by the 60:40 split rear seats, and each model also features a second trunk floor allowing some items to be stored so they don’t move.
Engines
The “Frontera Hybrid” turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder and electric engine can have two power outputs – either a combined 99 hp and 205 Nm of torque or 134 hp and 230 Nm. The lower-powered hybrid reaches 100 km/h in 11 seconds, achieving a maximum speed of 180 km per hour.
The more powerful version takes nine seconds to reach 100 km/h and can achieve a maximum speed of 190 km per hour.
“The 111 horsepower and only 125 Nm of torque “Frontera Electric” takes as long as 12.1 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h and reaches a maximum speed of 140 km per hour. Of course, an electric motor of such low power does not boast impressive torque when the accelerator pedal is pressed to the floor, but it does not seem too slow compared to an internal combustion engine.
It is stated that the “Frontera Electric” will travel 300 km on a single charge. Considering the really small 44 kWh battery of the “Frontera Electric”, such a range would be quite good. The battery can be recharged from 20 to 80 percent in 26 minutes, despite a rather average charging speed of 100 kW,” summarizes Nerijus from Autoasas.lt website regarding the electric version’s features.
Driving characteristics
Regarding driving quality, a considerable suspension travel allows for quite effective damping of bumps from potholes and speed bumps, but at higher speeds, you will notice that the “Frontera” does not boast great stability. The noise level is a bit too high, and the question arises – perhaps the extremely low weight of the “Opel Frontera” was achieved due to poorer sound insulation.
Of course, the low weight of the “Frontera” has a positive impact on the car’s road behavior – although the car is by no means sporty, it handles corners quite enjoyably.
The steering mechanism is light, and the “Frontera” has a city-friendly turning radius of 11.05 meters. The brakes lack a bit of sharpness, and the six-speed automatic is sluggish. In sharper corners, the SUV’s body has relatively small leans. Compared to the hybrid, the electric version has even better stability in corners thanks to the low-mounted battery.
