The Vauxhall Revolution
Vauxhall sets the pace in the automobile industry with its latest innovation – the new Frontera SUV. Breaking both barriers and records, the Frontera is changing the game by offering both its pure-electric and petrol-driven models at an astounding starting price of £23,495. Making history, this marks the first time an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a fully electric variant of the same vehicle share a price tag, a strong indicator that electric vehicle (EV) prices are becoming more affordable.
Available in two trim levels, Design and GS, all models will be launched in Autumn featuring a 44kWh battery on the Frontera Electric. An enhanced ‘Long Range’ version with heightened battery capacity is slated for a 2025 release, further pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can do.
Riding on Affordability
Frontera’s affordability niche is credited to it riding on the Smart Car platform from Stellantis, making it cost-effective yet roomy. It shares its underpinnings with the new Citroen C3 and e-C3, the future Fiat Grande Panda, and other models set to follow suit in sharing the same architecture.
| New Frontera pricing VERSION | POWERTRAIN | OTR MRRP |
| Design | Hybrid 1.2T 100PS e-DCT6 | £23,495 |
| Hybrid 1.2T 136PS e-DCT6 | £24,995 | |
| Electric 113PS | £23,495 | |
| GS | Hybrid 1.2T 100PS e-DCT6 | £25,895 |
| Hybrid 1.2T 136PS e-DCT6 | £27,395 | |
| Electric 113PS | £25,895 |
Powertrain and Performance
The Frontera Hybrid, which comes equipped with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, is supported by a 28bhp electric motor integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. While the hybrid system banks on a 48V electrical system, it requires the petrol engine for extended driving periods.
Available in two power variants, the Frontera produces either 99bhp and 205Nm of torque or 136bhp and 230Nm of torque, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 11 seconds for the former, and 9 seconds for the latter. Despite the variance in power, both engines emit the same CO2 rating of 120g/km.
Electrifying Specifications
The Frontera Electric lays claim to a 111bhp front-mounted electric motor powered by a 44kWh battery identical to the new Citroen e-C3’s. With a certified WLTP range of 186 miles, and capable of receiving a 100kW charge, the Frontera Electric goes from 20 to 80 per cent charge in 26 minutes. It also boasts a 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 87mph.
Trim Levels and Equipment
Both the Frontera Electric and Hybrid models offer a ‘driver-friendly’ experience with Vauxhall’s current ‘Pure Panel’ dash layout, touchscreen infotainment system, and standard features that include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, automatic LED headlights, automatic wipers, and a host of safety features.
The top GS variant includes additional comfort and style elements such as 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, LED rear lights, electronic climate control, power-folding mirrors, and an option for seven seats, among others.
Vauxhall’s Frontera has indeed stepped up and set the bar high for its rivals in the small SUVs market!
