Vauxhall hopes this new kind of Frontera SUV will appeal to small families. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.
Ten Second Review
Vauxhall reinvents its Frontera for a new era - with a little help from Citroen. There's plenty of potential electrification, seating for up to seven and quite a lot more attitude than any previous Vauxhall SUV. If you've never considered one of the brand's small crossovers before, there's just a chance you might like this one.
Background
So: Vauxhall's new era Frontera. There's lots to get used to here. First the fact that it's replacing the brand's previous entry-level SUV (the Crossland) but it isn't an entry-level model (the Frontera slots in between the Mokka and the Grandland). Second, this is the first Vauxhall SUV with up to seven seats. And third, there's the curiosity that Vauxhall would want to bring back the name of a turn-of-the-century model it sold that had possibly the worst build quality and reliability of any SUV made in that period.
But of course Vauxhalls are very different now, always based on models from fellow Stellantis Group brands Peugeot and Citroen. The Frontera is based primarily on the second generation Citroen C3 Aircross, which means that as well as the third seating row option, it can offer the choice of conventional petrol, Hybrid or EV drivetrains. It's certainly a much more practical family wagon than the old Crossland. And a very different kind of Frontera.
Driving Experience
The Frontera gets the usual portfolio of small hatch Stellantis Group electrified powertrains. If you're after a combustion-powered model, Vauxhall wants you to consider its 48V Hybrid powerplant, which will primarily sell in 100hp form but can also be had in 136hp guise. This sees a Hybrid 1.2-litre three cylinder unit driving the front wheels and combining with a 28hp 48V motor built into a clever 6-speed dual clutch e-DCT6 auto gearbox. This Hybrid set-up's electric motor can take over driving duties for up to 50% of the time in urban traffic. There's 205Nm of torque with the 100PS model - or 230Nm with the 136PS version. The electric motor contributes to stronger acceleration at low engine speeds, with the 100PS model going from 0-62mph in 11 seconds and the 136PS engine taking just nine seconds. Top speeds are 112mph and 118mph respectively. There's no diesel alternative of course (an option now virtually unknown in this segment).
What about if you want your Frontera as a full-EV? Well the base Electric version has a 44kWh battery that energises a 113PS front-mounted motor on the front axle and offers 186 miles between charges. If that's insufficient, the alternative 'Long Range' Frontera Electric will go 248 miles between charges. Don't expect feisty performance though; the Electric 113PS model gets to 62mph in 12.1s en route to just 87mph.
Design and Build
The Frontera, we're told, offers 'a new interpretation' of Vauxhall's 'bold and pure' design philosophy. Where the previous Crossland model was very much a crossover, this looks more of a robust SUV, with a taller stance, prominent wheel arches and sills and quite an eye-catching C-pillar. The 4,380mm length is a substantial 1,68mm longer than the Crossland and positions the car neatly between the Mokka (4,151mm) and the second generation Grandland (4,650mm) in Vauxhall's refreshed SUV line-up. The nose has the brand's usual 'Vizor' LED light and grille arrangement and the split tail light design further differentiates the car from its mechanically-identical Citroen C3 Aircross Stellantis Group cousin.
Inside, there's what Vauxhall describes as 'a clean, detoxed user experience', which doesn't sound very appealing but does at least include climate controls separated from the centre screen (a brand design difference from its French cousins). That monitor is part of the company's usual 'Pure Panel' cockpit arrangement made up of two 10-inch displays, the other for the instruments viewed through the freshly designed steering wheel. Lots of user-friendly cabin touches feature, including a centre console that can swallow a tablet and hold it in place with a flexible strap. Ahead of the small gear shifter is a wireless charging mat. And with plusher 'GS' trim, the patented 'Intelli-Seats' have sustainable fabrics and a slot in the middle that relieves pressure on the tail bone.
The second row can't comfortably seat much more than two adults, but it's also practical with two USB ports and smartphone pockets in the front seatbacks. Third row seating costs extra, is only available as an option on the Hybrid versions with top 'GS' trim and is strictly for small children. Out back with the conventional seating format, there's a 460-litre boot (actually slightly less than the old Crossland) with a split cargo floor. Fold the rear bench and this extends to 1594-litres (more than an Astra Sports Tourer Electric).
Market and Model
Vauxhall makes much of the fact that combustion and electric Frontera pricing has been equalised. At the time of this model's launch, the price parity between a petrol and an electric model in this segment was usually around 31%. But the base Frontera Electric 113PS variant costs the same (around £23,500) as the base Hybrid 1.2T 100PS variant. You'd need another £1,500 for the perkier 136PS Hybrid model. And you can also talk to your dealer about a 'Long Range' Electric version capable of up to 248 miles between charges.
Regardless of powertrain choice, there are two trim options - base 'Design' and plusher 'GS'. You'll need a Hybrid model with 'GS' trim if you want the chance to be able to pay extra for the optional seven-seat configuration with two-way adjustable headrests and a 'fold and tumble' seat mechanism that provides easy access to the third row. At 'GS' level, there's also an optional 'Comfort Pack' which provides extra convenience with heated seats, a heated windscreen, roof rails and a heated steering wheel.
All versions are reasonably well equipped. Entry-level 'Design' models offer 16-inch black steel wheels with wheel arch cladding and automatic headlights and wipers, along with black grained bumpers. Customers can also choose an optional white roof that comes with 16-inch white steel wheels. 'Design' models also come with a suite of driver assistance features as standard, including rear parking sensors, a rear-view parking camera, cruise control with speed limiter, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert.
Plusher 'GS' models come with aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and a silver skid plate. GS variants also feature a black roof with tinted rear windows and LED taillights, along with power folding mirrors. Plus there's electronic climate control and Intelli-Seat front seats with a specific cushion design incorporating a slot that relieves pressure on the tailbone. 'GS' models additionally come with front parking sensors to provide further peace of mind when manoeuvring, as well as blind spot alert and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. For those who want to spend the night outdoors, the Frontera can be ordered with optional roof rails and a roof tent with ladder specially designed for the SUV. After arriving at its destination, the car can shoulder up to 240 kilogrammes on its roof.
Cost of Ownership
Small SUVs can't be as efficient as the superminis they're based upon: extra weight and bluffer aerodynamics put paid to that. This Frontera is no exception to that rule, in terms of weight tipping the scales at about 100 kilograms more than a similarly-engineered Vauxhall Corsa. That exacts a penalty of about 10% on the fuel and CO2 emissions figures you can expect - which is a premium that we expect most potential owners will be quite happy to pay in return for the extra fashionability of running a car of this kind. It's worth pointing out though, that the inherent lightness of that standard Corsa means that this SUV model's extra weight doesn't leave it as being a particularly heavy car. And the result should be a very efficient set of running costs. For the Hybrid variants, we would expect around 55mpg on the combined cycle and the CO2 reading is quoted at 120g/km.
As we told you in our 'Driving' section, Vauxhall claims that the Frontera Electric is in standard form capable of covering 186 of range (or 248 miles in 'Long Range' form). Both variants rapid charge at rates of up to 100kW, which allows for a 20-80% charge in 26 minutes. At home, you'll be able to AC charge from 20-80% from 7.4kW garage wall box in just over 4 hours. If your property has a three-phase supply, you'll also be able to charge at 11kW, in which case the 20-80% charging time will fall to just under 3 hours. All versions of this model will be covered by the brand's usual unremarkable three year/60,000 mile warranty, plus the battery will have its own eight year cover package.
Summary
This car might have a familiar name but for Vauxhall SUV customers, there will be little else that's familiar about it. Unless they happen to have tried a second generation Citroen C3 Aircross, which essentially is a Gallic version of the same thing. The Frontera though, has a bit more attitude, possibly the only attribute it shares with the disappointing turn-of-the-century Vauxhall SUV of the same name.
Twenty years ago, this car probably would have been designed as an MPV - and would have been a little more practical as a result. But there's still a lot of the versatility many family customers might need. From a Vauxhall that would probably be an ideal family second car. It might surprise you.
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