Brand New Vauxhall Frontera 83kW GS 44kWh 5dr Auto

Vauxhall's new-era Frontera has been designed around EV power. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

With this Frontera Electric, the Griffin brand brings you a small electric Vauxhall that really could be used as a second family car. In the way a Corsa Electric probably never could. The engineering here is shared with a Citroen e-C3 Aircross but delivered with a very Vauxhall vibe.

Background

If you can remember the crude turn-of-the-century Vauxhall Frontera SUV, you might find the concept of a 'Frontera'-badged electric crossover a curious one. But the modern-era Frontera model line is a very different proposition, developed as the Vauxhall version of the second generation Citroen C3 Aircross - or, as in this case, the e-C3 Aircross. The mainstream EV drivetrain here is the smallest battery one available from the Stellantis Group parts bin, but if you're only looking for a second family car for suburban duties, that might not matter much. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The base EV version has a 44kWh battery that offers 186 miles between charges. If that's insufficient, the alternative 'Long Range' Frontera Electric will go 248 miles between charges. You might find the entry-level version's more limited range figure quite sufficient. That variant's small 44kWh battery pack uses 'LFP' 'Lithium Ferro Phosphate' tech, instead of the more usual lithium-ion cells, LFP packs being cheaper to produce, partly because they lack cobalt. The downside to the LFP tech is extra weight, another thing that keeps EV range here well under the 200 mile mark. The mainstream model's 113PS electric motor is located on the front axle, propelling the car to 62mph in 12.1s en route to the very modest 87mph maximum. The damping set-up is conventional, with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear end. For those still unconvinced by (or unprepared to pay the price for) EV technology, Vauxhall offers its usual 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine with 48V Hybrid tech as part of the Frontera line-up.

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 can't be had with the Electric models (it's only available as an option on the 'GS' Hybrid version) and is anyway strictly for small children. Out back, 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 1,574-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 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 - there's no chance to have this set-up with the EV. But at 'GS' level, you can have 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, this 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

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. There are of course plenty of Vauxhall outlets to choose from, so you should never be too far from one. On that subject, at point of purchase, you can get a pre-paid 'Vauxhall Care' servicing plan. For a relatively small monthly payment over three years, this will cover you for three services and an MOT, plus it'll give you three years of roadside assistance.

Summary

In today's EV market, compact EV crossovers don't tend to go particularly far between charges - and this one's no different, particularly in its mainstream 44kWh form. But that might not be much of a concern with a trendy little SUV such as this Frontera Electric, likely to be used primarily as a second family car for shorter suburban trips. We do wonder though, whether for those kinds of journeys, the alternative 48V Hybrid version of this Frontera model might be a better bet. That variant can, after all, run on electric power for up to half of the time in urban travel and costs an awful lot less than this EV version, so might be a better all-round choice just at present if you're somehow set on Frontera. But if an EV it has to be, then this electric model's worth a look.