Vauxhall Frontera gets 248-mile EV range and seven-seat option
Vauxhall has premiered its new Frontera SUV, launching later this year in both battery electric and petrol mild hybrid variants.
The successor to the Crossland, it will sit between the Mokka and new Grandland in Vauxhall’s refreshed SUV line-up.
Following the new model’s preview in April, Vauxhall has now confirmed it will be available as a five-seater with a seven-seater option to launch in the future.
Measuring 4,380mm in length, it’s built on Stellantis’ ‘Smart Car’ BEV-native platform also used for the new Citroën ë-C3 and C3 Aircross and developed from the current e-CMP platform.
Powertrain line-up includes the fully electric Frontera Electric. Full details are yet to be announced but it will feature a 113hp electric motor and two battery variants. The standard model will offer a range of more than 186 miles (c.300km) (WLTP provisional) with 100kW charging capability as standard, while the “long range” version will be able to travel up to around 248 miles (c.400km) (WLTP provisional).
A 48V mild-hybrid Frontera Hybrid will also be available. This uses a 100hp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine in combination with a 28hp electric motor and an electrified six-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions that are significantly lower compared to a conventionally powered model. The Frontera Hybrid will also be available with a 136hp 1.2 turbo engine.
Design is intended to be striking and uses a rugged interpretation of Vauxhall’s Bold and Pure design philosophy, complete with the Griffin emblem in the centre of the black Vizor face and LED headlamps.
The interior features Vauxhall’s Pure Panel cockpit, using a newly designed steering wheel and two 10-inch widescreens, as well as physical buttons for key functions to offer a “clean, detoxed user experience”.
The cabin also comes with patented Intelli-Seats for the driver and front passenger, designed to deliver extra comfort. Seat fabrics are also available in a fully sustainable recycled material. The boot can store more than 450 litres of luggage and this extends to 1,600 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats fully folded. The Frontera also comes with a split boot floor.
Optional roof rails and a roof tent with ladder specially designed for the Frontera can be specified – it’s able to shoulder up to 240kg on its roof.
Other practical features as standard include wireless smartphone connectivity and a wireless charger, two USB ports available in the front and a further two USB ports available in the second row. Rear passengers can also use smartphone pockets in the front seat backrests, while larger devices, such as tablets, can be stored in the centre console with a flexible strap.
The trim line-up will mirror the current simple Vauxhall range with Design, GS and Ultimate versions – and is set to be “extensively equipped, even from entry level”.
Pricing is yet to be announced but Vauxhall has said the new model will continue the brand’s “tradition of bringing affordable mobility to a wide range of customers by being offered at an attractive price”.
James Taylor, managing director, Vauxhall, said: “The new Frontera is our new family-size SUV, offering customers innovative and practical electric mobility at an affordable price. Highly flexible with up to seven seats, spacious, and with a choice of hybrid and electric powertrains, we’re confident that Frontera will appeal to new and existing audiences as well as sit very well in our revised SUV line-up in between Mokka and the forthcoming all-new Grandland.”
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
