Road tested by Hugh Maguire.
I can well remember testing the original Opel Frontera over some very challenging off road test tracks in the UK at the international press launch of the then new Frontera. Back then it was a big rugged off roader powered by a diesel engine.
Times have changed. While the name may be the same the car is certainly different.
Opel have chosen to reinvigorate the Frontera name in a new line up of petrol hybrid and EV versions.
In keeping with many manufacturers who have re focused their attention to petrol hybrids the new Frontera comes with a choice of two petrol hybrids, with 100PS and 136 PS respectively and two EV powertrains namely with a 44kW battery WLTP range of 300km and from next year also a 54kW battery model with a estimated range of some 400km.
Prices start at €24,606 inclusive of grants for the EV version or €27,995 for the 100PS petrol hybrid version.
Opel will introduce a 7-seat version in GS trim later this year and that will cost around €37,000.
I had a brief 30km drive in the new Frontera hybrid at the Irish press launch today and initial impressions are of a well rounded well designed package which focuses on practicality and spaciousness in a reasonably compact SUV body style. There also seems to be a decent amount of standard equipment too and the pricing is certainly competitive. The new Frontera comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage (KM) warranty and Opel are also offering 0 % HP on the new Frontera or a competitive PCP rate.
More to follow when I road test the new Frontera in full in January.