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Do you remember the Opel Frontera?

Under the guise of “know your classics,” take a quick look back at the Opel Frontera before we kick off this Opel Frontera Hybrid review. The original Frontera was sold as an off-road vehicle in Europe between 1991 and 2003. The model was developed as part of a collaboration between Opel and Isuzu, with the Frontera being based on the Isuzu MU (also known as the Isuzu Rodeo in some markets). The Frontera was produced in Luton, England, by IBC Vehicles, a joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu.

From 1991 to 2003

The first generation Frontera – built from 1991 to 1998 – came in two body styles: a short wheelbase with a soft top (Frontera Sport) and a long wheelbase with a fixed roof (Frontera Estate). The car was positioned as an affordable, capable off-road vehicle for families and adventurers.

The second generation (1998-2003) introduced improvements in comfort, technology and handling. In 2003, Opel stopped production of the Frontera, partly due to the rise of crossovers and stronger competition in the SUV segment. The Frontera was eventually succeeded by models such as the Opel Antara and later the Opel Grandland. Later, the Frontera would take another sign of life as the Landwind X9, but it did not become a success.

Opel Frontera Hybrid (2025): price buster from Opel? – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

Brothers: Opel Frontera and Citroën C3 Aircross

Now the model name Frontera returns to Opel. As a sister model to the Citroën C3 Aircross. Look at the models en profil and you know enough. These models are very similar, but each has its own sauce, inside and out. Opel is positioning the new Frontera as an attainable family SUV. In other words, is this really a price buster? So let’s dive straight into the price list. Prices (as of October 16, 2024) are as follows.

Opel Frontera Hybrid Prices 

1.2 Turbo Hybrid eDCT six-speed automatic transmission – 96 kW (136 hp)

Edition: 30,999 euros

GS: 33,999 euros

Prices Opel Frontera Electric

44 kWh – 84 kW (113 hp).

Electric Edition: 30,499 euros

Electric GS: 33,499 euros

Some points of interest

We immediately mention some points of interest. It is true that the electric Frontera is now more affordable than the Frontera Hybrid. But also know that a 74 kW (100 hp) strong Frontera Hybrid will come later. That is scheduled for sometime in 2025, and it will end up being the most economical in the Frontera lineup.

Long Range version coming soon

Opel is also coming out with another larger battery, feel free to call it a Long Range version. That gets a 54 kWh LFP batttery from Svolt and gets a driving range of about 400 kilometers. The electric motor retains its 83 kW (113 hp). A heat pump will not be provided, that has to do with the cost. Also useful to know: only the Frontera Hybrid comes as a seven-seater. The Frontera Electric has a higher floor, leaving no room for two additional seats.

Dimensions Opel Frontera 2025

The Opel Frontera has a length of 4,385 mm, a width of 1,795 mm and a height of 1,635 mm. The model’s wheelbase comes out to 2,670 mm. The luggage space of the Frontera Hybrid ranges from 460 liters to 1,600 liters. The Frontera Electric has to make do with 451 to 1,591 liters. With seven seats in use, there is really no luggage space left. So think of the third row of seats primarily as a seat for children. Going on vacation with seven people + luggage is out of the question.

What about weights? The hybrid Frontera has a registration weight of 1,290 kilograms versus 1,515 kilograms for the electric version. Towing weights we also know: the Frontera Hybrid with 136 hp can tow 1,250 kilograms braked, versus 350 kilograms for the Frontera Electric 44 kWh. Time to dive into the technology.

Technique Opel Frontera Hybrid

The powertrain of the Opel Frontera Hybrid consists of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, mated to an eDCT six-speed automatic transmission into which Opel has incorporated a 21 kW (28 hp) and 55 Nm strong electric motor. The system power of the strongest version comes out to 100 kW (136 hp) with 230 Nm of torque. The top speed is 194 km/h and the 0-100 time takes 9 seconds. Opel kicks off, as mentioned, with the 136 hp hybrid. A variant with 100 hp and 205 Nm will also follow later.

At low speeds, the Frontera Hybrid can drive fully electric over short distances. During deceleration and braking, the electric motor acts as a generator to charge the battery, without the need for a plug. The hybrid offers a smooth ride and accelerates quickly, even at lower revs. You then really feel a push from the electric motor.

Engineering Opel Frontera Electric

So what about the electric Frontera with 44 kWh lithium-ion battery? That one has an 83 kW (113 hp) and 124.5 Nm electric motor, good for a top speed of 143 km/h and a 0-100 time of 12.1 seconds. On paper, the car has a range of up to 305 kilometers. In practice, allow for a 30 percent margin. That leaves about 220 kilometers.

Need to go a little further afield? No problem: charging can be done with 11 kW (3-phase) or at a fast charger (up to 100 kW). With an 11 kW charger, charging takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. With fast charging, charging from 20 to 80 percent takes about 26 minutes. Gives you some nice time to fortify the inner man or for a number 1 or number 2 pit stop. Is the theoretical range of 310 kilometers really too little for you? Then wait for the Long Range version. Trips to the campsite are no problem, because the roof rails on the Frontera can carry up to 240 kg of roof load when the car is stationary. That’s ideal for the optional roof tent with ladder.

Adjustments

To give the Frontera its own character, the brand has opted for more precise steering and body control. Among other things, the steering geometry has been adjusted and Opel has chosen different tires. The focus is on smoothness and body control. Fallen in love with the white 16-inch steelies? Those have an additional cost of 199 euros. You can order them only on the Hybrid, in combination with a white roof. The basis of the Frontera is the Smart Car platform, a so-called multi-enery platform. If you opt for the seven-seater, Opel strengthens the rear suspension to support the extra weight of the passengers in the rear.

Interior Opel Frontera

The Opel Frontera is designed so that everyone should be able to drive it easily. The interior therefore looks tidy and clean. The Frontera Edition – that is the basic version – is equipped with a Smartphone Station. Once connected via an app, your phone can act as an infotainment system. This system is easy to operate via the buttons on the steering wheel. As a driver, you can thus access, among other things, navigation via Google Maps or Apple Maps, and its own playlists – directly from your own smartphone. Again, that saves costs. You even have a magnetic board next to the Smartphone Station. Great for hanging the photo of your wife, husband, child, pet or favorite hero. Or for leaving a note.

The Opel Frontera also has what is known as a Pure Panel cockpit, consisting of a 10-inch display for the driver. The GS version has a 10-inch infotainment screen as standard. With the Edition, that comes at extra cost. You then opt for the Technology Package (1,499 euros). Then you get the multimedia system with 10-inch color touchscreen, with navigation, Bluetooth, digital radio, USB connection, a wireless phone charger, a rearview camera with 130-degree view and a central armrest. You then also get Aople CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Frontera does always have comfortable Intelli-Seats. These seats reduce pressure on the coccyx thanks to a special notch. Seat heating is optional. In addition to wireless charging in the center console, the Opel Frontera offers four or five USB-C ports near the passengers: two in the front, two for the second row of seats and, in the seven-passenger variant, another for the third row of seats.

Elastic

A nice touch is that larger devices – such as a tablet – can be wedged between two rubber bands in the center console. Passengers can also take advantage of other storage compartments with non-slip surfaces and smartphone pockets in the backrests. The interior is also sustainable, as Opel uses mostly recycled and vegan materials. The seat upholstery as well as other, less visible parts and materials, such as aluminum and polymers, contribute to a lower environmental impact. Up to 95% of the materials used in the Frontera are reusable and 85% are fully recyclable.

What else stands out? High-gloss black plastic shines from absence, nice going Opel! The brand has opted for attractive matte finishes. This is very quiet to the eye. The Frontera also has a quick-select button for the ADAS systems, to the left of the steering column. You have to hold it down for five seconds and you are rid of all that beeping, including the speed warning.

Two versions

The Frontera is available in Edition and GS trims. The standard Edition version features a 10-inch infodisplay, the Smartphone Station, OpelConnect with various online services, Intelli-LED headlights with high beam assist and rear parking assist.

The GS is a bit more luxuriously finished, with features in the Pure Panel cockpit and the 10-inch multimedia touchscreen with integrated navigation, front Park Pilot and a rearview camera. Furthermore, front and rear LED lights and automatic air conditioning are also part of the GS trim, as are 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Opel Frontera is available in eight body colors, and the roof can optionally be finished in contrasting black or white. Colors to choose from include Kanyon Orange, Karbon Black, Effeckt Blue, Arktis White, Khaki Green and Kristall Silver.

Conclusion review Opel Frontera Hybrid

The Opel Frontera Hybrid is a family SUV with no frills. It is comfortable, spacious and puts together simply. The Frontera is a good attempt by Opel to market an affordable family car. We especially like the fine seats and comfy suspension.