BIG news from Vauxhall. The oldest of Britain’s automotive manufacturers began all the way back in 1903, and in that time Vauxhall’s aim has always been to build cars that are relevant to everyone.
In the case of the brand-new Vauxhall Frontera the relevant news is that it’s the first car to go on sale in the UK with an identical list price for both petrol-hybrid and all-electric versions.
Whether or not you’re interested in the new Frontera isn’t the point. The important detail is Vauxhall’s decision to eliminate the usual EV list price premium, opening up the possibility for more people to choose an all-electric model.
So, if you are considering switching to an EV at least there’s one example that won’t require you to take budget into account when choosing which powertrain option to go for.
The new Frontera is the latest addition to Vauxhall’s refreshed SUV range, sitting in the line-up between the Mokka and the Grandland.
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The front-end features Vauxhall’s distinctive Vizor design with LED headlights. The rugged SUV looks come from the sharp lines, elevated stance, and prominent wheel arches and sills. Every model is fitted with energy-saving Intelli-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and high beam assist as standard too.
The interior features Vauxhall’s ‘Pure Panel’ cockpit with dual 10-inch widescreen displays, a newly designed steering wheel and physical buttons for key functions. The central touchscreen is simple to operate and includes navigation and wireless smartphone connectivity. Wireless smartphone charging also comes as standard.
The new Frontera also features up to five USB-C charging ports, with connections for all three seating rows (two in the front, two in the second row, and one in the third row if fitted with seven seats).
As well as bringing parity to the list prices, Vauxhall has also made the new Frontera range equally straightforward with two generously specified trim levels, Design and GS.
Entry-level Design models have 16-inch black steel wheels with wheel arch cladding and body-colour bumpers with black skid plates. Standard features also include rear parking sensors, a rear-view parking camera, cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver attention alert.
GS models are fitted with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, high gloss black door mirrors and silver skid plates, as well as a black roof with tinted rear windows and LED taillights. Upgrading to the GS version also adds electronic climate control, Intelli-Seat front seats designed to relieve pressure on the tailbone, front parking sensors, blind spot alert, and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.
The options list has also been simplified with just three items to choose from – and that choice is determined by the trim level you start from.
Design models can be specified with the Design Style Pack which adds 16-inch white steel wheels, a white roof, and roof rails to the specification. If you go for the GS trim you can add the Ultimate Pack for the extra comfort and convenience of heated seats, a heated steering wheel, LED fog lamps, and roof rails. The final option on the list is the seven-seat configuration, although if you want the added practicality of the extra row of seats it’s worth noting that this option is only available on hybrid GS models.
Which brings me neatly on to the part of the new Frontera that won’t affect the price in any way, shape, or form: your choice of powertrain.
If you’re not ready for the switch to full electrification then the 48-volt petrol hybrid is the obvious choice. You still get a bit of electric-only driving range alongside the improved economy that the electric motor brings to the table.
Vauxhall’s hybrid system combines a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 28bhp electric motor coupled to an electrified six-speed dual clutch transmission. There are two versions of the hybrid system to choose from, generating either 100bhp or 136bhp. Neither is particularly powerful – the sprint to 62mph can’t really be described as a sprint (11 seconds vs 9 seconds) and the top speed increases from 112mph to 118mph – so it’s really just a case of deciding if the extra power is worth the extra money, especially as the fuel consumption and emissions are identical in both versions.
If you are ready for the switch to full electrification you can spend exactly the same amount of money on the all-electric version of the new Vauxhall Frontera instead.
At launch, the Frontera Electric comes with a 44kWh battery that sends its electrons to a 113bhp electric motor. A long-range version will follow later in the year but for now you’ll be looking at a range of around 186 miles with 20-80% charging times of 26 minutes (100kW charger) or 3hrs 50mins (11kW home charger).
Like the hybrid, the Frontera Electric’s performance can never be described as “blistering”, but does that really matter?
That question probably needs some sort of context before you can answer it properly.
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A practical SUV, seating for 5 (or even 7) people, generous specification levels, the latest hybrid or EV technology, and you can pick up the entry-level Design specification for a smidge under £23,500. Even if you splash out on the top-spec GS trim you’ll still be looking at a list price on the comfortable side of £26k. The more powerful hybrid option adds around £1500 to both of those prices.
It’s not necessarily the decision to charge the same for both hybrid and electric models, it’s the unbelievable value that is going to draw people to the new Vauxhall Frontera.
by DAVID YOUNG
Somerset Leveller Motoring Correspondent
Great article, I have a Frontera Olympus 2004 which I have had from new. I is still in lovely condition and is the best car I have ever had
Having enjoyed your review, my next car will be the NEW FRONTERA Thank you!