► Frontera EV line-up expands with Extended Range model
► Mild-hybrid model also available
► Replaces the Crossland
Vauxhall is expanding the line-up of its entry-level SUV, the Frontera, with a new Extended Range model bringing a larger battery and more miles from a charge.
Joining the existing electric version, the Extended Range model packs a larger 54kWh battery – up from the standard car’s 44kWh pack – which allows for a claimed electric range of up 253 miles, up from 186 miles.
These longer-range models also get small fins added to the rear spoiler for improved aero, while different alloys are fitted to the top-spec GS trim. Extended Range models are now available to order, priced from £27,495.
The Frontera is not one of Vauxhall’s greatest hits, so it’s an unusual name to bring back. I guess we should be grateful it’s not called the Antara – remember that?
The small families Vauxhall is targeting with the new Frontera will likely have never heard of the ‘90s version, and it’s probably best it stays that way.
The Frontera replaces the hire-car-special Crossland, which has been around since 2017 and joins the Mokka and Grandland in completing Vauxhall’s crossover line-up once again.
It sits under the Mokka in terms of price and trades some of that car’s style in the name of spaciousness, while also being the cheapest crossover that Vauxhall sells.
Its 460-litre boot is more than 100 litres larger than the Mokka’s and makes it more spacious than the Crossland. With the rear seats folded , that volume increases to a giant 1,600 litres, which is close to that of the Grandland. Bit confusing, right. Vauxhall also says that ‘functional’ roof bars are available as an option, as opposed to non-functional roof bars…
There are no massive surprises in the design department, with the Frontera adopting signature Vauxhall cues. A gloss black panel surrounds the black Griffin emblem, while the same three-pronged lighting signature as the new Corsa is present and correct.
The Frontera is a noticeably higher car than the Mokka, with its roof not tapering away at all, and likely aiding its promised spacious interior. It reminds us of a Volkswagen T-Cross from a front three-quarter angle and there’s a new split headlight design at the rear. You get more black plastic cladding than you can shake a stick at too.
Moving inside you get Vauxhall’s now-typical interior comprising a 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment and one of the same size for the dials. There’s a new steering wheel and also an optional ‘smartphone station’ where Vauxhall says the ‘phone becomes the vehicle’s infotainment control panel’. It sounds a lot like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the firm adds that the steering wheel buttons can be used to control it. We’ll need to try it out to see what it entails, though.
It’s business as usual in the powertrain department with the Frontera sharing powertrains with various other Stellantis products, most notably with the mechanically-similar Citroen C3 Aircross.
Starting with the EVs, the standard car packs a 44kWh battery paired to an electric motor, allowing for a 186-mile claimed range. The Extended Range uses the same electric motor, but gets a bigger 54kWh battery, unlocking a claimed range of up to 253 miles. Both cars can charge at 100kW, with a 20 to 80 per cent charge possible in less than half an hour,.
Vauxhall also offers mild-hybrid versions, using a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a small electric motor. It comes paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, with power outputs of 99bhp and 134bhp available. You can also get the hybrid model as a very cramped seven-seater.
The Vauxhall Frontera was the first car to achieve list price parity between electric and hybrid versions, though the EV is now cheaper, starting from £23,995, compared to £24,255 for the ICE model.
Extended Range models do command a sizeable price increase, starting from £27,495. It does mean, however, that they will each be eligible for the government’s new electric car grant. While Vauxhall is yet to confirm if its cars will be available on the scheme, Citroen has said its range of EVs will be available with a £1,500 discount, and given its e-C3 Aircross is very similar to the Frontera, we expect this to also apply to this Vauxhall.
Senior staff writer, car reviewer, news hound, avid car detailer.
By Ted Welford
Senior staff writer at CAR and our sister website Parkers. Loves a car auction. Enjoys making things shiny
