Read Caroline’s Opel Frontera Hybrid review for everything you need to know about buying Opel’s new compact SUV in Ireland.
What is the Opel Frontera and how much does it cost?
The Opel Frontera, once the 1990’s classic 4×4, returns as a trendy, compact SUV that offers a bit more space, value and practicality than the popular Opel Mokka.
It’s available as a full battery electric vehicle or a fuel-efficient hybrid, which is the subject of my review.
The new Opel Frontera Hybrid starts from €27,995 in the entry level SC, from €30,095 for the Elegance and from €32,095 for the GS 100hp (or €33,095 for the GS 136hp tested here).
Opel Frontera Design
The new Frontera is very much a B-segment compact SUV. But on space it definitely competes on the upper end alongside the Dacia Duster, for instance. There is a sister car from the Stellantis Group, the Citroen C3 Aircross, which is built on the same platform and offers the same powertrains. They are very similar in their overall shape. But the unique styling at the front and rear helps to distinguish them, as well as different colours and alloy wheel designs.
The Frontera’s bold, chunky styling looks great finished in Kanyon Orange. Elegance and GS models both get the same 17-inch alloy wheel design. GS versions also stand out with a silver skid plate front and rear, black side mirror caps, black roof, rear privacy glass and roof bars. It’s a friendly and fun-looking Opel and offers a more compact and affordable offering than the larger Opel Grandland.
What’s the Opel Frontera like inside?
The new Frontera has quite a plain interior, but it feels sturdy and well-built. I do think it’s nicer than a Duster inside, being not quite as utilitarian. The C3 Aircross is arguably a bit more fun with more fabric finishes in the dash, however you may prefer the Opel’s more traditional instruments. For example, the digital driver display in front of you and on all but the entry model a simple touchscreen that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Opel has included proper buttons and switches underneath for the things like the climate control so it’s very easy to interact with while driving.
Equipment levels are good, though the very SC entry model is best avoided. Elegance and GS versions come with a reversing camera, automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging and brilliant ergonomic seats. There’s also a handy heated windscreen for frosty mornings.
The only thing missing is height adjustment for the front passenger seat, which would provide extra comfort.
What’s it like in the back?
The Opel Frontera is very practical with loads of legroom and headroom for passengers. It’s one of the most spacious B-segment SUVs on sale. Even the middle seat passenger will find a place to rest their feet quite comfortably. There are also Isofix points on the two outer seats, pockets in the backs of the front seats, two USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket.
What about the boot?
Really good. There’s 460 litres, which is same as Kia EV3 from the class above and bigger than that of the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid. The rear seats can also split fold 60:40. There is a false floor to help create a flat sill for easy loading.
Is the Opel Frontera Hybrid cheap to run?
The Frontera Hybrid uses a 1.2-litre three petrol engine with hybrid assistance and a 6-speed automatic. It doesn’t need to be plugged in but can run on its electric motor for up to 50% of the time in town driving for instance, which helps overall fuel economy. It can be a little slow to react at low speeds in town but refinement improves dramatically as you gather speed and get out of town.
Opel quotes fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres for this model and over a week of driving my average was 5.5, which indicates it’s a very fuel efficient car in real world driving. Motor tax is €190 per year for this model.
What does it drive like?
The 1.2 hybrid is available with 100hp or 136hp. I tested the 136hp version and it doesn’t feel slow at all, with the 0-100km/h sprint completed in 9 seconds. Acceleration is smooth and easy via the electrified automatic gearbox.
The Frontera drives very well in fairness. Opel is very proud of the way it tunes cars despite sharing platforms and powertrains with many other models from the Stellantis Group. There is a nice firmness to the steering so it avoids the light, floaty feeling on the road that can blight cars like this. There’s plenty of grip too and overall it handles very well for what it is.
It’s comfortable too, offering a cushioned ride over rough surfaces and ramps in town driving. It loses some of its composure at high speeds on the motorway, becoming noisier. An Astra or Grandland would be a better choice if you plan to do a lot of motorway driving.
What’s the verdict?
The Opel Frontera Hybrid is a brilliant addition to Opel’s range in Ireland and offers buyers a practical and good value option. It’s a cheerful and fun compact SUV, and very fuel-efficient. If you’re thinking of buying one, I’d say go ahead and do it.
Opel Frontera Hybrid Video Review
Watch my video review of the Opel Frontera Hybrid to find out if it’s worth the money and my real-world experience with the car on Irish roads.
_______________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year