New Frontera with five and seven-seat option sure to attract

A name from before, but now offering the option of seven seats, powered by a choice of petrol hybrid or full electric, the new Opel Fronter, compact Crossover SUV,  will attract those who look for space, at a price that is not astronomical, added to the efficiency of modern propulsion systems.

Short Drive

Just launched here, Beepbeep got the opportunity for a short test drive in the new Frontera from Opel HQ at Gowan Auto, Citywest, through the roads of South Dublin and into the winding feeder-roads of North Kildare. I was pleasantly surprised at the space on offer and the quietness on-road. It is definitely worth a longer test drive, the slightly elevated driving position giving a really good, unobstructed, road view. The 1.2 PureTech, petrol Hybrid, delivered is 136bhp with enough enthusiasm to deserve caution. Again, a longer drive would provide fuel consumption and other aspects of the Frontera’s personality. 

Shared Platform

There should be no confusion with the Frontera of the past and its then alliance with Isuzu, this is a Stellantis offering, sharing its platform with the new Citroen C3, C3 Aircross and the Fiat Grande Panda, as well as the power options.

Some of the Competition

The new Frontera is a transport choice in a very popular sales segment and definitely warrants a test drive for anyone seeking to upgrade or downsize. Others to consider are;  Dacia Duster, Citroen C3 Aircross, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot 2008, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Juke, Ford Puma.

Trims and Prices

Owners will get a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, three trims to choose from, with a five-seater at launch and a seven-seat version due before the end of the year. The new Frontera Electric retails in Ireland from €24,606 inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT rebate, and from €27,995 plus delivery related charges for the new Frontera Petrol- Hybrid. 

There is nothing to intimidate about the Frontera, the option of going total black on the badging the most adventurous a new owner can go. Stepping inside, two 10” screen greet the driver, the driving position really good and the seats offering immediate reassurance that long journeys can be tackled in confidence.

Featuring wide-opening rear doors to allow easy access for passengers and baby seats, up to 460 litres of luggage can be stored in the boot, and up to 1,594 litres with the seats folded down. Customers who need to take even more luggage can avail of optional roof rails. A 60/40 split rear bench seat and a second load floor ensure additional versatility for families.  

Power and Propulsion choices

The new Frontera is powered by a choice of two petrol hybrid versions (100PS and 136PS) and two all-electric versions; a 44kW 113PS 300km range version is available from launch in Ireland, with a 54kW 113PS 400km range version due in 2026.

A chat with James Brooks, Opel Ireland Managing Director, where he commented, “Our new Frontera offers families great packaging and value for money. With its stylish new look, spacious cabin, and a choice of fully electric or petrol hybrid drivetrains and five or seven seats, the new Opel Frontera is destined to become an Irish family favourite. With the first units landing in Opel Dealer forecourts this month, we are delighted to now open the Frontera order books ahead of the all-important 261-period.” 

Trim Specification

Retailing from €24,606 inclusive of grants for the Electric version or from €27,995 for the petrol hybrid version. Standard equipment on the entry level SC trim includes;

• 10” driver information display plus smartphone station
• Electronic parking brake and hill assist
• LED headlights with automatic high beam
• Rear Park Assist
• 16“ painted steel wheel
• Manual climate control
• Alarm
• Cruise control
• Lane Keep Assist
• Forward collision alert
• Driver drowsiness alert
• Speed sign recognition.
  

The Frontera is priced from €26,480 inclusive of grants for the Electric powertrain or from €30,095 for the petrol hybrid version.

Standard equipment on the level two Elegance trim includes;

• 10” HD touchscreen with navigation
• Opel Connect, DAB radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Wireless charger
• Natural voice recognition
• Front USB type C connection
• Rear view camera
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Rain sensing front wipers
• Automatic climate control
• Driver and front passenger Intelli seats
• Middle console with front centre armrest and hidden storage
• 17” alloy wheels.
  

Those choosing the top-of-the-range GS trim, from €28,354 with grants for the Electric version or from €32,095 for the petrol hybrid version, add as standard;

• Front and rear park assist
• Roof rails
• Black roof
• High gloss black door mirrors
• Black front Opel logo
• Rear privacy glass
• Power folding rear view mirrors
• Electro-chrome rear view mirror
• LED taillamps and LED foglamps
• Side blind spot alert.
  
  

A 7-seater GS petrol hybrid model will follow later this year, retailing at a €1,500 premium over the 5-seater GS petrol hybrid version, from €33,595 plus delivery related charges. 

The addition of the new Frontera compact family SUV to the Opel stable sees the brand boast one of the freshest SUV ranges on the market: the all-new Grandland SUV arrived in showrooms in early 2025, whilst the facelift Mokka SUV arrived in June.