Vauxhall hopes this new kind of Frontera SUV will appeal to small families. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Vauxhall reinvents its Frontera for a new era - with a little help from Citroen. There's plenty of potential electrification, seating for up to seven and quite a lot more attitude than any previous Vauxhall SUV. If you've never considered one of the brand's small crossovers before, there's just a chance you might like this one.

Background

So: Vauxhall's new era Frontera. There's lots to get used to here. First the fact that it's replacing the brand's previous entry-level SUV (the Crossland) but it isn't an entry-level model (the Frontera slots in between the Mokka and the Grandland). Second, this is the first Vauxhall SUV with up to seven seats. And third, there's the curiosity that Vauxhall would want to bring back the name of a turn-of-the-century model it sold that had possibly the worst build quality and reliability of any SUV made in that period. But of course Vauxhalls are very different now, always based on models from fellow Stellantis Group brands Peugeot and Citroen. The Frontera is based primarily on the second generation Citroen C3 Aircross, which means that as well as the third seating row option, it can offer the choice of conventional petrol, Hybrid or EV drivetrains. It's certainly a much more practical family wagon than the old Crossland. And a very different kind of Frontera.

Engines and Tech Spec

The Frontera gets the usual portfolio of small hatch Stellantis Group electrified powertrains. If you're after a combustion-powered model, Vauxhall wants you to consider its 48V Hybrid powerplant, which will primarily sell in 100hp form but can also be had in 136hp guise. This sees a Hybrid 1.2-litre three cylinder unit driving the front wheels and combining with a 28hp 48V motor built into a clever 6-speed dual clutch e-DCT6 auto gearbox. This Hybrid set-up's electric motor can take over driving duties for up to 50% of the time in urban traffic. There's 205Nm of torque with the 100PS model - or 230Nm with the 136PS version. The electric motor contributes to stronger acceleration at low engine speeds, with the 100PS model going from 0-62mph in 11 seconds and the 136PS engine taking just nine seconds. Top speeds are 112mph and 118mph respectively. There's no diesel alternative of course (an option now virtually unknown in this segment). What about if you want your Frontera as a full-EV? Well the base Electric version has a 44kWh battery that energises a 113PS front-mounted motor on the front axle and offers 186 miles between charges. If that's insufficient, the alternative 'Long Range' Frontera Electric will go 248 miles between charges. Don't expect feisty performance though; the Electric 113PS model gets to 62mph in 12.1s en route to just 87mph.

Design and Build

The Frontera, we're told, offers 'a new interpretation' of Vauxhall's 'bold and pure' design philosophy. Where the previous Crossland model was very much a crossover, this looks more of a robust SUV, with a taller stance, prominent wheel arches and sills and quite an eye-catching C-pillar. The 4,380mm length is a substantial 1,68mm longer than the Crossland and positions the car neatly between the Mokka (4,151mm) and the second generation Grandland (4,650mm) in Vauxhall's refreshed SUV line-up. The nose has the brand's usual 'Vizor' LED light and grille arrangement and the split tail light design further differentiates the car from its mechanically-identical Citroen C3 Aircross Stellantis Group cousin. Inside, there's what Vauxhall describes as 'a clean, detoxed user experience', which doesn't sound very appealing but does at least include climate controls separated from the centre screen (a brand design difference from its French cousins). That monitor is part of the company's usual 'Pure Panel' cockpit arrangement made up of two 10-inch displays, the other for the instruments viewed through the freshly designed steering wheel. Lots of user-friendly cabin touches feature, including a centre console that can swallow a tablet and hold it in place with a flexible strap. Ahead of the small gear shifter is a wireless charging mat. And with plusher 'GS' trim, the patented 'Intelli-Seats' have sustainable fabrics and a slot in the middle that relieves pressure on the tail bone. The second row can't comfortably seat much more than two adults, but it's also practical with two USB ports and smartphone pockets in the front seatbacks. Third row seating costs extra, is only available as an option on the Hybrid versions with top 'GS' trim and is strictly for small children. Out back with the conventional seating format, there's a 460-litre boot (actually slightly less than the old Crossland) with a split cargo floor. Fold the rear bench and this extends to 1594-litres (more than an Astra Sports Tourer Electric).

Market and Model

Vauxhall makes much of the fact that combustion and electric Frontera pricing has been equalised. At the time of this model's launch, the price parity between a petrol and an electric model in this segment was usually around 31%. But the base Frontera Electric 113PS variant costs the same (around £23,500) as the base Hybrid 1.2T 100PS variant. You'd need another £1,500 for the perkier 136PS Hybrid model. And you can also talk to your dealer about a 'Long Range' Electric version capable of up to 248 miles between charges. Regardless of powertrain choice, there are two trim options - base 'Design' and plusher 'GS'. You'll need a Hybrid model with 'GS' trim if you want the chance to be able to pay extra for the optional seven-seat configuration with two-way adjustable headrests and a 'fold and tumble' seat mechanism that provides easy access to the third row. At 'GS' level, there's also an optional 'Comfort Pack' which provides extra convenience with heated seats, a heated windscreen, roof rails and a heated steering wheel. All versions are reasonably well equipped. Entry-level 'Design' models offer 16-inch black steel wheels with wheel arch cladding and automatic headlights and wipers, along with black grained bumpers. Customers can also choose an optional white roof that comes with 16-inch white steel wheels. 'Design' models also come with a suite of driver assistance features as standard, including rear parking sensors, a rear-view parking camera, cruise control with speed limiter, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert. Plusher 'GS' models come with aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and a silver skid plate. GS variants also feature a black roof with tinted rear windows and LED taillights, along with power folding mirrors. Plus there's electronic climate control and Intelli-Seat front seats with a specific cushion design incorporating a slot that relieves pressure on the tailbone. 'GS' models additionally come with front parking sensors to provide further peace of mind when manoeuvring, as well as blind spot alert and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. For those who want to spend the night outdoors, the Frontera can be ordered with optional roof rails and a roof tent with ladder specially designed for the SUV. After arriving at its destination, the car can shoulder up to 240 kilogrammes on its roof.

Cost of Ownership

Small SUVs can't be as efficient as the superminis they're based upon: extra weight and bluffer aerodynamics put paid to that. This Frontera is no exception to that rule, in terms of weight tipping the scales at about 100 kilograms more than a similarly-engineered Vauxhall Corsa. That exacts a penalty of about 10% on the fuel and CO2 emissions figures you can expect - which is a premium that we expect most potential owners will be quite happy to pay in return for the extra fashionability of running a car of this kind. It's worth pointing out though, that the inherent lightness of that standard Corsa means that this SUV model's extra weight doesn't leave it as being a particularly heavy car. And the result should be a very efficient set of running costs. For the Hybrid variants, we would expect around 55mpg on the combined cycle and the CO2 reading is quoted at 120g/km. As we told you in our 'Driving' section, Vauxhall claims that the Frontera Electric is in standard form capable of covering 186 of range (or 248 miles in 'Long Range' form). Both variants rapid charge at rates of up to 100kW, which allows for a 20-80% charge in 26 minutes. At home, you'll be able to AC charge from 20-80% from 7.4kW garage wall box in just over 4 hours. If your property has a three-phase supply, you'll also be able to charge at 11kW, in which case the 20-80% charging time will fall to just under 3 hours. All versions of this model will be covered by the brand's usual unremarkable three year/60,000 mile warranty, plus the battery will have its own eight year cover package.

Summary

This car might have a familiar name but for Vauxhall SUV customers, there will be little else that's familiar about it. Unless they happen to have tried a second generation Citroen C3 Aircross, which essentially is a Gallic version of the same thing. The Frontera though, has a bit more attitude, possibly the only attribute it shares with the disappointing turn-of-the-century Vauxhall SUV of the same name. Twenty years ago, this car probably would have been designed as an MPV - and would have been a little more practical as a result. But there's still a lot of the versatility many family customers might need. From a Vauxhall that would probably be an ideal family second car. It might surprise you.

Body Glass

Defroster rear window

Rear power window controls on door panel

Rear windscreen wipers with combi switch for control

Rear privacy glass

Rain sensitive windscreen wipers

Electrically operated front and rear windows

Brakes

Automatic emergency braking system

Active Safety Brake with AEB video and risk of collision warning

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Communication

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Natural voice recognition

Bluetooth

Driver Aids

Speed sign recognition

Driver drowsiness alert system

Rear parking sensors

Blind spot alert

Driver attention alert system level 3

Front parking sensors

Electric power steering

Cruise control

Speed control with change of report

Lane keep assist with deactivation switch on dashboard

Active danger warning security

Speed limit with display road panel and SLI

Rear view camera

Driver Convenience

Wireless charger for mobile devices

Driver Information

10" digital instrument cluster

Vauxhall connect

Emergency call service

Driving Mirrors

Electrochrome rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable and defrost function door mirrors with LED and power folding when locking or dedicated knob + blind spot alert

Entertainment

1x USB-C port in front

10" colour touchscreen

AM/FM/DAB digital radio

Multimedia Pure Panel Navigation system

6 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Grained claddings for wheel arches

Front and rear fascia bumpers in body colour with skid plate in dark silver

High gloss black B pillar

Body coloured side protectors

Rear side wing doors

Mirror caps in high gloss black

Black Griffin logo and vizor frame

Frontera name on tailgate in black

Exterior Lights

High beam assist

3rd brake light

Intelli LED headlights

LED tail lights

LED daytime running lights

Rear rog lamps

Automatic headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Electronic climate control

Interior Features

Uplevel centre console and Door handles and grab handles

Center console with front center armrest with hidden storage and 2 front cupholders

Sun vizor + driver and passanger mirror + shade

Rubber sport pedals

Eco Leather steering wheel with cruise speed limiter controls

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Cloth upholstery

Steering wheel audio/phone/cruise controls

Sustainable grey fabric seat trim

Interior Lights

Front and rear LED reading lights

Safety

Light and reminder indicators for driver and front passenger safety belt

Driver airbag active adaptivity with seat position sensor

Front passenger airbag

Side thorax airbag front

Child proof locks on rear doors

Forward collision alert

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Front passenger airbag deactivation switch

Side and curtain airbags for front and 2nd row seats

Seats

3 rear headrests

Front head restraints

Driver 6 way and passenger 4 way manual adjustable seat

Intelli seat - driver and passenger ergonomic seat

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Double locking

Security alarm

Auto door locking when driving

Push control opening trunk and plug without key

Central locking with security push on dashboard and permanent display of locking doors

Wheels

17" Groot diamond cut alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 120

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 120

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 119

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 106

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 104

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 109

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 6 SPEED

CC: 1199

Transmission: AUTO

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90.5

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 75

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Low: 58.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 60.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 53.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 4.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.3

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.3

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 17E

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Badge Power: 100

Badge Engine CC: 1.2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 6

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Coin Description: Hybrid

Coin Series: GS

Performance

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - BHP: 100

Top Speed: 112

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11

Engine Power - KW: 74

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 151

Engine Torque - NM: 205

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.9

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 215/60 R17

Wheel Style: GROOT

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2670

Height: 1627

Height (including roof rails): 1655

Width: 1795

Length: 4385

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1830

Minimum Kerbweight: 1344

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 44

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1250

Max. Loading Weight: 486

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 460

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1600

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Special metallic paint

Body colour roof

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Crystal silver

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Canyon orange

Special metallic - Effect blue

Special metallic - Khaki green

Special metallic - Crystal silver

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Marl grey Melange with Black fabric insert