Opel has released the first official photos of the all-new Frontera, set to succeed the aging Crossland in its lineup. The crossover will be available with both mild hybrid and fully electric powertrains, mirroring the specifications of the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross twin. It’s perhaps the name of the new model that will immediately catch your attention. Opel and sister company Vauxhall first used the Frontera name between 1991-1998 for an Isuzu Wizard-based SUV. A second-gen model was then introduced and survived until 2004. The third generation – sharing its underpinnings and a large portion of the bodywork with the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross – distances itself from the off-road nature of its predecessors, being more focused on practicality.
The Opel-specific bits of the new Frontera
share many similarities with the Mokka. Simple LED headlights are featured
alongside the Vizor fascia which is a common feature throughout the Opel
lineup. The pictured model has a striking orange and gloss black two-tone
design. Opel’s designers have crafted a particularly intriguing rear end for
the Frontera. The thick C-pillars immediately catch the eye as do the split
taillights, looking not dissimilar to some of the split light designs from the
Hyundai group. The SUV is also showcased with a black and grey bumper.
Like many other modern cars, the cabin of
the new Frontera adopts a minimalist design but does appear to retain some
physical buttons. The highlight is the digital instrument cluster and
infotainment display, both 10-inch units. There is also a chunky three-spoke
steering wheel, cloth across the seats, and plenty of black plastic elements. A
cooled wireless charging pad is also visible as are two USB ports up front and
two at the rear. The new model will offer 460 liters of cargo
space with the rear seats up or 1,600 liters with them folded
down. A roof rack will also be offered from the factory. The rear bench seat
also splits 60:40. The company didn’t mention if the Frontera will be offered
with a three-row seating layout as with the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross
sibling.
The Opel Frontera is one of the many new
models from Stellantis that will ride on Smart Car architecture which is an
evolution of the CMP / eCMP platform. It has been confirmed that it will be
available with both 48-volt mild-hybrid ICE and fully electric powertrains.
While the company hasn’t announced detailed specifications, we can easily guess
based on other Stellantis offerings. The entry-level Frontera will most likely
feature the turbocharged 1.2-liter mild-hybrid gasoline engine, while the EV
will come fitted with a single front-mounted electric motor.
We will learn more about the new Frontera
closer to its market launch which is expected in summer 2024. The SUV will be
positioned between the smaller Mokka and the larger Grandland which will also
be renewed this year.
