New Vauxhall Frontera EV to get 248-mile range and 7 seats

• Small SUV with up to seven seats
• Choice of full EV or mild hybrid
• Expected to cost around £20,000

The all-new Vauxhall Frontera was only revealed a matter of weeks ago, but we now have confirmation of important technical details for both EV and mild hybrid variants.

The new small SUV, featuring a nameplate plucked from the brand’s back-catalogue, is due to arrive later this year to replace the ageing Vauxhall Crossland. Unlike that model, the Frontera will be able to accommodate up to seven passengers – much like its sister car, the new Citroen C3 Aircross.

It’ll be one of the smallest and most affordable SUVs in Vauxhall’s lineup, sitting above the existing Mokka and beneath the all-new Grandland. While we don’t have official pricing yet, the new Frontera could start from as little as £20,000 for the mild-hybrid variant – a figure that would no doubt catch the attention of rival carmakers.

What does the new Vauxhall Frontera look like?

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The Frontera carries a clear visual resemblance to Vauxhall’s existing models, but it actually sits on an entirely new platform for the brand. Known as ‘Smart Car’, it’s shared with the Citroen e-C3, although the Frontera is much taller and longer than that supermini. It’s unashamedly boxy, with chunky wheelarches and an upright front end design that Vauxhall describes as “bold and tough”.

You’ll find Vauxhall’s usual ‘Vizor’ treatment across the nose of the Frontera, housing a pair of LED headlights and a large Griffin emblem at its centre. The design deviates from other Vauxhall models at the rear – you’ll spot a new tail-light design split into two elements. 

What about the interior of the Vauxhall Frontera?

From behind the wheel, the Frontera’s cabin won’t appear radically different from those in Vauxhall’s other models, but that’s no bad thing. You get the ‘Pure Panel’ infotainment and driver’s displays – both 10 inches – along with a separate bank of toggle switches for the climate controls. There are a few neat features, too, including dedicated smartphone pockets for rear seat passengers, and a cooled wireless smartphone charger up front.

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The boxy exterior design has allowed Vauxhall to make the Frontera’s interior as spacious as possible. With five passengers onboard, you’ll find 460 litres of boot space behind the rear seats, while folding the second row increases that figure to 1,600 litres – both greater than a Peugeot 2008 or a Ford Puma. Vauxhall has also confirmed that a seven-seater variant will be offered in the future, although it’s not yet clear when this model will arrive.

It’s set to be offered in Vauxhall’s usual three trim levels – Design, GS and Ultimate – with each model packing more equipment than the last. Among the list of usual optional extras, Vauxhall will offer the Frontera with a bespoke roof tent and ladder, perfect for those who fancy a spot of wild camping.

What engine options are there for the Vauxhall Frontera?

The Frontera will be offered as an EV from the get-go, as well as a petrol mild hybrid. The latter makes use of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, available in either 99bhp or 128bhp spec, connected to a 28bhp electric motor. It’s a setup found across several models from parent-brand Stellantis, including the new Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 3008, driving the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The Frontera Electric swaps the petrol engine for a 111bhp electric motor, shared with the Citroen e-C3. While battery sizes are still to be confirmed, Vauxhall claims that the entry-level model will have a range of over 186 miles, with that figure extending to around 248 miles for the ‘long range’ model. Both models will be compatible with 100kW rapid-charging.

How much will the Vauxhall Frontera cost?

Official pricing for the new Frontera will be revealed soon, but we estimate a starting price in the region of £20,000 for petrol models, with the EV variant rising closer to £30,000. If those figures turn out to be accurate, the Frontera could make a compelling alternative to other small SUVs, such as the Ford Puma or the MG ZS.

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