Remember the Vauxhall Frontera? A nineties mid-size SUV that was based on an Isuzu model and assembled in its Luton factory. It lasted for two-generations – and was discontinued in 2005.
Well now it’s back for 2025, or rather its spirit is, Vauxhall claims. Like the new Capri was to Ford, this Frontera has it seems, the slimmest of links to its predecessor.
More interesting than the car itself, is the fact that Vauxhall will be offering EV and petrol mild hybrid versions of the Frontera at the same price. It will be fascinating to see how this pricing position will affect or change EV pricing for rivals in the market.
Design and interior
Outside, the Frontera’s tall and slim silhouette is where you see the closest link to its sister car – the incoming Citroen C3 Aircross. The Citroen, and the new Fiat Panda, share the same new ‘Smart Car’ BEV-native platform. However, the Frontera follows the Vauxhall family look, with the Vizor grille, and distinctive Intelli-LED headlights at the front.
The most distinctive part of the design is the curvy C-pillar, which is made even more special with the GS’s black roof. The back of the Frontera is quite upright, with the rear light clusters stretching across the boot. Overall, it’s a tidy if predictable design.
Inside, the Frontera gets the same ‘Pure Panel’ design as other Vauxhall models, with two 10in displays for the instruments and infotainment. The infotainment itself is logical in use, the driving position is comfortable, and the front Intelli-seats are supportive. Interior stowage also seems impressive, with a wireless phone charger, Flex Strap to hold bigger items such as tablets, and Storage Shelf, all contained in the centre console.
With almost as much space as our current Family Car of the Year, the Vauxhall Astra, there’s a surprising amount of rear room, with the option of an extra pair of seats in the boot on GS mild hybrid models for an additional £500 – although we reckon these seats will only be suitable for kids. Otherwise, the 460-litre boot is practically shaped. The quality of the Frontera is good and feels sturdy. However, the interior finishes feel cheaper than even the current Vauxhall Corsa!
Performance and drive
Vauxhall’s new C-SUV rival is available with the choice of electric and mild hybrid powertrains. A larger battery version with a range of up to 248 miles is expected next Spring, but until then, the EV version of the Frontera is fitted with 44kWh battery, which has 113hp and 125Nm of torque, and a range of 188 miles. Capable of being fast charged, it can go from 20 to 80% on a rapid charger, in just 26 minutes.
On the road, the Frontera EV feels willing enough for everyday use. With acceptable acceleration off the mark, this Vauxhall feels underpowered if you choose the more relaxed ‘Comfort’ mode, which retards the throttle. Whilst the Frontera’s performance is no ball of fire, it’s perfectly adequate, and the ride is impressively refined on our top spec GS equipment grade with 17in wheels. Brake feel is fine, too. The only demerit for the Frontera EV is the slow steering, which lacks feel.
The Frontera is available with two 48V mild hybrid engines, in 100 and 136hp flavours. The 100hp version is new to Vauxhall, but it’s well-proven in other Stellantis brands; the 136hp version that we drove is also used in the Grandland, and employs a belt-driven starter/generator, on top of the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.
Vauxhall is predicting the petrol mild hybrid versions of the Frontera will be the best-sellers, but in our opinion, it’s a backward step in terms of the drive. Starting in electric mode, the engine quickly fires up and its three-cylinder thrum can be clearly heard. In fact, the petrol engine seems to be working hard most of the time. This Vauxhall might boast 111g/km emissions, 27% BIK figure, plus 53.3mpg fuel economy in Design spec, but again it likes to defer to the highest gear possible from the six-speed auto, making this Vauxhall feel slower and nosier than its 11-second 0-62mph acceleration figure would suggest.
The Vauxhall Frontera feels like a car of its time, with 2025 in our opinion likely to be the year of the affordable EV. It will be interesting to see how the Frontera will compare to its sister car the Citroen C3 Aircross. The Frontera is a likeable, high value package, which will take the fight to Chinese opposition, and deserves to do well.
Positive: Clean if unadventurous design, spacious and practical interior, price parity between EV and ICE models.
Negative: Adequate to drive, mild hybrid ride and drive, interior trim doesn’t feel very special.
Standard equipment: Intelli-LED headlights, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control, PureConnect Infotainment system, 10in touchscreen, Connected Navigation, wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, voice recognition, wireless charging, manual air-conditioning, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, electrically adjustable door mirrors, 16in steel wheels with covers.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 100hp, 136hp; Electric: 113hp
Equipment grades: Design, GS
Transmission: Single-speed automatic (EV), seven-speed automatic (mild hybrid)
| Model | Vauxhall Frontera GS Electric 44kWh |
| P11D | £38,440 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 188 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £13/£26 |
| Luggage capacity | 460 litres |
| Battery size/power | 44kWh/113hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
