Opel Frontera Electric driving report: Successful E-SUV with small battery

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We don't know why Opel decided to revive the Frontera name of all things. After all, the predecessor was not incredibly successful in the 1990s. Of course, most customers probably don't care about the history. What counts for them is that Opel is adding a car to its range with the new Frontera that offers a lot of pragmatism for a comparatively low price. A first short drive shows that it is a successful car, as long as you accept the limits set by the calculation.

Cell phone holder as a display replacement

The basic model looks a little stripped down, but upgrading is not too expensive. In the basic model for 28,990 euros, the radio doesn't even have its own display. Instead, there is a cell phone holder in front of a black plastic surface. All the essentials can then be operated via an app on the smartphone. The solution looks so sad that probably only a minority will configure a new car in this way. In the "Tech Package Edition" for 1000  euros, it looks like what most buyers will expect in a current car. The infotainment and on-board computer are then operated via a ten-inch touchscreen. The package also includes a center armrest, reversing camera and inductive cell phone charger.

Three-phase charger for an extra charge

Opel is keeping things a little old school. As in some of the brand's other electric cars, a three-phase charger, which provides 11 kW of alternating current, also costs extra in the Frontera. At 400 euros, it is cheaper than in the Corsa Electric. Whether you need it depends on your driving profile. The standard AC charger can charge with up to 7.4 kW, but only single-phase –, for example at a public 22 kW AC charging station. The acceleration provided by the charger, which is subject to a surcharge, is therefore low. Assuming a consumption of 18.5 kWh/100 km (WLTP specification for the Frontera), the optional charger at a public 22 kW charging station adds around 19.5 km per hour to the range.

A completely different picture emerges at an 11 kW wallbox. Here, the standard-equipped Frontera charges with 3.7 kW because it only responds to one phase. Instead of just under 20 km, the three-phase charger recharges around 60 km of WLTP range in one hour. So if you need to be able to charge the battery at home at maximum speed, you need to budget for the 400 euros. A heat pump is not yet available at extra cost, nor is there any provision for targeted preconditioning of the battery cells.

44 kWh battery

A peak of 100 kW of direct current is possible either way. Opel states a time of 26 minutes for charging from 20 to 80 percent. This corresponds to 26.4 kWh that need to be recharged net. The average net charging capacity in this window is therefore – just under 61 kW under ideal conditions –. This does not necessarily make it an ideal candidate for long-distance driving. Anyone planning to do this with the Frontera will have to be patient – either on the road or when ordering, as a version with a larger battery is to follow. Until then, it is perhaps a little comforting that a significantly more expensive Ford Puma Gen E does not offer any more in this respect. With 44 kWh, up to 305 km should be possible at a stretch under WLTP conditions. On the highway, you are more likely to start looking for a charging option after 200 km at the latest. One thing is clear: in this form, the Frontera is primarily intended for everyday use over short to medium distances – and many driving profiles consist of this.

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Opel Frontera 2025 (13 Bilder)

Well insulated

On the first test drive, a relatively firm chassis design is noticeable, although this does not compromise comfort too much. The spring/damper setup is harmonious and successful. Although the body hardly leans in bends due to the less compliant design of the springs and dampers, bumps are absorbed to a sufficient extent. The interior is also pleasantly quiet, which is also due to the good workmanship of the test car. Although the proportion of hard plastic in the interior is very high, nothing crackles or creaks. The seats are also comfortable, even if they don't have the EGR seal that many other Opel models have.

The wheelbase measures 2.67 m, which is about the same as the similarly long Opel Astra. The rear doors swing open wide, making access easy. If you like, you can also order the more expensive "GS" equipment line with a third row of seats for an extra 800 euros. Given the overall length of the vehicle of 4.39 m, it should be clear that there is only enough space for children at best. As a five-seater, the trunk holds 460 liters, which is a rather average figure for this vehicle size. If you fold down the second row of seats, a maximum of 1600  liters will fit in the luggage compartment.

Not a generous engine

The Frontera weighs at least 1514 kg including a 75 kg driver. With 83 kW and 125 Nm, the electric motor is not generously dimensioned against this background. The acceleration thump that is common in many electric cars is absent here. Of course, the power on offer is still easily sufficient for everyday hustle and bustle in heavy traffic. At 140 km/h, any further increase in speed is electronically limited. Opel has dispensed with various driving modes. As soon as you want to go uphill faster, you notice the lack of power a little. After starting the car, the recuperation works with the maximum deceleration value of 1.2 m/s². Instead of the button for more recuperation, there is now a C(omfort) button below the automatic selector lever, which minimizes energy recuperation by 0.4 m/s². This has proven to be pleasant when driving.

With what most buyers will probably order, the Frontera Electric costs between 30 and 33,000 euros. In return, Opel delivers a cleanly finished, comfortable electric car in a trendy SUV format. Those who prefer the mild hybrid with 74 kW will be served from 23,900 euros. The problem for Opel could be that the same car is available from Citroën in slightly different packaging for less money. A ë-C3 Aircross is available from 26,490 euros. Why Opel thinks it can charge around 2500 euros more for the successful Frontera is not immediately clear. But the market will presumably smooth that out.

(mack)