Opel Frontera: E-SUV with competitive prices
The Frontera represents a turnaround for Opel. The SUV comes onto the market at prices that are significantly lower than those of the Mokka and Corsa.
(Image: Opel)
I have often wondered about the pricing of electric cars at Stellantis. A Mokka Electric currently costs at least 40,800 euros, an Astra Electric at least 41,990 euros. This relegates the most pleasant drive systems in these models to exotic status. In the first five months, 650 of the 20,701 Astra models sold in Germany had a battery-electric drive. There may be various reasons for this, but the main one is probably to be found in the price list. With the Frontera, the Group is now venturing a U-turn that could lead to significantly higher registration figures.
Three drive systems
The SUV is available with two hybrids and an electric drive. The three-cylinder petrol engines have been supplemented by an electric motor in the six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which contributes up to 21 kW. The system output is 74 and 100 kW. Opel specifies a fuel consumption of 5.5 liters for both models in the WLTP. We have already been able to test both versions in the Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208: They work somewhat grumpily and with minimal response delay, but are comparatively economical and certainly powerful enough to accelerate the SUV adequately. Only for these two engines it is possible to equip the Frontera with a third row of seats. This costs an extra 800 euros, but is only available for the more expensive of the two equipment lines.
Electric drive with minor limitations
The battery-electric drive is in several respects inferior to what is offered in the Corsa, Mokka and Astra. The battery has an energy content of 44 kWh. A single-phase charger with 7.4 kW comes as standard, which can generally only be used with public charging infrastructure. A three-phase charger with 11 kW costs 400 euros, which is only around a third of what Opel charges in the Corsa Electric. The DC charging capacity is specified at 100 kW. As there is no integrated preconditioning of the battery cells, the real charging capacity will be significantly lower, especially in the cold season. Opel states a charging time of 26 minutes for charging from 20 to 80 percent - under optimal conditions.
The electric motor in the Frontera produces 83 kW and offers a maximum torque of 125 Nm. The driving performance does not promise a rush of acceleration. A standard sprint time of 12.1 seconds is quoted, with a top speed of 140 km/h. Consumption is said to be 18.2 to 18.5 kWh in the WLTP, with a maximum range of 305 km. These key figures clarify that the Stellantis Group has carefully considered where savings need to be made compared to other models.
Because the prices cannot be achieved otherwise. The hybrid model is available from 23,900 euros, with battery-electric drive it starts at 28,990 euros. There are two equipment lines (Edition and GS) and only a few options. Even in the base model, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be integrated wirelessly, and air conditioning and cruise control are also included. Even if you choose all the options in the E-Frontera, the list price remains below 35,000 euros.
Opel Frontera 2024 (5 Bilder)
(Bild: Opel)
What's next?
This should put Opel in a tight spot. Because in the future, a Corsa Hybrid for 26,200 euros, for example, will be on the sales floor opposite a 4.39-meter SUV with an identical engine that costs less. The e-drives will be even pricier. Sure, a Mokka Electric has more power and a slightly larger battery. But that would have to be worth almost 12,000 euros more to the customer – for a smaller car, mind you. The Frontera may be simpler in detail, but it is highly questionable whether Opel's target group, of all people, will reward such things to such an extent.
(mfz)