Opel brings back Frontera name for new electric SUV

Frontera is a name that will bring back memories for a generation of Malaysians. It became popular at a time when people started to take greater interest in SUVs. The model was sold by Europel during the 1990s and gained a following as it was an alternative to the Trooper and Pajero.

However, the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s impacted the car market greatly, with the SUV segment contracting by 60% in one year and models like the Frontera faded away. There was a second generation but by then, GM (which owned Opel then) had started making new plans to promote the Chevrolet brand (which it said was the ‘most international’ of GM brands) in Southeast Asia.

 

Its product plan for a big new factory in Thailand initially consisted of a sedan (Optra), MPV (Nabira) and pick-up truck (Colorado) and only later did it offer the Captiva SUV. So the Frontera disappeared completely from sight as the various GM brands (Holden, Vauxhall and Opel) that adapted it from the Isuzu MU (believe it or not, this stood for ‘Mysterious Utility’) also dropped it.

Revival of the name
This week, Opel has revived the Frontera name for a brand new SUV which will also be sold as a Vauxhall in the UK. The 162-year old German carmaker is no longer a GM subsidiary, having been acquired (along with Vauxhall) by the French PSA Group in 2017 and then becoming part of the Stellantis Group in 2021 when PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler (FCA).

The new Frontera has nothing at all to do with the old one which was based on an Isuzu model as Stellantis has no relationship with the Japanese automaker. In line with Opel’s aim of becoming a fully electric brand, the new Frontera will be offered with a fully electric powertrain as well as a 48V hybrid electric powertrain.

Opel Vizor front end
The design incorporates the signature ‘Opel Vizor’ for the expressive front end. It’s the first production model to have the new Opel ‘Blitz’ emblem, with the black ‘vizor’ giving the front of the Frontera a unique identity. On each side are Eco LED headlamps with automatic high beam while The Vizor is supported by a trapezoidal cooling opening in the lower third.

The well-known Opel ‘wing signature’ shines in a modern interpretation with three lighting blocks being separated by body-coloured insets. The side view reveals a distinctive C-pillar while the pronounced wheelarches and fenders visually plant the car firmly on the road while also giving a solid and modern image.

Clever design and practicality
The modern look and feel continues in the interior where clever design meets practicality. With wide horizontal trim on the instrument panel and doors, the cabin is visually widened. The driver has Opel’s fully digital Pure Panel cockpit with two 10-inch displays, arranged with a clean and intuitive presentation to avoid any form of digital stress.

Opel is once again bringing seating innovations with the new Frontera. The patented Intelli-Seat feature in the front seats – a slot that relieves the pressure on the tailbone – provides outstanding comfort even during long journeys. In addition, the seats are not only richly crafted and sculpted but are also eye-catching with contrast stitching. The seat fabrics are also available in a fully sustainable recycled material.

Features for the digital age
While there is a very capable multimedia infotainment system, those who prefer to use their own mobile device have an innovative smartphone station. After connecting to the station via a dedicated app, the user’s smartphone becomes the vehicle’s infotainment control panel, also interacting with the steering wheel buttons.

Other features for today’s digital age include a cooled wireless charger and 4 USB ports. Larger devices that would normally not fit into the cabin properly (such as tablets) can be safely stored in the centre console with a flexible strap that holds them in place.

Further open storage areas in the cabin can take daily carry-ons with rubber lining preventing rattling and sliding. Second row passengers can take advantage of the integrated smartphone pockets in the back rests of the front seats.

Space-efficiency for cargo
SUVs are lifestyle machines and would be required to have enough space for various types of gear. With the rear seats in use, there’s over 460 litres of luggage space in the boot. This can be expanded to a maximum of 1,600 litres when the rear backrests are folded down.

Additional versatility is provided by the 60:40 split of the backrests, while a second load floor comes as standard. Furthermore, customers who need to take even more luggage on their journeys can load up to 200 kgs on the roof rails (if fitted).

Frontera for Malaysia?
Will we see the Frontera in Malaysia since Opel is now part of Stellantis? Probably not as Stellantis Malaysia has not mentioned including the German brand in its product plans. It is using the Peugeot brand not only for SUVs but also to have a presence in the pick-up truck segment.

There are also plans for the Jeep brand in the local and regional market which could see the Avenger being introduced, so there is no real need for the Frontera. A pity since the Opel brand still has some goodwill and is remembered as a German brand.

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