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All-New 2024 Opel Frontera Is Smaller Yet Spacious, Fun But Also Available as an EV

2024 Opel Frontera first official images 9 photos
Photo: Opel Automobile GmbH
2024 Opel Frontera first official images2024 Opel Frontera first official images2024 Opel Frontera first official images2024 Opel Frontera first official images2024 Opel Frontera first official images2024 Opel Frontera first official images2024 Opel Frontera first official images2024 Opel Frontera first official images
Japanese automaker Isuzu produced the funny-named MU mid-size SUV between 1989 and 2004. Luckily, few got to make any cow-related jokes about it because it was also called Isuzu Ascender, Chevrolet Captiva, or Opel and Vauxhall Frontera.
The classic-looking SUV was produced across two generations before its demise in 2004, but two decades later, Stellantis decided that Opel should bring back its Frontera nameplate for a modern stint. This time around, the third-generation Opel and Vauxhall (in the UK) Frontera is smaller – it belongs to the subcompact class (B segment) and also abandons the old and traditional SUV ways in favor of a fashionable crossover lifestyle.

In fact, we have known the Opel Frontera was coming back since January when the German automaker kicked off the teaser campaign for the revival – and that's when we also learned from across the rumor mill that it might act as a replacement for the single-generation Opel and Vauxhall Crossland, which has been around since 2017 on the PSA PF1 platform as a sibling of the Citron C3 Aircross and Peugeot 2008, among others.

Opel is now kicking off another chapter in the company's modern strategy as the revived Frontera follows after the Crossland crossover SUV and adopts the brand's current styling, which is also in use on the Astra or Mokka. It's labeled as a "fun and spacious" new model, and the brand thinks it's the right call to make it available as an all-electric option right from the very beginning, while fans can also opt for additional ICE-powered versions equipped with 48-volt hybrid engine technology.

Another carmaker that has recently refreshed its emblem, the new Opel "Blitz" logo debuts on a series-production model – it's tucked at the center of the Opel Vizor which integrates Eco LED headlamps. The side profile is dominated by the "distinctive C-pillar, which visually splits the spacious cabin." At the same time, at the rear, there are interesting split-type LED taillights, the Opel 'Blitz' logo, and a big 'Frontera' script on the tailgate.

Moving inside, the Opel Frontera has a simple dashboard with few physical buttons, a very small lever for the control of the automatic transmission, and dual 10-inch displays forming the fully digital Pure Panel cockpit. There's also an optional 'smartphone station' that allows the integration of the smartphone in place of the vehicle's infotainment system via a dedicated app, along with a patented Intelli-Seat feature for the front seats – "a slot that relieves the pressure on the tailbone – ensures outstanding comfort even during long journeys on the Autobahn."

Speaking of moving around, the all-new third-gen Opel Frontera subcompact crossover SUV has 460 liters (16.27 cu. ft.) of luggage space in the trunk, which can be upgraded to 1,600 liters (56.5) with the rear seats folded down. On the other hand, the engineers in Rüsselsheim haven't revealed the technical specifications of the powertrain options – and only said the pure electric version is joined by additional "highly efficient drives with 48-volt hybrid technology." Maybe when they present the next-gen Citroen C3 Aircross twin model, they'll also spill the engine and transmission beans.
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About the author: Aurel Niculescu
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Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution.
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