MOVING FRONTIERS
Opel Frontera
As part of Opel's celebration of 125 years of automobile production, the German manufacturer, now part of the Stellantis Group, has unveiled two new SUV models in the last month – the new Opel Frontera, set to replace the Crossland compact SUV in due course, and the latest iteration of the Opel Grandland.
While stylish and dynamic new Grandland carries over the styling of its predecessor but has many design features seen for the first time on an Opel production model, including a 3D Vizor with illuminated Blitz logo at the front, permanently illuminated Opel lettering at the rear, the Intelli-Lux Pixel HD lighting system, the BEV-native STLA Medium platform and a new flat 98 kWh battery enabling the electric version to cover up to 700 km on a single charge.
The highly flexible, spacious, and electrified Frontera was revealed in Istanbul with a fresh-faced design and seating for up to seven passengers. Prominent wheel arches and sills, as well as an eye-catching C-pillar, underline the robust character. Sharing its platform with the next-generation European Citroen C3 Aircross model, it will initially be available as a five-seater, with a seven-seat version following later, and it has been confirmed for introduction in South Africa in the first half of next year.
While the Grandland may be offered locally only in PHEV form, the Frontera will most likely be made available only as a mild hybrid model, powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering either 74 kW or 100 kW coupled with a 21kW electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to Opel, the Frontera Electric BEV (which probably will not make it here) will have a more than 300 km range. An extended-range derivative of the Frontera Electric can travel up to around 400 km (WLTP-cycle) on a single charge.
The modern looks with a focus on the essentials continue seamlessly in the interior. Available in Frontera or Frontera GS trim lines initially, the GS will feature a pair of 10" displays, including the infotainment system touchscreen with integrated satellite navigation, plus a cooled wireless smartphone charger and two USB ports up front, with another two USB ports in the second row.
Newly patented Intelli-Seats, with a slot in the middle that relieves pressure on the tailbone, can be ordered for the front passengers. More than 450 litres of luggage can be stored in the boot; and with the seats folded down, even up to 1,600 litres. Additional versatility is provided by the 60:40 split of the rear bench, while a second load floor is standard. Optional roof rails and a roof tent with a ladder specially designed for the SUV, can also be ordered.