Opel Frontera to return as electric SUV

Former Holden nameplate to return on all-new small EV that will be sold at budget price

Opel will revive the Frontera nameplate for an all-new battery-electric small SUV that will launch later this year.

Set to be revealed in the coming weeks, the all-electric SUV will replace the current Opel Crossland and larger Grandland currently sold across Europe.

Originally, the Frontera name was used by Holden in Australia to rebrand the two generations of the mid-size Isuzu MU that was sold Down Under from 1995 until around 2003.

The modern-era Frontera is expected to measure in at around 4200mm long, making it an alternative to fellow Stellantis stablemates, the Peugeot e-2008 and Jeep Avenger, as well as the incoming Ford Puma EV.

Opel released a silhouette of the new Frontera overnight, showing that it will adopt chunky looks with a relatively long wheelbase.

The car-maker promises it will be a “fun car with clever functional features”, offering a “high level of space and versatility”.

Set to be based on Stellantis’ STLA Small platform, the Frontera could come with Opel’s dramatic Vizor front-end treatment.

Like the Alfa Romeo Milano EV also teased overnight, Opel’s new electric SUV is likely to draw energy from a 54kWh battery that should provide for a range of around 400km.

Expect it to be powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing around 115kW and 260Nm of torque.

As per the Jeep Avenger and Alfa Romeo Milano, combustion-powered versions might also be offered, namely a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol with mild-hybrid assistance.

Inside, it’s a safe bet the Frontera will adopt the same dash architecture as the latest Opel Astra hatch, with a minimalistic look and a 10-inch digital instrument display that’s mirrored by another 10-inch infotainment touch-screen.

There’s still no word on whether Opel will return to Australia, but back in 2022 carsales reported that under Stellantis ownership the German brand could relaunch here as an EV brand.

It’s fair to say Opel has had a volatile history in Australia. Back in 2012 it relaunched with grand ambitions before soon succumbing to pricing pressure and local competition just 12 months after it launched.

With plans to transition to a full EV brand in 2028, cars like the Frontera could spearhead the brand’s return. But that’s a long shot if other Stellantis-owned brands like Jeep continue to underperform in the increasingly crowded marketplace.

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