Which models will face the new Opel Frontera?

The name is familiar but the position confuses the issue. In the 90s, the Frontera was Isuzu’s original all-terrain vehicle, but the new 2024 Opel Frontera takes on a more “SUV” shape without announcing its size. It can be seen that it can still replace the current Opel Crossland by increasing the size of the latter, which is 4.21 m long and itself in the same segment as the 4.15 m Opel Mokka that puts less emphasis on living and more on style. Additionally, the Opel Grandland is a 4.47m compact SUV that will also be replaced later in the year, perhaps shaving off a few more centimeters to follow the style of the Peugeot 3008 on which it is based. Furthermore, at Peugeot, city SUVs are represented by the 2008 of 4.30 m, a trend between the two groups. The Frontera will lean more clearly on the one above and will mark a more gradual transition between the Mokka and the next Grandland.

It will definitely share its platform as well as its overall shape with the upcoming new Citroen C3 Aircross. Then it can measure a length of 4.40 meters, while the version intended for emerging countries of this C3 Aircross is already available in these markets with a length of 4.32 meters and seven seats on board.

Presentation of the Opel Frontera

So the new generation of Opel Frontera will be larger than the Peugeot 2008 and clearly shows in its design the return of the C3 Aircross body from emerging countries. The cut side windows, the thick “C” pillars, the wings, the hood, the doors, the rocker panels, the rear window that extends to the sides, the mirrors… almost everything is standard.

It shows its difference in shields, rims, optics and tailgate contours. So we find a black strip on the grille that connects the headlights, called “Opel Vizor”, and the updated logo of the German manufacturer in the middle of it, for the first time in the range. Everything remains close to the current and known style of the brand. The biggest aesthetic feature resides above all in its dual-stage taillights, the top of which extends into the tailgate.

All Opel numbers inside

Credit Image – Opel

The interior, however, is very different from that of the C3 Aircross outside Europe, probably also from the second generation planned for Europe. More attractive, it receives a reduction of the brand’s current blitz models, highlighted by its two horizontal 10-inch screens called “Clean Panel”. The steering wheel is unique, with full top and bottom and with side spokes that extend the hub and very narrow bottom spoke.

The multimedia system can include navigation or offer an optional telephone center with a special program that allows its content to be controlled from the steering wheel controls, which is particularly reminiscent of what is implemented in Dacia.

Several storage spaces are provided, some open and non-slip, such as the one above the glove box. The center console can hold larger items such as a digital tablet, with a flexible strap to hold them in place.

Finally, the seats have been the subject of more attention, as is typical for Opel. Here they feature a perforated mid band designed to cushion the heel and maintain good comfort even on long rides. Note the preserved presence of the original climate controls and the separate dashboard inserts that continue above the door panels, for a more enveloping style effect. However, the modest and somewhat dark nature of Rüsselsheim’s production continues.

Where on the board?

Credit Image – Opel

Nothing has been announced yet about the possibility of a seven-seater version of the Frontera, while the Brazilian Aircross or the Indian C3 for example benefit from it. The European version of the herringbone SUV should also benefit from it. The aforementioned C3 Aircross also has at least 482 liters of trunk space in its 4.32 m length (Peugeot 2008 of 4.30 m has 434 liters).

The Frontera, which is expected to be slightly longer, advertises a minimum volume of 460 liters. It also advertises 1,600 liters with the bench seat folded and its ability to be divided into two parts (60/40). If the five o’clock sound turns out to be generous, this drop compared to the Citroën probably reflects the priority given to legroom in the second row. And the possibility of rejection of the third row of seats.

We still don’t know the prices of this Opel Frontera but it will be powered by familiar mechanics, that is, 48V hybrid engines that are in the 100 or 136 horse power group. But also an electric version, developing 113, 136 or 156 horsepower if we follow the different variants known in Stellantis.

What are the counterexamples to Frontera?

Credit Image – Dacia

Five or seven seats, the Frontera does not really compete with the usual city SUVs but rather a small SUV in the lower middle range of the segment, which is set to multiply.

Future Citroen C3 Aircross and Fiat Multipla, current Peugeot 2008

And especially in the Stellantis and the second generation Citroen C3 Aircross on the same “STLA Smart” platform. They will be joined by a third technical assistant in 2025 in the form of the Fiat Multipla. Here again, there is no confirmation on the seven-person Italian version. Currently, the Stellantis’ current rival is none other than the Peugeot 2008, even if it is a priori destined to be a little less welcome.

Future Renault Symbioz

Another direct competitor whose presentation will not take long is the Renault Symbioz, in the form of a modified Captur length version, from 4.24 m to 4.41 m. It will have only five seats and no 100% electric variant. But it will receive a limited 48V hybrid and “E-Tech Hybrid” or even petrol/LPG engines, for power levels of up to 160 horsepower as in the facelifted Captur.

Hyundai Kona II

There is also a second generation Hyundai Kona on the Asian side. It also changed categories during the update and now has a length of 4.35 m and a trunk of 466 liters. Very livable and modern in appearance, it aims to be more distinguished with an accessible price of €33,800 and a power of less than 141 horses, since the technology of hybrid required from the start Also available in “full electric” » from €36,250 . But in terms of size space, he will be on his way to Frontera.

Dacia Duster III

Conversely, at a lower price, the latest Dacia Duster will probably be a more formidable candidate for a dispute with Opel. Even as a 140 hp hybrid with all the options in the catalog excluding accessories, it does not exceed €29,500. The base price is set at €19,690, all for a size of 4.34 m and no less than 472 liters of carrying capacity. It is also available with a dual-fuel petrol/LPG and a hybrid petrol engine that is available in two or four wheel drive. And with the latest advancements made by Dacia on the interior and exterior presentation, the Duster looks hard to beat…

Dacia Jogger

Finally, for customers who accept a long length (4.55 m), Dacia Jogger offers the specialty of offering five or seven seats, with sufficient comfort in all three rows. And the trunk volume is logically larger (up to 708 liters for five-liter and 565 to 696 liters for the seven-seat version, with the third row folded or removed respectively). Its price of between €17,990 and €22,900 excluding options may also encourage you to broaden your comparison base. And with its elevated station wagon profile, it remains in a spirit not too far removed from that of the Opel Frontera.

Summing up

At a time when some small SUVs intended for the city are pouring into the small segment and where these compact SUVs are increasingly moving towards family SUVs, a new space is gradually being created, in which the new Opel Frontera is quickly calculated. What models will he meet in front of him?

Editor