Vauxhall Revives Frontera as Budget Hybrid SUV

Vauxhall has revived its Frontera nameplate with a modern budget SUV that departs significantly from the original 1990s model, offering hybrid and electric powertrains aimed at practical family buyers across the UK market.

The new Frontera, produced under Vauxhall's parent company Stellantis, launches as a compact SUV starting in price ranges that make the electric version slightly more affordable than its mild-hybrid counterpart, particularly after government incentives. The mild-hybrid option, featuring a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 134 horsepower and electric assistance for added torque, stands out as the more versatile choice for everyday use. It provides responsive performance in urban settings, though the automatic transmission can feel sluggish at times. The electric variant relies on a 54-kilowatt-hour battery, with Vauxhall claiming up to 247 miles of range under WLTP testing, but real-world expectations may fall short given the vehicle's SUV proportions and weight.

Inside, the Frontera adopts Vauxhall's signature sharp-angled design, centered around two large infotainment screens and physical climate controls below them for easy access. It uses a traditional key...