More efficient
An electric version of Opel’s ‘budget SUV’ Frontera has been available from the start. Now, Opel is adding an Extended Range version. This has a larger battery, but that’s not the only difference from the existing Frontera Electric.
‘Extended Range’, so was there already an Opel Frontera Short Range?
Not by that name, but in practice, yes. The previously known Opel Frontera Electric has a 44 kWh battery. That’s not much for an SUV that, with a 450-liter boot space, is otherwise very versatile. This battery is also shared with smaller models on the same platform, but specifically for the Frontera and its sister model Citroën C3 Aircross, a larger 54-kWh variant of the LFP battery is now available. This Frontera Extended Range has a maximum range of 406 instead of 305 kilometers.
Clear. An electric Frontera that goes much further thanks to a larger battery. Was that all?
Not quite. Consumption also drops significantly, from 18.3 kWh per 100 km to 16.5. This is the result of a series of small aerodynamic and rolling resistance improvements. The car received more efficient tires, unique and extra streamlined wheels, and slightly modified bumpers, of which the extra lip under the rear bumper is clearly visible. The maximum and, incidentally, hardly adjustable recuperation increased slightly, and overall, the Frontera Extended Range sits 10 mm closer to the asphalt. This is not due to a much higher weight, as it is very minimal. According to an Opel engineer we spoke to, it only adds about 15 kilos, which is negligible.
You can recognize the Extended Range by this extra lip.
Does this Frontera still get going quickly?
Yes, but not fast. The electric motor remains unchanged in the Extended Range. It still delivers 113 hp, which makes it extra nice that the car hardly gets heavier, because it doesn’t have power to spare. With a 0-100 time of 12.1 seconds, you’ll certainly keep up in Dutch traffic, but a bit more power would definitely be welcome when overtaking or merging. The deceleration when ‘gas off’ is by no means exaggerated, but can be slightly reduced if desired by selecting the C-button next to the gear selector button.
How else does the Opel Frontera Extended Range drive?
The steering is pleasant and the turning circle is nicely compact, but the chassis could be more refined. It’s a bit bumpy and clunky on short imperfections, though that’s no shame given the relatively low price of this spacious car. The seating position behind the wheel is decent and the controls don’t raise any questions, although it remains irritating that the ‘automatic button’ reacts so poorly and we miss a physical volume knob. The interior largely consists of hard plastic, but the build quality makes a good impression and the design is sleek and modern.
How spacious is the Opel Frontera exactly?
Quite spacious. Although the electric version is not available as a seven-seater, it offers all the more room for four or five people plus luggage. For those with a trailer, there’s another advantage, as the Extended Range is allowed to tow slightly more than the regular electric Frontera, at 550 kg.
What do you pay for that extra battery capacity?
The Frontera Electric Extended Range starts from €32,499, and the more richly equipped GS costs €35,499. This version is always €2,500 more expensive than the standard Frontera Electric. This seems like money well spent to us, because with the greater range and significantly reduced consumption, the Extended Range variant actually only has advantages.