What is it?

Vauxhall is, like other manufacturers, not afraid of reviving classic nameplates. We’ve already seen Ford do it with the Capri, but now Vauxhall is getting in on the action with this - the Frontera. First used on a no-nonsense SUV back in 2004, the Frontera is back and now sits on a more rounded, electric SUV.

Designed to sit between the Mokka and Grandland in the firm’s range, the Frontera heads into a very busy segment which features well-regarded company like the Nissan Qashqai and Citroen C3 Aircross.

What’s new?

Underneath the new Frontera is a fresh platform which is also shares with cars like the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda. Replacing the outgoing Crossland, the Frontera is designed to offer a ‘best of both worlds’ situation for those who might find the Mokka too small, but the Grandland too large.

Like other cars within the Vauxhall range, the Frontera is a ‘multi-energy’ car, meaning that it’s available with petrol, hybrid and electric choices. Plus, the Frontera is optionally available with seven seats, making it one of the most practical options within this area of the market.

What’s under the bonnet?

We’re driving the electric Frontera and here you get a 44kWh battery linked to an electric motor. Vauxhall claims that you should get up to 186 miles of range, too, while 100kW rapid charging capability means that a 20 to 80 per cent top-up could be conducted in 26 minutes.

Vauxhall will also be introducing a long-range version of the Frontera later down the line which ups the miles between the plug to 248 miles. It’s worth hanging on for this one if the outright range is what you need, as a result.

What’s it like to drive?

The Frontera certainly doesn’t smash down any boundaries in terms of its driving characteristics, but it’s all very safe and assured. Sure, there’s not a lot of steering feel to experience, but the electric motor gives a decent amount of performance and allows you to get up to speed in good enough time. Vauxhall claims a 0-60mph time of 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 87mph and we’d say that these on-paper figures are realistic having experienced it for real.

It’s quite comfortable, too, and visibility is great thanks to the Frontera’s large rear windows and cut-out C-pillars.

How does it look?

There’s not a lot linking this new Frontera to the old one, but it’s still a very smart-looking car. As with other Vauxhall models, it benefits from the brand’s new ‘Vizor’ front end, which has a full-width section that gives the whole car a sleek, smoothed-off feeling.

There are chunky wheel arches to give it a little more presence on the road, too, and at the rear there’s model-specific lettering and split rear tailights. Despite being a relatively compact model the Frontera makes its presence known wherever it goes,

What’s it like inside?

You’ll find a similar theme inside the cabin of the Frontera to other Vauxhall models. It’s all very logically laid out, too, with decent cubbies dotted here and there. In fact, Vauxhall says that you get 23 litres of storage space inside and though there are some cheaper materials dotted here and there, it’s a very pleasant place to be overall.

Headroom and legroom are both excellent for those seated in the rear of the car, too while the 460-litre seats-up space in standard models is more than adequate for an SUV of this size. Fold the seats down, however, and this increases to an impressive 1,600 litres.

What’s the spec like?

Vauxhall has worked hard to drive down the price of its EVs and it’s why you’ll pay the same for either hybrid or electric models - there’s no premium for choosing the solely battery-powered model. All cars get a rear-view camera as standard, rear parking sensors and cruise control, alongside a 10-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster.

There is also an upgraded GS version which adds in LED taillights, 17-inch diamond-cut alloys and a contrast black roof - though the standard car brings more than enough equipment to keep most drivers happy.

Verdict

The new Frontera is a good addition to this range and represents a marked improvement over the older Crossland. It’s handy to have the option of either hybrid or electric power, too, though the latter is definitely a good one to opt for in terms of overall running costs.

While the driving experience isn’t sparkling, it makes up for this with great levels of standard equipment and a good amount of range, too.