New Vauxhall Frontera Electric is a budget-friendly small SUV with a rugged look and a family focus

Vauxhall has revealed fresh insights into its upcoming electric SUV, the new Vauxhall Frontera Electric. The newcomer is being pitched as a dynamic, roomy, affordable small SUV, and will additionally come with a 48-volt mild hybrid petrol variant.

Vauxhall Frontera prices haven't been announced as of yet, but the brand claims the SUV will come in at an “attractive” level. As the Mokka Electric has recently taken a significant price cut to open at £29,495, we would expect the Frontera Electric to be priced a few thousand pounds cheaper at around £27,000. 

While the exact technical specifications haven't been confirmed, it is thought that the Frontera Electric will share the new ‘Smart Car’ platform already being used by fellow Stellantis brands, specifically on the Citroen e-C3. That means the Vauxhall Frontera Electric could feature a 44kWh battery and a 112bhp motor strapped to the front wheels, which is quoted as being able to do 198-miles (WLTP) on the e-C3. 

The Vauxhall appears to be slightly longer than the e-C3 with a body shape similar to what we expect to see on the new C3 Aircross when that arrives.The Frontera is destined to sit alongside the Vauxhall Mokka at the smaller end of the brand’s SUV lineup offering a more utility-oriented design and tight pricing.  

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The details already shared about the new Frontera suggest a robust interpretation of Vauxhall's distinctive current design philosophy. It’s bold and upright shape will aim produce a tough but contemporary SUV look with a functional interior. The familiar black Vauxhall Vizor front end gives the Frontera a distinctive identity with Eco LED headlamps and the Vauxhall griffin logo at the centre. Elsewhere the pronounced wheel arches look to further enhance the SUV's purposeful and modern aesthetic.

Inside the Frontera, Vauxhaul has sought to combine practicality with modern design elements. Horizontal trim pieces on the instrument panel and doors intend to create a sense of spaciousness, with the fully digital Pure Panel cockpit featuring dual 10-inch displays. Connectivity and comfort are said to be priorities, with an optional ‘smartphone station’ allowing the integration of personal devices with the vehicle's infotainment system and control through the steering wheel buttons.

Vauxhall is also introducing Intelli-Seat technology in the front seats of the Frontera. This is said to provide exceptional support during long drives via a special slot that relieves pressure on the tailbone. Sustainable materials and contrast stitching are intended to add a touch of sophistication to the interior.

The Vauxhall Frontera is presented with various user-friendly features such as cooled wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and flexible storage options. With the claimed boot space of over 460 litres (expandable to 1,600 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded down), the SUV should offer one of the biggest carrying capacities in the class. Vauxhaul also states that customers can take advantage of loading the roof up to 200kg if the Frontera has the optional roof rails.