The Vauxhall Frontera Electric is a straightforward, spacious five-seat electric SUV aimed at families seeking affordability without sacrificing room. It stands out as a practical option in a market where electric vehicles are often priced out of reach for many. While it doesn’t offer groundbreaking performance or luxury, it delivers on essential features for everyday use.
What Makes the Frontera Electric Stand Out?
The Frontera Electric fills a gap left by the discontinued Vauxhall Crossland, offering more space than the smaller Mokka but at a lower price point than the Grandland. It’s essentially a rebadged version of the Citroen C3 Aircross, sharing the same platform and running gear but with Vauxhall’s distinctive design cues. This collaboration keeps costs down, making it one of the more affordable electric SUVs available.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Frontera Electric prioritizes comfort over thrills. The electric powertrain, while smooth, feels underpowered, taking 12.8 seconds to reach 62 mph. Acceleration isn’t its strength, especially when carrying passengers or luggage. However, the car excels in urban environments, where its light steering and decent maneuverability make it easy to drive.
The front-wheel-drive setup offers no off-road capabilities, reinforcing its focus on paved roads. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps, making for a comfortable ride. The car’s weight distribution, with the battery low in the chassis, improves stability, though the lack of responsiveness is noticeable.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Frontera Electric offers a functional but not lavish cabin. The design is tidy and straightforward, with durable materials and a sensible layout. The twin 10-inch digital displays provide essential information, though the driver’s display is limited in customization.
Key features include:
- Decent fabrics and hard-wearing plastics
- Separate climate controls for ease of use
- Wireless phone charging as standard
- A six-speaker sound system with acceptable quality
The cabin’s design is a step up from the C3 Aircross, with a more conventional dashboard layout that improves visibility.
Range, Charging, and Running Costs
The Frontera Electric comes with two battery options: a standard 44kWh battery offering a range of 186 miles and an extended 54kWh battery with 249 miles. Real-world efficiency is lower, particularly at higher speeds, where battery drain is accelerated.
Charging is reasonably quick, with DC fast charging reaching 20-80% in under 30 minutes. However, the lack of a heat pump limits efficiency in cold weather.
Running costs are competitive, especially for company car drivers who benefit from low BIK rates. Depreciation is steeper than some rivals, so resale value may be lower.
Pricing and Value
The Frontera Electric undercuts many competitors, starting at around £24,000 before grants for the standard range model and £27,500 for the long-range version. Vauxhall frequently offers discounts, making it even more attractive.
The Frontera Electric is positioned as a budget-friendly option, making it an accessible choice for buyers seeking an electric SUV without breaking the bank.
Verdict
The Vauxhall Frontera Electric is a practical, no-frills electric SUV that prioritizes space, affordability, and comfort. While performance and efficiency aren’t its strong suits, it delivers on the essentials for family life. If you’re looking for a spacious, well-priced EV, the Frontera Electric is worth considering.
The car doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t: a solid, usable, and affordable electric SUV. This makes it a viable option for buyers who prioritize practicality over flashiness.
