MODEL ON TEST: GS 1.2 HYBRID AUTOMATIC – MILEAGE – 2,113

Although there’s always been a tendency for flashier cars to steal the limelight, the true stars of the automotive world are often the well- designed and affordable machines for the masses. Teetering, as we are, on the cusp of yet more geopolitical instability and inflationary pressure on household budgets, 2026 feels like exactly the right environment for a versatile family-mover like the Vauxhall Frontera.

This isn’t a revival of the 1990s Frontera – a body-on-frame SUV derived from the Isuzu Mu.The newcomer is positioned between the Mokka and Grandland SUVs in Vauxhall’s mid-2020s line-up, occupying a similar footprint to the Astra and majoring on affordability. Most manufacturers are selling one-size- smaller SUVs at this price point, which means there aren’t many rivals to speak of besides its sister car, the Citroën C3 Aircross. The Dacia Duster is a similar size, the Jogger is the only seven-seat alternative outside the Stellantis stable.

Affordable electrification is the big story. The Frontera is available with two 48-volt ‘mild hybrid’ options, producing 109bhp or 143bhp, and a 111bhp battery-electric version with a range of up to 253 miles, depending on the battery size. Despite the noise about the EV’s starting price undercutting the equivalent hybrid, there is a compromise for doing so – a city-focused range of 190 miles. The longer-range battery has a £3,500 premium over the smaller pack and comes in at £1,195 more than the higher-powered hybrid too.

As is now the Vauxhall norm, there’s a simple three-trim line-up available in the UK. The basic Design trim has dropped its distinctive steel wheels since the launch last year, in favour of alloy wheels, but it remains a utilitarian option ticking the most essential boxes and little else. A 10-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is included as standard, as is cruise control, a reversing camera with rear distance sensors and a wireless charging pad for your devices.

We’re testing the 143bhp mild hybrid in the mid-level GS specification, which gains rear privacy glass, a contrasting roof and silver skid plates on the outside, as well as electronic climate control
and front parking sensors. It also gets adjustable front seats and an auto- dimming rear-view mirror, all of which help to avoid the stripped back feel of the entry-level version, but not the roof rails from the Ultimate trim – and I think it looks a little naked without them.

Regardless, all versions are cleverly packaged. Fold the rear seats and the Frontera can accommodate 1,600 litres of cargo – almost as much as the Astra Sports Tourer, but with a much taller load area. I’ve yet to really task it with moving white goods, but my girlfriend’s road bike slotted easily into the back. Opting for seven seats costs £550 (it’s worth noting that this isn’t an option on the Design trim) while the Ultimate’s roof bars add a generous 240kg of carrying capacity.

First impressions are good. There’s an abundance of hard plastics inside, but that’s fine at this price point and a small compromise given the space on offer, the technology all works well and I’m enjoying the squidgy ride quality from its heavily sidewalled Bridgestone tyres.

The mild hybrid system – which pairs the ubiquitous 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 28bhp electric motor and twin-clutch transmission are a bit slow to respond from a standing start, but it’s peppy enough on the move and easily returns mid-50s to the gallon at motorway speeds.Vauxhall doesn’t offer the 99bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine without hybridisation that’s enabled the Citroën C3 Aircross to undercut its starting price, but it’s a significantly thirstier, noisier and rougher option than the mild hybrid anyway. Especially around town.

In short, it’s got all the right ingredients to be a really well-rounded family car, without dipping too deep into those increasingly stretched household budgets.That’s no small feat given the amount of safety kit and connected features today’s car buyers demand, and a good reason for the Frontera to get its spot in the limelight.

ALEX GRANT

WHAT’S HOT: Interior space is impressive, especially with the seats folded flat.

WHAT’S NOT: The hybrid system can be a bit slow and jerky pulling away from a standstill.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT: 10-inch digital instruments, 17-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Turanza 6 215/60 R17 tyres and tyre repair kit, 60/40 split/fold rear seats, Alarm system, Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, Auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Automatic headlights, Autonomous emergency braking, Blind spot warning system, Climate control, Cloth upholstery, Cruise control, DAB radio with 10-inch touchscreen, navigation, 6-speakers, USB-C sockets, voice control and steering wheel controls, Driver drowsiness detection, Driver, passenger, side and head airbags with passenger side de-activation, Dual position boot floor, Electric and heated mirrors with power folding, Electric park brake, Electric windows front and rear, Electronic stability programme with traction control, Emergency e-call system, Hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat, safety fasteners for rear outer seats, Lane keep assist, Leather steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights with high beam assist, LED rear lights, Parking sensors front and rear, Rain sensing windscreen wipers, Rear privacy glass, Remote central locking, Reversing camera, Traffic sign recognition, Tyre pressure monitors, Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth smartphone compatibility and Wireless smartphone charger

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT: Effect Blue metallic paint (£650)

FACTS & FIGURES

PRICE: (NEW) £28,765

PRICE: (AS TESTED) £29,415

COLOUR: Effect Blue metallic

BUILT IN: Trnava, Slovakia

CODENAME: OV24

GENERATION: 2

PLATFORM: Smart Car

BODYSTYLE: 5-door SUV, 5-seats

LAYOUT: Front-wheel drive

POWERPLANT: 1,199cc, 3-cylinder, 12-valve, turbocharged petrol with 48-volt mild hybrid system

GEARBOX: 6-speed twin-clutch automatic

MAX POWER: (ENGINE) 100kW/134bhp/136ps

MAX POWER: (ELECTRIC MOTOR) 21kW/28bhp/28ps

MAX POWER: (COMBINED)107kW/143bhp/145ps

MAX TORQUE: (ENGINE) 170lb ft/230Nm

MAX TORQUE: (ELECTRIC MOTOR) 41lb ft/55Nm

TOP SPEED: 118mph

0-62mph: 9.0secs

CO2 EMISSIONS: 118g/km

ECONOMY: (COMBINED) 54.3mpg

ECONOMY: (ON TEST) 43.4mpg

FUEL TANK: 44 litres

RANGE: 526 miles

INSURANCE: GROUP 20

BIK RATE: (2026/2027 TAX YEAR) 30%

SIZE: (LENGTH/WIDTH WITHOUT MIRRORS/HEIGHT/ WHEELBASE) 4,385/1,795/1,655/2,670mm

BOOT SPACE: (MIN/MAX) 460/1,600 litres

MAXIMUM KERB WEIGHT: 1,343kg

MAXIMUM TOWING WEIGHT: 1,250kg

EURO NCAP RATING: Not yet tested

SPARE WHEEL: (FULL-SIZE/SPACESAVER/RUN-FLAT /SELF-SEALING/REPAIR KIT) No/no/no/no/yes

WARRANTY: 3 years/60,000 miles

DATE ARRIVED: 2nd April 2026

COSTS: None

FAULTS: None