MODEL ON TEST: GS 1.2 HYBRID AUTOMATIC – MILEAGE – 3,568

Vauxhall has never been a manufacturer that makes the most scintillating vehicles, with the exception of the hot VXR models, VX220 sports car and Monaro Coupé. My point being that I’m now the custodian of our long-term Vauxhall Frontera and although my pulse isn’t racing with excitement, this family- friendly SUV does have a number of commendable features.

Let’s start with space. There’s a lot of it. I might be a single man, but having a car with a practical interior is a blessing in disguise if you need to take that extra person on your travels, and the Frontera really does tick all of the right boxes if you have a family. The handy mobile phone holder pockets in the back of the front seats is a neat touch and having a removable boot floor takes away the irritating load lip when lifting heavy items into the back.

Over the last four weeks the Frontera and I have racked up more than 1,000 miles together, travelling to see my grandmother and attending an event up in Bedfordshire. During that time the Vauxhall has achieved almost exactly its claimed WLTP fuel economy figure of 52.3mpg, while the ‘Intelli-seats’ do a good job of supporting your back on a long journey, making the car a comfortable mile-muncher.

However, it’s not all as it seems, as the clunky mild hybrid powertrain lets itself down when driving around town. Maybe it’s just how I drive, but in stop-start city traffic, the twin-clutch automatic gearbox can be hesitant and sluggish, while the on-board 48-volt battery only really kicks in at speeds of up to 10mph – the rest of the time the engine is running.

With the UK’s heatwave a couple of weeks’ back, the Frontera’s air conditioning system was frequently used, though the awkwardly-positioned central air vent doesn’t do its job of being an air vent and the whole unit makes a racket when it’s in operation. I also find that the steering is far too light even at higher speeds, which doesn’t inspire confidence when driving down a B-road. Now I know this car hasn’t been designed for keen drivers, but it would be nice to have some sense of steering input.The interior isn’t the last word in quality either, with all the plastics hard to the touch, while the front passenger seatbelt seems to rattle when it’s not in use, which is pretty irritating. Meanwhile the pathetic glovebox couldn’t hold a pair of gloves, let alone the car’s handbook pack.

But all gripes aside, let’s not forget that the Frontera is all about ‘value for money’ and with our test car coming in at under £30,000, you soon start to forgive its negatives and look at the space on offer, its frugal powertrain and that it provides a lot of comfort, which for someone who covers lots of miles is a deal-clincher.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Frontera stacks up over the coming months with plenty of journeys planned with it to see whether this practical SUV really is a car you can buy with your heart as well as your head.

CAMERON RICHARDS

WHAT’S HOT: It isn’t that far off the manufacturer’s claimed WLTP fuel economy figure.

WHAT’S NOT: The gearbox has a mind of its own and is rather sluggish when changing gear.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL OF OUR LONG-TERM REPORTS ON THE VAUXHALL FRONTERA

FACTS & FIGURES

ARRIVED: 2nd April 2026

PRICE WHEN NEW: £28,765 (including VAT)

PRICE AS TESTED: £29,415 (including VAT)

ECONOMY: 54.3mpg (official WLTP) 52.3mpg (on test)

COSTS: None

FAULTS: None