MODEL ON TEST: GS 1.2 HYBRID AUTOMATIC – MILEAGE – 4,309

I’ve been living with our Vauxhall Frontera for two months and let’s just say, a few irritations have crept in. Due to my circumstances, I needed the hybrid- powered model as the lack of a home charger meant living with the electric variant would have been a challenge.

Over the past four weeks the Frontera had to go back home to Vauxhall UK for a recall, which put me behind the wheel of a 1.2-litre Corsa for a week. After seven days, the Frontera returned in all its glory – it had even had a bucket of water chucked over it – though I wasn’t too enthusiastic to see it.

I was hoping by some miracle that the recall may have completely transformed the appeal of the car. If
I’d had a crystal ball, that might have happened, but sadly I don’t. Its numb steering and cheap-feeling interior still nestles in its presence. One of my biggest issues with the car is the front passenger door handle which seems to swell in the heat. Upon entering the car, my passengers struggle to open the door; I think it needs a bit of lubrication, although on a vehicle with less than 5,000 miles on the clock, that does put a question mark on its build quality.

Britain’s sweltering heatwave has shown no sign of stopping, and that means the air conditioning has been on full blast for most of the time. It reminds me of how noisy the system is. I know there is nothing wrong with it – it’s just how the device operates – but the coarse fan noise is a subtle clue of the car’s budget-friendly nature.

On a more positive note, the Frontera is still returning an impressive fuel economy figure of around 49.6mpg. That was achieved on a 250-mile round trip in near 40-degree heat up to Hertfordshire. Up and down the M3 the car’s standard ‘Intelli-Seats’ are extremely comfortable, and I love how supple the suspension is. Let’s not forget that this Vauxhall sits on the same platform as the C3 Aircross, and that car comes as standard with Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension, something the Frontera isn’t equipped with. We think Vauxhall has done a good job in tuning the car’s suspension to be just as comfortable as its French cousin.

Meanwhile the Frontera has been put through its paces when it comes to practicality, with the car visiting a few DIY stores. Its 460-litre boot capacity can easily swallow some rather heavy bathroom tiles with no stress. Plus, having the adjustable false floor really does boost the Frontera’s flexibility as it enables the rear seats to fold completely flat. It’s the simple things in life that make me satisfied.

I don’t carry rear-seat passengers very often, yet the Frontera provides an abundance of room and the soft- padded seat bases are also great for carrying occupants on long journeys – there have been no complaints so far.

But despite the Frontera’s positives, driving nearly 2,000 miles in this family- friendly SUV still isn’t enough for me to really bond with it so far. However, it doesn’t stop there, as I’m preparing many more trips to really put it the Frontera to the test. Only time will tell whether I really think the Vauxhall should be on your shopping list when it is time for you to change.

CAMERON RICHARDS

WHAT’S HOT: The capacious 460-litre boot is very usable on a daily basis.

WHAT’S NOT: The front passenger door handle is very stiff, making it difficult for occupants to climb aboard.

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

FACTS & FIGURES

ARRIVED: 2nd April 2026

PRICE WHEN NEW: £28,765

PRICE AS TESTED: £29,415

ECONOMY: 54.3mpg (official WLTP) 49.6mpg (on test)

COSTS: None

FAULTS: None