By Gerry Murphy

Although it has only been on the market in Ireland for a few months, the new Opel Frontera has been creating a bit of a stir and attracting a good number of buyers so far.

News on the ground is that customers are quite taken by the size, family practicality, and the price in particular. I have been driving this new Opel recently and can agree that it is really good value for money.

A rugged and spacious mid-size SUV with a focus on family-friendly features comes with a confident 5-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard for the Irish market. There’s a good range of models to choose from with the new five seat Frontera available in three trim levels, and with a seven-seat version also available.

A lot of focus will be on the new Frontera Electric that retails in Ireland from €24,606 which includes SEAI grants and VRT rebate. The petrol hybrid range starts from €27,995 plus delivery related charges.

You can have a choice of two petrol hybrid 1.2 litre versions (100PS and 136PS) and two all-electric versions; a 44kW 113PS 300km range version is available from launch in Ireland, with a 54kW 113PS 400km range version due in shortly.

My test car was a top-of-the-range GS trim, petrol hybrid 136ps with the 1.2L Puretech engine, that is fitted in many Stellantis models across the brand range at €33,095. In addition to all the standard equipment plus front and rear park assist, roof rails, a black roof, high gloss black door mirrors, black front Opel logo, rear privacy glass, power folding rear view mirrors, electro-chrome rear view mirror, LED taillamps and LED foglamps, and side blind spot alert.

Inside you get a typically stylish Opel layout with 10” HD touchscreen that comes with navigation, Opel Connect, DAB radio, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charger, natural voice recognition, front USB type C connection, rear view camera, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, rain sensing front wipers, automatic climate control, driver and front passenger Intelli seats, middle console with front centre armrest and hidden storage, 17” alloy wheels.

Opel have specified this car to match the price with mostly harder surfaces in the cabin that will take a fair battering from the most boisterous family and is easy to clean. It means, though, that the cabin is not the quietest place be in when the car is pushed on. However, this smallish disturbance is well compensated for by the quality of the seats. They are really comfortable and hug the body to make them some of the best you will experience in a car of its price.

With a zero to 100km of about 9 seconds, it feel brisk enough without being frightening; and visibility is great because of the upright shape and that makes manoeuvrability easy around town.

Fuel consumption is listed as 5.2 litres per 100kms. That is spot on for accuracy and most drivers with care will get very close to that figure. Out on the open road this will be tested somewhat at full motorway speed but, on a variety of journeys I was able to achieve a flat 5.0l/100km numeral.

Boot space is pretty good too with 460 litres with all seats in use, 1,600 litres with rear seats folded. Of course that space will be compromised if you have the seven-seat version and need to have all the seats in place. Loading is also made easy because of the floor height and the flat surface when full cargo space is set.

Specification:

Make: Opel

Model: Frontera GS

Engine: 1.2 Petrol Hybrid

CO2 Emissions:1190g/km

Annual Road Tax: €180

Price: €33,095

Gerry’s Rating: 9/10

Pictured: The new Opel Frontera.