Exciting news for South African motorists! Opel is gearing up to introduce its latest crossover, the Frontera, which is set to debut before the second half of the year. The automaker previously confirmed in 2024 that this highly anticipated model would reach the South African market, with an official launch slated for the first half of 2025.
With just a few months left until its arrival, anticipation is building for Opel’s newest addition to the SUV lineup. The Frontera is positioned as a successor to the long-serving Crossland, which has been on the market for over eight years. Given that the Crossland is currently Opel’s most budget-friendly SUV, sitting below the Mokka and the Grandland, the Frontera is expected to assume the role of the brand’s new entry-level model.
Expected Pricing and Powertrain Options
While Opel has yet to reveal the official pricing for the Frontera, some educated guesses can be made based on its lineup. The Crossland presently starts at R359,900, whereas the Mokka has a base price of R504,900. Consequently, the Frontera’s pricing is likely to fall somewhere between these two figures.
Electrified Powertrains
One aspect that makes the Frontera stand out is its foray into electrified powertrains. Internationally, it is offered as both a mild hybrid (MHEV) and a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). However, given that Opel and its parent company Stellantis have yet to introduce any fully electric models to South Africa, it’s improbable that the BEV variant will make it to local showrooms.
As for the mild hybrid versions, they come equipped with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, an “electrified” six-speed automatic transmission, a 48-volt battery, and a 21kW electric motor. The base variant delivers a combined power output of 74kW, while the more powerful version boosts this to 100kW.
Standout Features of the Opel Frontera
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Opel Frontera is the availability of a seven-seater model. Once it arrives in South Africa, it could become one of the most affordable options in its segment. The default boot space is 460 litres, but this capacity is significantly reduced when the third row is in use. However, when both the second and third-row seats are folded down, the cargo area expands to an impressive 1,600 litres.
The full list of specifications for the local market will be revealed closer to launch, but European models feature a host of modern amenities. Below is a breakdown of some key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Lighting | Automatic LED headlights |
| Interior | Recycled fabric seats, multifunction steering wheel |
| Charging | Wireless charging, four USB ports |
| Displays | Two 10-inch screens for driver and infotainment system |
| Navigation | Onboard navigation system |
| Smartphone Integration | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility |
| Camera System | Reverse camera |
| Seating Capacity | Optional seven-seater variant |
| Boot Space | 460 litres, expandable to 1,600 litres |
The Future of Opel’s Crossover Lineup
The Opel Frontera marks a significant step forward for the automaker in the entry-level crossover segment. As South Africa eagerly awaits its arrival, the Frontera promises to bring a fresh, tech-savvy, and budget-conscious option to the country’s competitive SUV market. With electrified powertrains, modern convenience features, and an affordable price tag, it is set to make a substantial impact upon its release.
More details will be available in the coming months, but one thing is certain—the Opel Frontera is ready to shake up the crossover scene in South Africa!
Related article: New Cars Launching in South Africa in 2025 – Upcoming Models & What to Expect!
