Vauxhall’s new Frontera SUV is to deliver list price parity between the fully electric and petrol hybrid models, eliminating the list price premium that usually applies to electric cars.

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The new model, which succeeds the Crossland, will be priced from £23,495 for both variants when orders open this autumn.

It’s the first car in the UK market to offer price parity – the average list price difference across the market between an electric and petrol car is currently 31%, according to Vauxhall.

James Taylor, managing director, said: “With the launch of the new Frontera, Vauxhall has eliminated the list price premium that often applies to electric vehicles, with both electric and petrol hybrid versions offered for an identical list price. At just £23,495, new Frontera Electric is a significant milestone in our mission to make electric mobility accessible for everyone across the UK.”

The new model supports Vauxhall’s mission to make all its cars and vans available with a fully electric version by the end of the year.

The Frontera Hybrid combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 21kW (28hp) electric motor integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, providing significant CO2 savings compared to an equivalent petrol engine.

The hybrid powertrain is available with either a 100hp engine developing 205Nm of torque, or a 136hp engine developing 230Nm of torque. The electric motor contributes to stronger acceleration at low engine speeds, with the 100hp model able to hit 62mph in 11 seconds, cut to nine seconds for the 136hp model. Top speeds are 112mph and 118mph respectively, while both engines produce 120g/km of CO2.

For the same list price as the entry-level petrol hybrid – and cheaper than the higher-power hybrid – the Frontera is available with a 113hp electric motor, based on the new Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ BEV-native platform. It delivers a range of 186 miles (WLTP provisional) from the 44kWh battery, which can be charged at a 100kW rapid charger, giving a 20-80% recharge in 26 minutes. The Frontera Electric accelerates from 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds and has a top speed of 87mph.

From next year, Frontera Electric will also be available as a ‘Long Range’ version capable of up to 248 miles on a single charge (WLTP provisional).

The Frontera sits between the Mokka and new Grandland in Vauxhall’s refreshed SUV line-up. It’s available as a five-seater or, in the case of the hybrid, as an optional seven-seater. And despite measuring the same length as an Astra hatchback, the new arrival offers greater boot capacity with the rear seats down than an Astra Sports Tourer Electric (1,594 litres).

Two trim levels will be available. Entry-level Design models offer 16-inch black steel wheels with wheel arch cladding and automatic headlights and wipers, along with black grained bumpers. Customers can also choose an optional white roof that comes with 16-inch white steel wheels.

Design models also come with a suite of driver assistance features as standard, including rear parking sensors, a rear-view parking camera, cruise control with speed limiter, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert.

GS models feature aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and a silver skid plate. GS variants also feature a black roof with tinted rear windows and LED taillights, along with power folding mirrors.

Equipment upgrades on GS models also deliver electronic climate control, Intelli-Seat front seats, front parking sensors, blind spot alert and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. GS models can also be specified with an optional Comfort Pack featuring heated seats, a heated windscreen and a heated steering wheel, as well as roof rails with a 240kg load capacity.

In addition to its list price parity with the petrol hybrid models, the Frontera Electric is available with Vauxhall’s Plug & Go offer, which includes a free Octopus Energy Ohme Pro wallbox and installation (worth £975) when customers buy online.

Customers also have the option to choose one year’s free charging credit at Tesco stores across the country, or a £675 roaming charging credit with Octopus Electroverse, in lieu of the free wallbox.

On top of this, Vauxhall’s partnership with Tesco means customers can collect 50,000 Clubcard points when they purchase a new car from a Vauxhall dealer.

Frontera pricing