The newest midsize crossover in Stellantis’ European lineup is available in five or seven-passenger configurations with either mild hybrid ICE or BEV drivetrain configurations – but that’s not the interesting part. The interesting part is this: whether you go with gas or electric, the price you pay remains the same. (!)
Price parity, in the context of EVs, basically means that it would cost the same to buy an electric version of a car as an internal combustion version. Whether or not making parity a priority makes sense (and there are plenty who would argue that it doesn’t), there is still a persistent belief that EVs cost more than comparable gas cars.
Well, they did, anyway. The new Vauxhall Frontera shown here is a mid-size crossover set to launch in the UK later this year with a £23,495 price tag (approx. $30,705) for the ICE version … and £23,495 for the BEV.
No going back
The Frontera SUV is part of a broader plan to revitalize Stellantis’ brands in Europe – which is going significantly better than its US plan, it must be said.
“The New Frontera is our new family-size SUV, offering customers innovative and practical electric mobility at an affordable price,” says James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall. “Highly flexible with up to seven seats, spacious, and with a choice of hybrid and electric powertrains, we’re confident that Frontera will appeal to new and existing audiences as well as sit very well in our revised SUV line-up in between Mokka and the forthcoming All-New Grandland.”
The new Frontera is available either as a hybrid with 48-volt technology or fully electric. The Frontera Hybrid has a 100 hp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine developed specifically for hybrid use. This operates in combination with a 21kW (28 hp) electric motor and an electrified six-speed dual clutch transmission, so that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are significantly lower compared to a conventionally powered model. In addition, the Frontera Hybrid will also be available with a 136 hp 1.2 turbo engine.
Customers who want to travel locally emissions-free can order the fully electric Frontera Electric, which is based on the new ‘Smart Car’ BEV-native platform – a development from the current e-CMP platform – and features a 113 hp electric motor. It will offer a range of more than 186 miles (c.300 km) (WLTP provisional) with 100 kW charging capability as standard, while the “long range” version will be able to travel up to around 248 miles (c.400 km) (WLTP provisional) without stopping to charge.
Top comment by Doggydogworld
This pricing is driven by EU 95g, which is effectively an EV quota. Legacy meets the quota by lowering EV prices and raising ICE prices until enough buyers make the transition.
The quota jumps from ~20% to ~30% in a couple months, though there is some last-minute lobbying to soften/delay the jump. If the lobbying fails we'll soon see a lot more "price parity" in Europe.
Either version comes with the “Pure Panel” digital cockpit featuring dual 10″ displays. For a few quid more, the GS trim (shown here) adds automatic climate control and Intelli-Seat front seats. GS trim is the only option available in the seven-seat configuration, which cuts 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the standard five-seater.
GS trim also gets you 17″-inch” alloy wheels, LED taillights, silver skid plates on body-colored bumpers, and a black roof and badges.
No word yet on whether a Dodge or Jeep-branded version of the new Frontera will make it Stateside.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Stellantis.
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