Vauxhall RAVs Up Next Frontera

By Matt Joy

19th October 2004

That means the Toyota, Nissan X-Trail and even luxury contenders such as BMW's X5 have been considered, both in styling and performance. Just look at those flanks - we reckon there's a bit of Beemer in there, too!

Redesigning the Frontera, hugely popular at launch in 1991 but quickly surpassed by rivals, is no easy feat. Yet we reckon this car will be a hit - and so does Vauxhall. Parent firm GM has already said it will go on sale in 2006, as part of a product blitz over the next two years.

The mag's pictures show how bold headlights and strong lines give the Frontera the new Vauxhall family face, while aggressive bumpers and side body mouldings also feature. The 4WD system will provide good off-road performance - like its predecessor- but be biased towards impressive ride and handling on tarmac. It will also incorporate ESP and traction control, boosting stability and delivering what is needed in tougher conditions.

Officially, there's no comment on the Frontera, but a Vauxhall insider told us: "The new model will appeal to traditional customers, who value a tough, working vehicle. It will have good towing ability and some off-road credentials, but will be much more targeted at road drivers than the old model, with car-like dynamic ability."

The original Frontera, recently axed from the Luton line-up, used a ladderframe chassis, and while that meant it was excellent in the mud, refinement suffered as a result. The new car will use a conventional monocoque chassis to provide good noise insulation and better road manners. Underpinnings will be based on GM's Theta platform, which has already provided the backbone of Chevrolet's Equinox and Saturn Vue, plus the Chevy S3X concept.

Industry sources have hinted the Frontera would be sold alongside the production version of the S3X, which was unveiled at last month's Paris Motor Show. While that car is set to be a seven-seater, the Vauxhall will have space for five passengers.

A griffin prototype is slated to appear late next year, most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And while the concept on display may well be a three-door version, it will be the five-door that appears first in the UK. Engine options will come from the current Vauxhall line-up, including a 2.0-litre petrol and 1.9 CDTI diesel. A larger Alloytec petrol V6 is also a possibility, as this would be essential for the US market. And as large capacity diesels are a popular choice in this segment, the Frontera could well inherit the 3.0-litre V6 JTD diesel due to appear in Alfa Romeos from next year. The new model will help to erase some of the faults of the previous- generation car, which was criticised for being unreliable and unsophisticated. However, as it helped to start the UK boom in the 4x4 market, the name should still have some appeal in this image-conscious sector.

But it is unlikely to be good news for British manufacturing. While the old car was built at Luton, production at a South Korean plant inherited from Daewoo has already been pencilled in.