The Opel Frontera 1.2 Turbo (136 hp) Mild Hybrid e-DCT represents the reintroduction of the Frontera nameplate by Opel in July 2024. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the new Frontera lineup, it aimed to provide an affordable and fuel-efficient SUV option for the European market. Production continued until March 2025. This variant is built on the Stellantis CMP platform, shared with other Peugeot and Citroën models, and represents Opel’s move towards electrification with a mild-hybrid powertrain. The Frontera, in this iteration, is a five-door, five-seater SUV designed to appeal to families and individuals seeking a practical and modern vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Frontera |
| Generation | Frontera (2024) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 Turbo (136 Hp) Mild Hybrid e-DCT |
| Start of production | July, 2024 |
| End of production | March, 2025 |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 122-123 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6e |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Battery voltage | 48 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Electric motor power | 28 Hp |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1750 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine displacement | 1199 cm3 (73.17 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.5 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1269 kg (2797.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 561 kg (1236.79 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1594 l (56.29 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 44 l (11.62 US gal | 9.68 UK gal) |
| Length | 4385 mm (172.64 in.) |
| Width | 1795 mm (70.67 in.) |
| Height | 1655 mm (65.16 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.12 in.) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission e-DCT |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Frontera 1.2 Turbo MHEV utilizes a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, designated as part of the PSA/Stellantis PureTech engine family. This engine produces 136 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine features direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. The mild-hybrid system incorporates a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a 28 hp electric motor integrated into the transmission. This system provides electric assistance during acceleration and allows for regenerative braking, improving fuel economy. The e-DCT (efficient Dual-Clutch Transmission) is a six-speed automatic transmission designed to provide smooth and quick gear changes. The engine layout is front-mounted and transverse.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2 Turbo MHEV Frontera offers a balanced driving experience. While not exceptionally powerful, the combination of the turbocharger and electric motor assistance provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 9 seconds is typical for this class of vehicle. The e-DCT transmission contributes to a responsive feel, and the mild-hybrid system helps to smooth out gear changes. Compared to potential higher-output versions (had they been offered), this variant prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright performance. The gear ratios are tuned for economy, meaning the engine may feel slightly strained during aggressive acceleration or when fully loaded. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but it lacks the all-wheel-drive capability of some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Frontera 1.2 Turbo MHEV typically came equipped with a standard suite of features including air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and various safety systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for upgraded materials available. Higher trim levels offered additional features like a larger touchscreen, navigation system, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, and premium audio systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Frontera 1.2 Turbo MHEV utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front, providing a comfortable ride and responsive handling. The rear suspension employs a torsion beam configuration, which is a cost-effective solution for compact SUVs. The braking system consists of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. Electric power steering is standard, offering light and precise steering feel. Tire sizes typically ranged from 215/65 R16 to 215/60 R17, depending on the trim level.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Frontera 1.2 Turbo MHEV was generally well-received by critics as an affordable and practical SUV. Its fuel economy of 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) was a key selling point, particularly in Europe where fuel costs are high. Compared to other trims in the Frontera lineup (if other engine options were available), this variant offered the best fuel efficiency but the lowest performance. It competed with other compact SUVs such as the Peugeot 2008, Citroën C3 Aircross, and Renault Captur, offering a similar level of practicality and value. Some reviewers noted the relatively basic interior trim compared to some competitors, but praised the comfortable ride and user-friendly technology.
Legacy
The 1.2 Turbo MHEV powertrain is expected to demonstrate reasonable long-term reliability, benefiting from the established technology of the PureTech engine family and the mild-hybrid system. The e-DCT transmission, while generally reliable, may require periodic maintenance to ensure smooth operation. In the used car market, this variant is likely to appeal to buyers seeking an affordable and fuel-efficient SUV with a modern feature set. Its relatively low running costs and practical design should ensure continued demand in the years to come. The Frontera’s reintroduction, even for a short production run, signaled Opel’s commitment to offering a diverse range of vehicles to meet the evolving needs of the automotive market.
