The Opel Frontera A 2.4i 4×4, produced between February 1992 and February 1995, represented Opel’s entry into the rapidly growing mid-size SUV market. Positioned as a robust, capable vehicle for both on and off-road use, the Frontera A aimed to provide a practical and affordable alternative to more established Japanese and British competitors. This 2.4-liter variant, producing 125 horsepower, served as a mid-range offering within the Frontera A lineup, slotting between the base 2.0-liter models and the more powerful 2.5-liter diesel. It was primarily sold in Europe, where the demand for SUVs was increasing, offering a blend of utility, space, and four-wheel-drive capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Frontera |
| Generation | Frontera A |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4i (125 Hp) 4×4 |
| Start of production | February, 1992 |
| End of production | February, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 13.3 l/100 km (17.7 US mpg, 21.2 UK mpg, 7.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 269 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 18.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 18.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 17.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 153 km/h (95.07 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 1 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.8 kg/Hp, 72.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm, 113 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 51.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 195 Nm @ 2400 rpm (143.82 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | C24NE |
| Engine displacement | 2410 cm3 (147.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1725 kg (3802.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2400 kg (5291.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 675 kg (1488.12 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1570 l (55.44 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4692 mm (184.72 in.) |
| Width | 1764 mm (69.45 in.) |
| Height | 1753 mm (69.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 230 mm (9.06 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Tires size | 235/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Frontera A 2.4i is the C24NE engine, a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, part of Opel’s Family II series, featured a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head. It utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, providing a reasonable balance between fuel efficiency and performance for the time. The engine’s valvetrain consisted of two valves per cylinder (SOHC), operated by a timing chain. The 125 horsepower output was achieved at 4800 rpm, with peak torque of 195 Nm (143.82 lb-ft) delivered at 2400 rpm. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the chassis, driving all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. While an automatic transmission was offered on some Frontera models, the 2.4i was primarily available with the manual, offering more direct control for off-road driving.
Driving Characteristics
The Frontera A 2.4i 4×4, with its 125 hp and manual transmission, offered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 18.6 seconds, and top speed was limited to 153 km/h (95 mph). The engine’s torque curve provided reasonable pulling power at lower revs, making it suitable for tackling moderate off-road terrain. However, when fully loaded or climbing steep inclines, the engine could feel strained. Compared to the 2.0-liter models, the 2.4i offered a noticeable improvement in performance, while remaining more affordable and fuel-efficient than the larger displacement engines. The manual transmission’s gear ratios were well-suited to both on-road cruising and off-road crawling, providing a good balance between usability and capability.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Frontera A 2.4i 4×4 typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment, reflecting its positioning as a practical and affordable SUV. Standard features included power steering, central locking, and a basic stereo system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with durable plastic trim. Optional extras included air conditioning, electric windows, and upgraded audio systems. Higher trim levels, though less common with the 2.4i engine, could add features like alloy wheels, a sunroof, and more luxurious interior appointments. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over aesthetics.
Chassis & Braking
The Frontera A utilized a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable chassis. Front suspension consisted of torsion bars, while the rear featured a rigid axle suspension, designed to handle the demands of off-road driving. Braking was provided by ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was included as standard, enhancing safety and control. The vehicle’s relatively high ground clearance (230mm) and four-wheel-drive system allowed it to navigate challenging terrain with ease. The steering system employed a worm-reduction unit, providing a direct, but somewhat heavy, steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Frontera A 2.4i 4×4 was generally well-received by critics as a capable and affordable SUV. It was praised for its robust construction, off-road capability, and spacious interior. However, it was also criticized for its relatively slow acceleration, basic interior, and somewhat dated design. Compared to the 2.0-liter Frontera models, the 2.4i offered a significant performance upgrade, making it a more appealing option for those who frequently towed trailers or drove in hilly terrain. Fuel economy, at 13.3 l/100 km, was typical for an SUV of its size and class in the early 1990s, but higher than the more fuel-efficient diesel variants.
Legacy
The Opel Frontera A 2.4i 4×4, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a significant role in establishing Opel as a player in the burgeoning SUV market. The C24NE engine proved to be relatively reliable, although regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues such as oil leaks and timing chain wear. Today, the Frontera A 2.4i is a relatively affordable classic SUV, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate its rugged simplicity and off-road capability. Parts availability can be a challenge, but a dedicated community of owners and specialists ensures that these vehicles can be kept on the road for years to come. Its enduring appeal lies in its honest, utilitarian design and its ability to provide a practical and enjoyable driving experience.
