The Opel Frontera B 3.2i V6 4×4 Automatic, produced from November 1998 to December 2003, represented the top-of-the-line offering in the Frontera B range. Positioned as the premium variant, it combined a powerful V6 engine with the convenience of an automatic transmission and a capable four-wheel-drive system. The Frontera B, built on the 6B platform, was Opel’s mid-size SUV offering, aimed at buyers seeking a robust and versatile vehicle for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. This model aimed to compete with vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in the European market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Frontera |
| Generation | Frontera B |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2i V6 (205 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | November, 1998 |
| End of production | December, 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 19.8 l/100 km (11.9 US mpg, 14.3 UK mpg, 5.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 13.6 l/100 km (17.3 US mpg, 20.8 UK mpg, 7.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 326 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 187 km/h (116.2 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp, 119.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 168.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 205 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 290 Nm @ 3000 rpm (213.89 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 6VD1-W, Y32NE |
| Engine displacement | 3165 cm3 (193.14 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93.4 mm (3.68 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.4 l (8.88 US qt | 7.39 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1720 kg (3791.95 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Max load | 580 kg (1278.68 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 208 l (7.35 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1790 l (63.21 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4658 mm (183.39 in.) |
| Width | 1787 mm (70.35 in.) |
| Height | 1740 mm (68.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2702 mm (106.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 208 mm (8.19 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/75 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Frontera B 3.2i was the 6VD1-W (also known as Y32NE) 3.2-liter V6 engine. This engine, a naturally aspirated unit, featured a 90-degree V-configuration, contributing to its smooth operation. It utilized multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, allowing for efficient combustion and respectable power output. The engine produced 205 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 290 Nm (213.89 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The automatic transmission was a four-speed unit, designed to provide comfortable shifting and ease of use, particularly beneficial for off-road driving and towing. While not the most modern transmission by today’s standards, it was considered adequate for the vehicle’s intended purpose.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.2i V6 Automatic Frontera B offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the lower-displacement, four-cylinder models. The V6 provided ample power for highway cruising and tackling moderate off-road terrain. However, the four-speed automatic transmission, while convenient, did impact acceleration. The 0-60 mph time of around 10.1 seconds was respectable for the era, but noticeably slower than the manual transmission variants. The automatic’s gear ratios were geared more towards comfort and towing capacity than outright speed. The vehicle’s weight of 1720 kg (3791.95 lbs) also contributed to a less agile feel compared to lighter SUVs.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.2i V6 Automatic typically came with a relatively generous level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an upgraded audio system. Interior upholstery was usually cloth or a combination of cloth and vinyl. Optional extras included leather upholstery, a sunroof, and upgraded alloy wheels. The Frontera B also offered features like a limited-slip differential and heavy-duty suspension for enhanced off-road capability, often bundled as optional packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Frontera B featured a robust chassis designed to handle both on-road and off-road stresses. Front suspension utilized a torsion bar setup, while the rear employed coil springs. Braking was handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The steering was a hydraulic power-assisted worm-reduction unit, offering reasonable precision but lacking the feel of more modern steering systems.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Frontera B 3.2i V6 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a capable and comfortable SUV. However, its fuel economy was a common criticism, with combined fuel consumption figures around 13.6 l/100 km (17.3 US mpg). Compared to the 2.2-liter four-cylinder models, the V6 offered significantly more power but at the cost of increased fuel consumption and a higher purchase price. The V6 was also more complex and potentially more expensive to maintain than the simpler four-cylinder engines. Against competitors like the Jeep Cherokee, the Frontera B offered a more affordable price point but lacked the established brand recognition and off-road pedigree of the American SUV.
Legacy
The Opel Frontera B 3.2i V6 Automatic, while not a high-volume seller, has developed a following among enthusiasts who appreciate its robust construction and capable powertrain. The 6VD1-W V6 engine is generally considered reliable, although regular maintenance is crucial. Common issues include oil leaks and occasional sensor failures. Today, well-maintained examples are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors and off-road enthusiasts. The Frontera B represents a significant chapter in Opel’s SUV history, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and off-road capability that appealed to a specific segment of the market.
