Opel’s Crossland replacement will focus on practicality and could reintroduce the Frontera name.
The aging Opel Crossland is due to be replaced by an all-new small SUV in the near future, and recent spy photographs have captured the car during testing. Similar to its Mokka sibling, this new model will offer a choice of petrol or electric power and might even resurrect the Opel Frontera name. The name was also used on General Motors Holden product, which morphed into the Adventura.
Opel is currently going through a design transformation, with recent releases like the Experimental concept and the stylish Astra hatchback. The Mokka has also moved away from its previous dowdy design to become a stylish SUV. Now, Opel is preparing to launch a new small crossover in 2024 to complement the Mokka, offering practicality and space.
The latest spy photos, along with our exclusive images, provide a glimpse of what the new Frontera might look like. It appears more boxy than the old Crossland, featuring a conventional SUV shape with a bluff front end, the distinctive Opel ‘Vizor’ grille, a tall roofline, and a flatter rear.
Inside, the new small SUV is likely to feature Opel’s Pure Panel infotainment system, offering digital dash and infotainment screens in various sizes depending on trim levels.
This shift in positioning means the Crossland replacement will compete with family cars from Dacia, such as the Jogger and Duster SUV, and the Citroen C3 Aircross. Opel aims to give the new model a chunky and robust appearance compared to the fashion-forward approach of the Mokka.
Despite its relatively compact size, the new Crossland replacement is expected to offer generous luggage space and interior room. It might even come with three rows of seats for enhanced versatility.
The latest images show the car undergoing high-speed testing, revealing some body lean due to its more upright stance. However, the suspension and damping are likely still under development. The Crossland replacement is expected to use the CMP platform, which is shared with several Stellantis SUVs like the Citroen C4, DS 3, and Jeep Avenger.
Although the use of the Frontera name is not confirmed, Opel’s Chief Operating Officer, Uwe Hochgeschurtz, has discussed the possibility of reviving historical badges, including Frontera, among others.
Moving to the CMP platform means the new car will offer various powertrain options, including pure-petrol, mild-hybrid petrol, and full EV. The petrol engine is expected to be Opel’s 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo.
Opel has also announced its intention to offer a fully electric version of its entire lineup by 2024. This aligns with Opel’s commitment to making electric driving accessible across their models. While not confirmed, the next Crossland might undergo a name change in line with this electrification strategy.
Both versions are expected to benefit from 100kW rapid-charging capability, allowing for a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes.