Affordable and family-friendly electric car from Germany

A family-friendly, electrically powered SUV for less than 29,000 euros? Not even from China - but now from Opel: Frontera is the name of the latest model from Rüsselsheim. And because electric cars are better leased than bought, Opel has also provided an attractive rate here: 279 euros per month without a down payment is due for the Frontera Electric. The hybrid version is even a little cheaper: the petrol model with 48-volt electric motor costs €23,900 or €259 per month.

The trunk of the 4.40-meter-long newcomer has a spacious 460-litre capacity. When the seats are folded down, it is 1600 liters. The second row also offers good leg and headroom. The hybrid version is even available as a seven-seater, making it the most compact car with three rows of seats on the market.

The Frontera Electric has a battery with 44 kWh of usable energy under the seats. Consumption is stated realistically at 18.2 kWh per 100 kilometers. The theoretical range of 305 kilometers is not quite achieved, but 280 kilometers should be possible.

The Frontera Electric is an atypical electric car, and not just in terms of price: if you put the pedal to the floor when starting off, you will miss the kick in the back that many electric cars offer. The 83 kW (113 PS) of the synchronous motor pushes off rather gently: It takes 12.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h. It stops at 140 km/h. The hybrid is a little quicker: nine seconds and 190 km/h are the key figures here. The 136 hp of the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, supported by 28 electric hp, allow the Frontera Hybrid to make good progress. The six-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifts quickly and unobtrusively. It's a joy to drive. The weaker 100 hp version is more suited to quiet and economical minds.

The steering is direct, but not nervous. The body is unimpressed by abrupt changes of direction and hardly shows any lateral inclination. Even deep potholes are ironed out quietly by the chassis - especially in the heavier electric model.

Opel expects the Frontera to be more electric than any other model from the brand. So far, the Mokka is ahead with a 20 percent BEV share. Compared to the Mokka, the Frontera offers more space for less money. In return, however, you have to live with hard, quite respectable plastic in the interior. (aum)