The Opel Frontera Wants to Come Across as a Tough Guy

Opel wants to persuade us that its new Frontera, freshly arrived at dealerships, is a rugged adventurer at heart.

With its Thule Foothill rooftop tent, the German manufacturer promises a life of adventure, wide open spaces, and freedom behind the wheel of the new Frontera… But looks alone do not make an adventurer!

Electrified, compact at 4.38 m long, and more suited for everyday commutes than for rocky trails at the ends of the earth, the Frontera is an urban-type adventurer. Its limited cargo volume leaves little room for aspirations of a grand expedition. We are far from the rugged adventurers we imagine covered in mud at the entrance to an Andean pass. The first generation Frontera, with its four-wheel drive and robust diesel engines, was undoubtedly one, but it was certainly much sturdier than this latest iteration that seems to carry only the name.

A cardboard adventurer?

But Opel insists: thanks to its roof bars capable of supporting 240 kg statically, the Frontera can accommodate the famous rooftop tent. Compact (61 cm wide when folded), durable, and set up in a few minutes, the Thule Foothill promises to transform your SUV into a mini camping car. Two people can sleep on a bed measuring 2.13 x 1.19 m, accessible via a side ladder. It’s roughly the size of a large children’s bed, which is fortunate since they are often the ones who will be most delighted by this high-altitude experience.

Far from us the idea of criticizing the quality of the tent itself since Thule has long proven its expertise. The product is well thought out with its mosquito nets and a weather-resistant, breathable fabric to prevent condensation. In short, it has everything. Except perhaps the price of €2,878.10, to which you must add €327.47 for the roof bars. At that price, many would prefer a few dozen nights in a hotel, with the bed made and breakfast included.

So, yes, the Frontera with a rooftop tent is nice. Practical, well-designed, and a bit adventurous. But don’t be mistaken: it is neither an off-roader nor a mobile bivouac. It is more an invitation to live the adventure of everyday life… in a gentle, connected version, and just steps from home.

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