VAUXHALL has abandoned plans to go fully electric in 2028 – promising to do “what is right for the British public”.
Every model, from the Corsa supermini to the Movano jumbo van, will have a battery-powered version by the end of this year.
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So everyone has the choice.
But the decision to continue making 27810688 and diesel vans beyond 2028 will please millions of loyal owners who can’t make an EV work for them.
Until 2035, then? We think so.
Here’s Vauxhall design boss Mark Adams on the redesign.
He said: “We will not turn our backs on the British customer.
“We want to give them what they need and what they want, as long as they need it. We are part of a great group that allows us to do this.
“Who can predict what will happen tomorrow? Governments change. Promises change.
We can do what’s right for our customers. We are well positioned and have a great portfolio.
“But we have everything we need to meet all the milestones that lie ahead. We have the toolbox we need now. We have the future toolbox where we need to land. And we are introducing the right things that help us get through this transition period.
“We have hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric. To now be fixed and say, ‘Let’s do this,’ I don’t think it’s necessary, frankly, because we have everything.
“We can do what’s right for our customers. We are well positioned and have a great portfolio.”
Which brings us nicely to Frontera, pictured, Mark’s new baby.
Will come in two power types, £21k petrol hybrid and £25k pure electric. The petrol version will have a seven-seater option. Not the electric one.
Now read our quick Q&A about the rugged family SUV.
Q&A, Vauxhall head of design Mark Adams
FRONTERA is a famous old Vauxhall name. How did you decide that for this new car?
The Frontera, in the nineties, pioneered the compact SUV we know today. Therefore, it was the natural choice for this car that is at the heart of the SUV market.
In terms of size, it is between Mokka and the new, larger Grandland. Is this deliberate?
Yes, exactly. Right in the heart of the market. It has the footprint of an Astra hatchback, but the interior space of an Astra station wagon. Really great packaging on this vehicle.
Do you look the size of Peter Crouch?
6 ft 4 in. And Midle.
Can you fit in the back?
Yes of course. When the driver’s seat is configured for a normal person, I still have three to eight inches of legroom and the same above my head. Plenty of space inside, ideal for a young family or simply hanging out with friends.
It has all the technology you would expect from a modern car, but also tell us about some of the everyday smart things?
We have two 10-inch screens, but a great balance of physical switches that you can access right away. There’s a groove in the front seats, a bit like a high-quality bicycle seat with separate cushions, to provide comfort on long journeys.
To stop your butt from going numb?
Exactly. There are really many Cool materials that elevate the interior – and lots of small details, like the flexible handle for cup holders and rear seat pockets for iPhones. Simple characteristics people will really value it.
I know you’re not going to say it replaces the Crossland, but it does the job of the Crossland in terms of practicality, right? And it looks great.
We think it does much more because it offers not only physical space but also more presence. The front is much more upright, with a proud, confident appearance and great posture.
- Frontera will be with us in early 2025. It should do well.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
