In the jungle of crossovers, two models are battling to win the hearts of families: the Opel Frontera and the MG ZS. Although their philosophies are similar, their approaches are as different as day and night. Who will emerge victorious in this duel with an enticing quality-price ratio?
Design: A Divisive Style
The Opel Frontera stands out with its modern look, inspired by the latest creations of the brand. Its front end is dominated by the Opel Vizor, a glossy black grille that embraces square-shaped LED headlights. This stylistic choice evokes a controlled robustness, almost as if the vehicle is ready to brave the elements. The profile of the Frontera highlights pronounced wheel arches, while the more understated rear features dual-level lights and the “Frontera” lettering prominently displayed on the tailgate. The GS trim adds a sporty touch with black wheels and a contrasting roof.
In contrast, the MG ZS makes a bold leap towards modernity. Its large bumper and generous grille catch the eye, while its full LED headlights showcase a complex light signature. The ZS’s more elongated and dynamic profile, with its low beltline and expanded glass surfaces, gives it a more contemporary appearance than its German rival. At 4.43 metres in length, it seems aimed at appealing to fans of modern aesthetics while moving away from a functional approach.
Opel Frontera Hybrid
MG ZS
Model
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Opel Frontera
4.38 m
1.80 m
1.63-1.66 m
2.67 m
MG ZS
4.43 m
1.82 m
1.64 m
2.61 m
Interior: Comfort and Technology on the Agenda
The interior of the Opel Frontera embodies German philosophy: a blend of rationality and modernity. The dashboard features two 10″ screens, dedicated respectively to instrumentation and infotainment, offering compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sporty steering wheel and physical controls for the air conditioning make the user experience intuitive and enjoyable. The seats are designed to provide optimal comfort, especially in the GS version, which introduces the Intelli-Seat system for long journeys. In standard configuration, the boot offers a capacity of 460 litres, expandable to 1,600 litres by folding down the rear seats.
Opel Frontera Electric, the interior
MG ZS, the dashboard
The MG ZS, on the other hand, opts for a completely new approach. Its interior design is more enveloping and driver-focused. With a 12.3″ central screen for navigation and live services, as well as a 7″ digital instrument cluster, the ZS shows boldness. The materials and finishes exhibit greater care compared to the previous generation, offering a more elegant atmosphere. In terms of capacity, the boot ranges from 443 to 1,298 litres, which is noteworthy.
Model
Dashboard
Central Screen
Boot
Opel Frontera
10″
10″
460/1,600 litres (370/1,400 litres 7 seats)
MG ZS
7″
12.3″
443/1,298 litres
Engines: Performance and Economy on the Menu
In terms of engines, the Opel Frontera offers mild hybrid 1.2 versions with power outputs of 110 and 145 hp, both paired with a 6-speed eDCT automatic gearbox. The fully electric version features a 113 hp motor powered by a 44 kWh battery, providing over 300 km of range, while a 52 kWh variant can exceed 400 km.
Opel Frontera Electric
MG ZS
On its side, the MG ZS relies on a full hybrid powertrain, combining a 102 hp petrol engine with a 136 hp electric motor. Together, they deliver a combined power of 197 hp, allowing for a 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The 1.83 kWh battery is recharged by a 45 kW generator, ensuring a consumption of 5.1 l/100 km and emissions limited to 115 g/km of CO₂. For those who prefer more traditional models, a petrol version of 116 hp remains available.
Model
Petrol
Mild Hybrid
Full Hybrid
Electric
Opel Frontera
n.d.
1.2 110 hp
1.2 145 hp
n.d.
113 hp and 44 kWh
113 hp and 52 kWh
MG ZS
1.5 116 hp
n.d.
1.5 197 hp
n.d.
Prices: A Competitive Quality-Price Ratio
In terms of pricing, the MG ZS starts at €18,590 for the petrol version and at €23,790 for the hybrid. In contrast, the Opel Frontera, with its family-friendly features, has a base price of €26,100 for the mild hybrid with 110 hp, reaching €30,900 for the electric version with the smaller battery. These prices reflect an interesting quality-price ratio, especially in light of the growing competition in the crossover segment.
In conclusion, whether you opt for the practical Opel Frontera or the appealing MG ZS, each has its arguments to attract modern families in search of space and versatility.
