WHO'S IN FRONT?

Vauxhall's resurrected Frontera comes in petrol and electric guises. We pitch the British brand's EV against its BYD Atto 2 family-SUV rival

- Pete Gibson

VAUXHALL FRONTER VS BYD ATTO 2

Old Vauxhall name returns to take on new Chinese challenger

THERE'S been a run in recent years of established car manufacturers reviving names from their past to help inject a bit of character into their lineups.

Ford has resurrected the Puma, Explorer and Capri badges with a mixed reception, while the revived Renault 5 is an all-new model that spearheads the firm's next generation of EVs.

Elsewhere, the Vauxhall Frontera has also made a comeback. The last version was a rebadged Isuzu that sold in decent numbers and had an emphasis on utility, but its modern namesake is Vauxhall's latest small SUV, which replaces the worthy-but-dull Crossland in the manufacturer's lineup.

One reason for the revival of past names is familiarity. With so many Chinese car makers arriving in the UK, the established brands are aiming to connect with buyers via nostalgia, although the Vauxhall also has price on its side.

In this test we've lined up the all-electric version of the Frontera against a Chinese newcomer in the shape of the BYD Atto 2. It's part of what's now an eight-strong model range that the company offers in the UK, and although it can't match the Frontera on value, it offers a lot of kit for the price.

CONTENDERS

Vauxhall Frontera

THERE are petrol and electric Fronteras on offer in Design, GS and Ultimate trims, and prices start from £23,995. That's for the electric model and includes the current Electric Car Grant of £1,500, which makes the Frontera one of the most affordable family EVs around. A 44kWh battery is fitted, while a larger 54kWh pack is £3,500 extra.

The petrol model starts at £24,855 and comes with a choice of two hybrid engines with 109bhp or 143bhp. Both have front-wheel drive and a six-speed auto gearbox.

BYD Atto 2