Major car maker announces price parity for electric and hybrid versions of new SUV

In news that slipped under the wire somewhat, British car company Vauxhall has revealed that its new Frontera compact SUV will go on sale in the UK at £23,495, for both the electric and petrol hybrid model.

Vauxhall unveiled its new Frontera compact SUV in May, to be available in both an electric option with up to 300 or 400 kilometres of range (WLTP provisional), or a hybrid option with a 100hp or 136hp 1.2 turbo engine and 48V hybrid technology.

The company followed up in August with official pricing that listed both electric and hybrid models for £23,495 ($A45,500, converted), one of the first times we have seen price parity between an electric and any type of equivalent variant with an internal combustion engine (ICE).

There will be differences in price between versions and equipment packages, however base level models of the same variant remain the same.

The Vauxhall Frontera will be available in either a Design or GS trim level from launch, with the Design trim serving as the entry level and the GS trim coming with extras such as aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, and a silver skid plate on the outside, and electronic climate control and Intelli-Seat front seats inside.

Similarly, the Frontera Hybrid will be available with both a 100hp or 136hp engine and will be able to seat up to seven people, whereas the Electric seats only 5.

Pricing, therefore, starts at £23,495 (OTR) for both the Electric and Hybrid 100hp Design models, while the more powerful 136hp Design Hybrid goes for £24,995. Pricing for the Electric and Hybrid 100hp GS models are £25,895 (OTR), with the upgraded Hybrid model coming in at £27,395.