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Vauxhall Frontera vs smart #1 comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 368 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 40,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or smart #1?

Vauxhall Frontera vs smart #1: Key differences

Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • only slightly more efficient
  • clearly lighter
  • markedly more trunk space
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smart #1

  • considerably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Frontera

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Vauxhall Frontera is significantly cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the smart #1 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 19,971 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Vauxhall Frontera is only slightly more efficient: consuming 16.7 kWh/100km compared to 18.2 kWh/100km for the smart #1. That’s a difference of about 1.5 kWh/100km.

The electric range is almost identical – both manage about 400 km on a single charge.

#1

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #1 offers considerably more power – delivering 368 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 223 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 4.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #1 delivers substantially more torque with 470 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 240 Nm more.

Frontera

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is clearly lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,900 kg. The difference is around 506 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Frontera offers markedly more boot space – 460 L compared to 313 L. That’s a difference of about 147 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries visibly more – 570 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 145 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #1 is slightly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

£40,705
#1

smart #1

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 368 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 18.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 400 km
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Frequently compared as well

Opel Frontera
Opel Mokka
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Comparing the Opel Frontera and the Opel Mokka highlights two very different takes on the SUV idea: the Frontera is a rugged, older off‑road capable SUV, while the Mokka is a modern compact crossover built for city life and efficiency. This short guide will walk through their real‑world strengths …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused crossover or a more traditionally rugged SUV. The C3 Aircross shines with clever packaging, ride comfort and economy, while the Frontera offers stronger towing, load capacity and …
Vauxhall Frontera
smart #1

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

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NewOpelFronteraElectric (7)

Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
Pascal
5 Jun 2026, 04:10:37

A thoroughly bad cheap car. Feels like a C3 Aircross for the poor.

That's a reason to change employers! Terrible car.

It already has a nickname, "Klapperchen"

I think any Dacia is better!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

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Reviews smart #1

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Vauxhall Frontera
smart #1

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Price
40,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
18.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
308 - 400 km
Electric Range
400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 118 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Curb weight
1,900 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
313 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,822 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
436 - 570 kg
Payload
425 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Power HP
368 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
470 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Power kW
271 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Vauxhall
Brand
smart
What drivetrain options does the Vauxhall Frontera have?

The Vauxhall Frontera is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.