Vauxhall Frontera I (A) photos

The first-generation Vauxhall Frontera (internal code A) debuted in 1991 as a rebadged and adapted version of the Japanese Isuzu Rodeo and Isuzu MU for the British market. Manufactured at the IBC Vehicles plant in Luton, England, the model was offered in two distinct body configurations: a short-wheelbase three-door Frontera Sport with either a soft top or removable hardtop, and a practical long-wheelbase five-door estate. The rugged chassis utilized a traditional body-on-frame ladder design with an independent torsion bar front suspension and a solid rear axle. In 1995, a major mid-cycle refresh replaced the crude rear leaf springs with coil springs, significantly enhancing ride comfort and road handling. Engine options throughout production included 2.0-litre, 2.2-litre, and 2.4-litre inline-four petrol units, as well as 2.3-litre, 2.5-litre, and 2.8-litre turbocharged diesels. Power was delivered via a five-speed manual gearbox with a two-speed transfer case providing part-time four-wheel drive. The Vauxhall Frontera A became a massive commercial success in the United Kingdom, opening up the leisure SUV market to a wider audience.