The Holden Frontera is a five-door, mid-size SUV sold in Australia from 1995 to 2004. It is, however, a rebadged version of the Isuzu MU (which is based on the Isuzu Faster/TF pickup truck). Before its introduction into the Australian market, the Isuzu MU had been in production since 1988 as a three-door and five-door SUV.
First Generation (1995-1998)
The first-generation Frontera was based on a three-door body and manufactured in the United Kingdom. It was only made available in one level trim, the Sport 4x4. You had the option of either a petrol or diesel engine. Petrol models were fitted with 6VD1 V6 engines, which attained peak power of 130 kW at 4,888 RPMs and 255 Nm of torque (1993 to 1995) and 142 kW from (1996-1997).
The diesel models were fitted with two different turbocharged engines, to wit:
- A 2,771cc 2.8L 4JB1-t engine - produces 74-84 kW in power and a torque of 183 Nm; 4-cylinder turbocharged, water-cooled direct injection with a high revving output; popular due to its reliability
- A 3,059cc 3.1L 4JG2-t engine - produces 84 kW at 3,600 rpm and 260 Nm; upgraded direct injection from mechanical to electronically-controlled fuel injection
The engines were paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Second Generation (1998-2004)
In 1997, the second generation was announced at the Tokyo Motor Show, but sales in Australia commenced in 1999. The second generation received a series of modifications until the end of production in 2004. The last change made was the addition of a 3.5L V6 gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine that achieved a peak power of 190 kW and a torque of 334 Nm. It became the first-ever car offered with a GDI engine to cost under $100,000.
The second generation was produced in the United States in both three and five-door models. The car was provided with two engine options:
- The five-door models were powered by a 3.2L V6 engine that attained a maximum power of 151 kW and a torque of 290 Nm. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic transmission.
- The three-door models used the 2,198 cc 2.2 L, 96 kW, 195 Nm inline-4 engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The three-door Frontera came in one specification, but the five-door version was offered in three trim models, namely base, S, and SE.
Upgrades in the Second Generation
The first facelift was announced in 2001. Some of the changes included a revised front grille and front bumper and reshaped tail lamps. There were other upgrades unveiled in 2001. Changes included a less noisy engine and an electronic throttle.
Holden discontinued the Frontera in 2001. However, if you can get the Frontera with the 2,771cc 2.8L 4JB1-t engine, which has made a name for its extreme reliability, this old-timer would be a worthy buy. If you're interested, you may contact us at Carpart Australia, and we can help link you to reliable sellers. You may also browse our advertised spares for this model or other Holden cars.
-Eric Anyega