A BRITISH manufacturer has made history as the first carmaker to offer an electric car for the same price as a petrol model.
Slashing the usual price imbalance between internal combustion or electric power, the new offer will make it one of the cheapest EVs on the market.
Vauxhall is launching the new Frontera at £23,495 for both petrol-hybrid or electric powertrains within weeks.
Having the choice between the two on the same budget is a UK-first, with rivals’ average price difference sitting at 31% according to the firm.
Vauxhall said: “Eliminating the price disparity that usually exists between electric and petrol versions of the same car for the first time in the UK car market.”
Usually, the electric versions soar above the petrol models, throwing eco-conscious motorists into a conflict.
For example, the basic Citroen C3 petrol hatchback retails at £14,150 but jumps to £21,990 for its electric equivalent, the E-C3.
Similarly, Volvo offers their XC40 as a mild hybrid for £35,254 or a fully electric version for £44,602.
But with the new Frontera, there is no more risk of the electric jump-scare.
This model is a hardy mid-size SUV that’s not unlike the classic Frontera but boasts the contemporary features of a modern Vauxhall vehicle.
The two-box profile makes it sportier looking and more spacious than its sibling the Vauxhall Mokka, not to mention better value.
For £23,495 you get a 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a total power of 99bhp.
The parallel pricing is maintained if you want to level up to a GS trim for £25,895 which bags you 17-inch alloys, roof rails and a tech cabin.
The total power with the GS trim bumps you up to 134 horsepower.
Vauxhall has confirmed that the new Frontera will be open for orders in October, with a full UK rollout next year.
However, managing director James Taylor confirmed to Autocar that the firm was still “a number of years away” from achieving equal profits across petrol and electric models despite the price parity.
It comes after a global car brand launched a new hybrid model which comes in as one of the UK’s cheapest.
