Stellantis SA says the Opel Frontera and Citroën Basalt are now due to launch locally in “early 2026”, meaning their respective introductions have been pushed back…
Both the Opel Frontera and the Citroën Basalt were originally scheduled to launch in South Africa in the opening half of 2025, but Stellantis SA has now officially announced that these fresh-faced crossovers are instead due to arrive in “early 2026”.
As a reminder, the new Frontera was revealed back in May 2024, billed as a replacement for the since-discontinued Crossland. Interestingly, this new model shares much with the European-spec Citroën C3 Aircross (as opposed to the Indian-built version currently sold in Mzansi).
The new Frontera – a badge the Rüsselsheim-based automaker once applied to an Isuzu-developed SUV – measures 4 385 mm long and is offered in Europe in both turbocharged 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol form and fully electric guise. Stellantis has yet to confirm the powertrain that will be offered in SA.
While the Frontera will be sourced from the Stellantis factory in Slovakia, the Citroën Basalt will instead be shipped over from India. Conceived specifically for emerging markets, the Basalt measures 4 352 mm long, features a coupé-style roofline and is expected to slot in above the likewise Indian-built C3 and C3 Aircross.
In the world’s most populous country, the Basalt is offered with with a naturally aspirated or a turbocharged version of the Stellantis group’s 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (motors that are already in use here in SA in the C3 Aircross range). Expect more details on local powertrain options closer to launch.
Stellantis SA also plans to introduce another crossover, though before the end of 2025, with the Leapmotor brand set to debut in the next couple of months. According to Stellantis SA, the new Leapmotor C10 REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) will be available from “selected” group dealers from September, with “more models expected to be launched within the next year”, including fully electric derivatives.
For the record, Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in China’s Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd back in October 2023, before the two companies formed “Leapmotor International”, a joint venture with exclusive rights for the export, sale and manufacture of Leapmotor products outside of China. Stellantis holds a 51% majority in this Amsterdam-headquartered joint venture.
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