Stellantis to raise its compact SUV game in SA with Opel Frontera and Citroen Basalt

Stellantis is planning to launch two new compact SUV products in South Africa in early 2026, bolstering its Opel and Citroen line-ups in a key segment.

Speaking at the recent Stellantis Week 2025, Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company had a clear vision to grow its presence across the region by consolidating its brands, strengthening its dealer footprint, and rebuilding trust with consumers.

He said that with more than 60% of South African vehicle buyers spending less than R400,000 on a new vehicle, Stellantis would focus on delivering the right products for the right customers.

To that end, the current Indian-built C3 and C3 Aircross models, which are more affordable than their European-built predecessors, will be joined in early 2026 by the sportier C3 Basalt crossover. Opel is also set to launch its new Frontera early next year, he said, although it’s unclear whether the German product would compete in the same entry segment.

What is a Citroen Basalt?

Developed primarily for the Indian and South American markets, the newcomer is essentially a sportier version of the C3 Aircross, featuring coupe-inspired body styling and a lower roofline.

Citroen says it combines the dynamism of a Coupe with the robustness of an SUV, although the performance is not altogether sporty.

In India, which will inevitably supply SA’s vehicles, the Basalt is offered with two powertrain choices. The manual version features a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine delivering 60kW and 115Nm. The six-speed automatic model has a turbocharged version of that engine, offering 81kW and 205Nm.

Opel Frontera to target Duster?

Built on the same Stellantis ‘Smart Car’ platform as the Citroen C3 Basalt and C3 Aircross SUV, and sharing its bodyshell with the latter, the Opel Frontera was designed to compete with affordable SUVs such as the Renault Duster.

Built in Slovakia it does appear to be a touch more upmarket than the C3 Aircross, although South African pricing and specifications are not confirmed as yet.

In European markets it is sold with a mild hybrid 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine, in 74kW and 100kW guises, and a fully electric version is offered to.

Its exterior design follows a more rugged interpretation of Opel’s ‘Pure’ design philosophy, and the cabin has a focus on practicality, with a luggage capacity of 460 litres. Inside it differs from its Citroen sibling, with a typically Opel ‘Pure Panel’ cockpit that combines two 10-inch screens.

Future plans and local production

These two models will give Stellantis a firmer footing in the compact SUV space, while the recently launched Opel Grandland and upcoming Alfa Romeo Junior will expand its presence in the premium SUV segment.

The company recently consolidated its five core brands (Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Jeep and Opel) into 32 ‘under one roof’ dealer operations, while five standalone Alfa Romeo dealerships remain outside of this structure.

Stellantis is pressing ahead with its plans to produce the Landtrek one-tonne bakkie at a new facility in Coega in the Eastern Cape, and this will now be joined by two additional models, including a ‘new energy vehicle’.

Speaking of the revised plan at Stellantis Week recently, Whitfield declined to provide further details on the new locally assembled models, but said an announcement would be made before the end of this quarter.

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