Choosing the right battery for an Opel Frontera A produced between 1991 and 1998 is essential for maintaining the reliability of this rugged SUV, which was designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. Since this generation does not feature Start-Stop technology, conventional lead-acid batteries are the ideal choice, provided that they meet the proper capacity and cold cranking requirements. The Frontera was offered with both petrol and diesel engines, and while their electrical needs are similar, diesel engines typically demand a more robust starting current due to higher compression.
For petrol variants, including the 2.2 i and 2.4 i engines, the recommended battery capacity ranges from 70 to 78 Ah with a cold cranking current between 640 and 780 A. This ensures that the engine will start reliably in all weather conditions, from summer heat to winter cold. Some examples of compatible batteries include Bosch S30 08, Bosch S40 08, Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, Exide EB740, Exide EC700, Halfords HB 096, Halfords HCB 096, Lucas LP096, Lucas LS096, and Varta E11, E13, or E44. These are sample fitting batteries that meet the requirements of the petrol versions and provide a balance between durability and performance.
The diesel engines, including the 2.3 TD, 2.5 TDS, and 2.8 TD, have similar battery requirements but place slightly higher demands on cranking power due to their compression ratios and glow plug systems. They also require batteries in the 70 to 78 Ah range with a cold cranking current of 640 to 780 A. Examples of compatible models for the diesel variants are the same as for the petrol engines: Bosch S30 08, Bosch S40 08, Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, Exide EB740, Exide EC700, Halfords HB 096, Halfords HCB 096, Lucas LP096, Lucas LS096, and Varta E11, E13, or E44. Opting for a battery with a higher cold cranking current is particularly beneficial for drivers in colder climates, as diesel engines can be more challenging to start in low temperatures.
One interesting aspect of the Opel Frontera A is its versatility as a vehicle that can handle both urban streets and rough off-road terrain. This means that the battery not only needs to provide reliable starting power but also needs to endure vibrations and occasional jolts during off-road driving. For this reason, it is advisable to choose a battery from a reputable brand with robust internal construction to reduce the risk of damage from bumps and uneven roads.
Regular battery maintenance is important for keeping the Frontera ready for adventure. Checking the terminals for corrosion, ensuring the clamps are tight, and monitoring the charge level are simple habits that can extend battery life. For vehicles that are used seasonally or stored for long periods, connecting a battery maintainer can prevent deep discharge, which is one of the main causes of premature battery failure.
An interesting fact about the Frontera A is that it was a collaboration between Opel and Isuzu, which means some components, including the engines, share design elements with Isuzu SUVs of the same era. This adds to its reputation as a durable and adventure-ready vehicle, but it also means that the electrical system is relatively straightforward, allowing a good-quality lead-acid battery to serve reliably for years. By choosing a battery that meets the recommended 70–78 Ah capacity and 640–780 A cold cranking current, and by keeping up with regular maintenance, Opel Frontera A owners can ensure that their classic SUV remains ready for both daily drives and weekend explorations.
Opel Frontera in version A was produced in the years 1991 – 1998. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Opel Frontera (1991-1998):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Opel Frontera A – petrol engines:
- 2.2 i
- 2.4 i
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 08 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC700 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 096 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic E13 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
Opel Frontera A – diesel engines:
- 2.3 TD
- 2.5 TDS
- 2.8 TD
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 08 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC700 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 096 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic E13 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Opel Frontera , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!