The Vauxhall Frontera Mk II 2.2 DTI (120 Hp): A European Workhorse SUV
The Vauxhall Frontera Mk II 2.2 DTI (120 Hp) represents a significant chapter in the history of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the European market, particularly for the British brand Vauxhall. Produced between 2003 and 2004, this second-generation Frontera was essentially a rebadged version of the Isuzu MU Wizard (known as the Isuzu Rodeo in North America), a testament to General Motors’ global platform sharing strategy. While not sold in the United States, the Frontera played a crucial role in providing a rugged, capable, and relatively affordable mid-size SUV option for consumers across the UK and continental Europe, where it was also sold as the Opel Frontera. This specific variant, powered by a robust 2.2-liter DTI diesel engine, aimed to offer a blend of utility, efficiency, and a respectable level of comfort for its time, positioning it against a growing wave of competitors in the burgeoning SUV segment.
Engine and Performance: The 2.2 DTI Powerplant in the Vauxhall Frontera Mk II 2.2 DTI (120 Hp)
At the heart of the Vauxhall Frontera Mk II 2.2 DTI (120 Hp) was its Y22DTH engine, a 2.2-liter (2171 cm3 or 132.48 cubic inches) inline-four diesel unit. This powertrain was designed with an emphasis on durability and torque, characteristics highly valued in the SUV segment, especially in Europe where diesel engines held a strong market share due to their fuel economy and pulling power. The engine featured a modern (for its era) common rail direct fuel injection system, augmented by a turbocharger and intercooler, ensuring efficient combustion and a healthy power delivery.
The Y22DTH engine produced a peak output of 120 horsepower at 4000 revolutions per minute, which translated to a power-per-liter figure of approximately 55.3 horsepower per liter. More critically for an SUV of its size and purpose, the engine delivered a substantial 206.52 pound-feet of torque at a low 1500 rpm. This early torque delivery was instrumental in providing strong off-the-line acceleration and excellent pulling capability, whether for towing or navigating challenging terrain.
Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the Frontera Mk II 2.2 DTI channeled its power to all four wheels via a capable all-wheel-drive (4×4) system. While not designed for extreme rock crawling, this setup provided confidence-inspiring traction in adverse weather conditions and on unpaved roads. Performance figures reflected its utilitarian nature: the vehicle could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a calculated 14.9 seconds, eventually reaching a maximum speed of 98.18 mph. While these numbers might seem modest by contemporary standards, they were competitive for a diesel-powered, body-on-frame SUV of the early 2000s, prioritizing ruggedness over outright speed. Fuel economy was a strong suit for the diesel, with urban consumption rated at 21.8 US miles per gallon and extra-urban at an impressive 32.7 US miles per gallon, offering a practical range from its 19.81 US gallon fuel tank.
