As automakers race to fill their car interiors with increasingly larger touchscreens and complex digital interfaces, a few budget-friendly models are quietly resisting the trend. One recent example sparked widespread discussion online when a Reddit user in Germany pointed out that the entry-level version of a Stellantis SUV — the new Opel Frontera — comes without an infotainment system or touchscreen. The revelation quickly went viral, drawing attention to a rare case of deliberate simplicity in an age of tech-heavy dashboards.
The Opel Frontera, recently reintroduced as a modern compact SUV, bears little resemblance to the rugged, body-on-frame model that once shared its name and underpinnings with the Isuzu MU. This new iteration is firmly urban-focused, riding on the same platform as the Citroën C3 Aircross. According to Opel’s German configurator, the base “Edition” trim sacrifices a few modern conveniences found in the mid-range GS and range-topping Ultimate versions, but it retains enough features to feel contemporary while staying affordable.
In its most basic form, the Frontera Edition still offers a 10-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. However, in place of a central infotainment screen, the dashboard houses a simple yet practical smartphone holder. The car features a standard radio, a microphone for hands-free calls or voice control, and two front speakers that function through Bluetooth when a phone is connected. A single USB-C port provides fast charging, while traditional rotary dials control the manual air-conditioning system — a nostalgic nod to the days before touch-sensitive climate controls.
For buyers seeking a bit more comfort or connectivity, Opel offers several upgrade packages. The Tech package introduces a 10-inch touchscreen, DAB digital radio, built-in navigation, a rearview camera, wireless phone charging, and a center armrest with storage space. The Comfort package adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control, while the Design package enhances the car’s appearance with a contrasting white roof, black roof rails, and matching white accents on the 16-inch wheels.
In Germany, pricing for the Frontera Edition begins at €24,190 for the Hybrid 110 model powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine. Those opting for the Electric Extended Range version with 113 PS will pay €31,190. Each optional package—Tech and Comfort—costs €1,000, and the Design pack adds €450. Moving up to the GS trim increases the price by roughly €3,500, while the Ultimate trim, which includes most of these features as standard, costs only €300 more than the GS.
Interestingly, Opel’s approach differs slightly between markets. In France, even the base Frontera Edition includes a touchscreen infotainment system as standard, despite a slightly lower starting price of €23,845 (about $27,900). Smaller Opel models, such as the Corsa and Mokka, also come with touchscreens across all trims. Still, the company’s decision to omit the display in Germany reflects a broader industry movement among cost-conscious brands. Dacia, for instance, pioneered the “screen-less” approach with its Essential trims, encouraging drivers to use their smartphones for media and navigation. Within the Stellantis group, models like the Citroën C3, C3 Aircross, and Fiat Grande Panda follow the same “Smart Car” philosophy, sharing the Frontera’s minimalist platform.
This growing trend could expand further with the arrival of upcoming urban EVs such as the Volkswagen ID.Up and Renault Twingo, both expected to rely heavily on smartphone integration to keep prices low. Many drivers actually welcome this shift, preferring the familiarity and upgradability of their own devices over built-in infotainment systems that can quickly become outdated. Moreover, without a massive screen dominating the dashboard, physical controls for essentials like heating and ventilation remain simple, tactile, and user-friendly.
While Europe is seeing a small but notable resurgence in screen-free interiors, the global picture remains diverse. In markets like Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and South America, basic vehicles without infotainment screens are still common. Meanwhile, in China, large displays and advanced digital features have become almost standard. The Opel Frontera’s bare-bones Edition model, then, serves as a reminder that sometimes, less really can be more.