The Opel Manta Set To Return As Stylish Electric SUV

Mar. 07, 2022 6:11 PM ET by Jarryd Neves Electric Vehicles / 5 Comments

And not the muscular coupe we had hoped for.

People weren't pleased when Ford decided to call its all-electric crossover the Mustang Mach-E. They argued the name had no place on an electric crossover and, while they may have a point, customers don't seem to mind. In fact, the electrified Mustang is a sales success. Clearly, carmakers know how to appeal to consumers - combine infamous nameplates and the popular crossover body style.

This could explain Stellantis' latest decision. Previously, Opel previewed an electrified concept based on the Manta, a muscular-looking sports coupe sold in the '70s and '80s. Sadly, it's unlikely the retro-inspired design will ever make it to production. However, Opel's UK-based sibling, Vauxhall, has said the Manta name will be revived. Alas, like the Ford equivalent, it's not coming back as a stylish two-door.

As seen in the design study above, the Manta will return as a crossover SUV. While it retains some of the styling cues - a sleek roofline, blunt rear end - Vauxhall has said it will reinvent the nameplate as a purely electric vehicle. Described as an "emissions-free, versatile and a car that will appeal to the heart and mind," the Stellantis subsidiary is promising the new EV will be spacious and fascinating but above all, a new interpretation of the much-loved classic.

The announcement of the new model forms part of Vauxhall's plan to become a fully-electric company by 2028. Currently, the brand offers an extensive EV lineup with ten models available to consumers in the UK. This ranges from the compact Corsa-e to the larger Movano-e van. Aside from the Manta, both the Crossland and Insignia replacements will also be battery-powered.

The brand is hoping to entice British customers with electric vehicles, soon providing driving ranges of between 310 miles and 497 miles, together with rapid-charging capabilities of 20 miles per minute. In Europe, the Manta EV will likely rival a slew of electrified crossovers, including the Toyota bZ4X, Kia EV6, Subaru Solterra, and several others.

Stateside, Stellantis also has big EV ambitions. Recently, the automotive group teased its first-ever, all-electric Jeep and is currently working on an electrified version of the popular Ram 1500 EV, which is set to launch in 2024. While it may trail behind the upcoming Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T, for example, the electrified Ram pickup should be worth the wait.

The Opel Manta Set To Return As Stylish Electric SUV

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The Opel Manta Set To Return As Stylish Electric SUV

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