It's understandable why so many automakers have moved away from selling no-frills cars. Profit margins are smaller when you're not charging extra for features we take for granted in modern cars. Relevant examples include touchscreens, alloy wheels, and electric windows. But some mainstream brands have crunched the numbers and found a way to sell basic vehicles and still make money. Dacia is one of them, and Stellantis also has a similar approach.
We've already pointed out that you can buy a new Fiat in 2025 without a center screen, and two other brands from Stellantis do the same. Opel sells the Frontera without an infotainment system, as does Citroën with the C3 Aircross. That makes sense since the two cars are joined at the hip by riding on the same platform as the Grande Panda. All three come with a phone mount where the touchscreen on higher-end trim levels would normally be.
The French car's dashboard looks the best because it does not have a cheap-looking plastic slab like the other two models. But the simplicity of these affordable European cars goes beyond the center screen delete. Depending on the market, you'll still find a manual gearbox, a proper handbrake, and even crank rear windows. Oh, and did we mention steel wheels?
Since there’s no center screen, you still get dedicated switchgear with knobs for the AC. Base models have manual air conditioning, but the nicer ones get automatic climate controls. The images depict the electric version if you’re wondering why the Frontera has an automatic transmission. Although the infotainment is missing, there’s still a screen in front of the driver. For a more analog experience, Dacia still puts an old-school instrument cluster with dials and needles in its cars.
We would be remiss not to mention that the Frontera and C3 Aircross also come in seven-seat configurations, which is rare for subcompact crossovers. Since the two models measure only slightly over 170 inches, you can imagine that the third row is primarily intended for kids. With seven people on board, the three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbo engine making just 100 horsepower likely has its work cut out. Of the two, the Citroën is cheaper, starting at less than €20,000 (nearly $21,000) in Europe for the gasoline model.
Some might find this spartan configuration on a 2025 car instantly outdated. However, consider it from another angle—these base models cater to buyers seeking the most affordable new car. If you want the nicer features, move up to a higher trim level and pay the premium. There's nothing wrong with having a greater variety.
Opel Frontera base model
Citroën C3 Aircross base model
