Opel adds a new crossover to local range

By Farzana Chaumoo

Until now, Opel has had only one offering in the hugely popular B-SUV segment, the Mokka X. Now they’ve added two more models to that profile, starting with the Crossland X. The second, to join us at a later stage, will be the Grandland X.

As the Crossland forms part of the SUV/crossover-style X family, it is the smaller sibling to the Mokka X. At the launch, Opel had both of these models parked next to each other. These two models are almost the exactly the same. However, Opel is gearing the Crossland X toward different buyers. The Crossland X and Mokka X can be differentiated by a little more than 0.1m in length and its lights. And if you look really closely without stats and figures you will notice the difference in stance. But there is big demand for crossovers and SUVs and Opel is doubling its chances in the segment, seemingly playing catch-up with the other automakers.

Interestingly, the Peugeot 2008 was not mentioned at the launch, even though my research found that the Crossland X is based on it. The Crossland X also comes as the first model from Opel after its joint venture with PSA (Peugeot). This is not to say that you’re getting a revised 2008 in the form of an Opel, though. The Crossland X takes some elements from the boxy Meriva which is no longer in production; that’s why there is mention of ‘mixing SUV functionality with MPV practicality’.

Interior

The interior has a neat and simple layout. As emphasized by Opel, the cabin is quite spacious. There is great all-round visibility from the driver’s seat. Because of its ground clearance, the high seating paired with an enlarged windscreen gives you a great forward view.

The one thing that bugged me though, was the poor visibility of the speedometer and infotainment touchscreen. There was too much glare from the floating roof and the surrounding big windows. There is a brightness setting, however, certain colours were still difficult to see. Another thing I noticed was that the air vent to the left side of the steering wheel is positioned really closely to your left hand. While the air-conditioning was turned on, my fingers were ice-cubes. Conversely, this may not be an issue for some drivers depending on personal steering and seating adjustments, and you can always deflect it in another direction. I guess the dash is set that way as the car has small dimensions. On the plus side, the buttons and dials have a solid feel.

The boot offers a generous 410 litres with all seats up, and can be increased to 520 litres if you move the rear seats forward. With all seats flat, you have 1255 litres to work with.

The rear seats are also capable of a 60:40 split.

Safety and tech

From the entry-level to the top-level models, there is a full spectrum of safety features.

All models come with ABS and EBD, stability and traction control, six airbags, LED daytime running lamps, and automatic head lamps, as well as hill-start assist.

Moving up to the Enjoy model, there is the addition of a rear camera with park assist and rain-sensing wipers.

Top-end models have a a no-holds-barred approach to driver assistance systems. The Cosmo features a camera-based lane departure warning system and intelligent speed adaption, integrated with the standard cruise control – an advanced driver assistance system rarely seen at this level (ADAS). There’s also automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and driver drowsiness alert.

Keyless entry and Bluetooth is also a standard feature across the range.

Design and styling

As previously mentioned, the Crossland X blends SUV style with MPV practicality. It measures just over 4.2 metres and has a wheelbase of 2.6 metres, which Opel claims is the largest in its class.

The floating roof is a nice touch and is available in contrasting colours in the Cosmo derivative: white, black or grey. From a visual perspective, signature cues to note are the double-wing lamp signature and LED headlights. There was also mention of a head-up display (on the windscreen for the driver) that will become available shortly. This feature was not available on the launch cars as we had early production units.

Engines

There are two engines available in the Crossland X. There is the all-aluminium 1.2-litre 3-cylinder in a naturally aspirated form, as well as a turbocharged version. The normally aspirated engine puts out 60 kW and 118 Nm while the turbo-petrol puts out 81 kW and 205 Nm. Fuel consumption is measured at 4.8 l/100 km and 5.2l/100 km for turbo and non-turbo versions respectively.

Engine efficiency is improved by the addition of features like Start/Stop Control and low rolling resistance tyres. There’s also a radiator grille shutter which maximizes aerodynamic efficiency when cruising.

The engines are available with a 5-speed manual gearbox and there is an option of a 6-speed auto with manual selection.

Verdict

The Crossland X plays against the likes of the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke. It is a comfortable and refined car that rides pliantly and has a smooth gearbox. Its 1.2-litre turbo engine provides a good amount of power that makes you forget its small size. I quite like the Opel Crossland X. It has good build quality, safety and tech, and it offers good value for money. Its also priced at just a little more than a VW Polo (hatch), which I know is not in the same segment. The Polo sells for R229,600 (starting price) but for that little extra, so much more could be had in the Opel Crossland X.

Pricing

Crossland X	R 265 000
Crossland X Enjoy	R 305 000
Crossland X Cosmo	R 345 000
Crossland X Cosmo Auto	R 360 000

The Crossland X is sold with a fully-comprehensive 5-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance program, a 5-year/unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and a 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan.