Opel Grandland X – NEW SUV

By Farzana Chaumoo

Fashionably late to the party, Opel South Africa announced pricing and release of its stylish new 5-seater SUV. Following its Crossland X and Mokka X siblings, the Grandland X is the third model in the Opel X family. 

The Grandland X mid-sized crossover SUV shares a platform with the Peugeot 3008, thanks to the joint venture that began before Peugeot’s PSA bought over Opel. Furthermore, the Grandland X is built in a PSA factory and also powered by PSA engines. However, the automaker’s have done a good job in disguising its origins. 

 

Here’s all you need to know about the newcomer:

1. Design and features:

The two-tone paintwork and cladding all add to the adventurous characteristics of the Grandland X. Sleek (design) profiles define the exterior while its tough bumpers and side skirts increase practicality. The Grandland X has a dynamic silhouette and a bold front grille with wing elements, which can be seen in the badging and in the lights with their unique LED signature.

The Grandland X lights up the dark by means of LED headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting (standard on the range-topping Cosmo variant). But, even with the other derivatives’ conventional headlamps, there is 30% brighter vision for greater visibility. Moreover, there are systems working together with the lights such as cornering light, high beam assist and auto levelling for optimal illumination of the road ahead.

The interior boasts “islands of functionality” through the three separate rows on the center console. The first is of course for the infotainment system, which is operated through the eight-inch colour touchscreen. What’s really handy is that the system is compatible with both Apple and Android and has voice control functionality. The second row is for climate control and the last for chassis functions.

The center console is enhanced with gloss inserts to give it that rich feel. The cabin is also surrounded by soft-feel materials. Adding to what Opel describes as a “wellness atmosphere,” is a glass panoramic roof that brings in natural light.

 

Power tailgate and Driver Assist

You know when you are carrying 10+ shopping bags because you’d rather die trying than make two trips… this is where the Grandland X helps you feel like a winner. It features a power tailgate that is activated (to either open or close) by the swing of your foot under the rear bumper. I could think of other semi-violent, yet funny and protective, uses for a power tailgate but I’m going to refrain from mentioning them here.

Another helpful, modern system in place is the hands-free autonomous Advanced Park Assist. The system scans for prospective parking space and will guide the Grandland X into a pre-selected bay. 

 

Seating

Opel's heated and ventilated ergonomic AGR-certified (Campaign for Healthier Backs) front seats are sure to take good care of your back. The front seats are 16-way adjustable. In the rear, FlexFold seats have a 40:60 split ratio and are easily folded through a one hand movement. Seats are comfortable all around and will provide sufficient support on long trips.

Aside from the good all-round vision you get from the raised ride height, there’s also 360° surround view available on the central touchscreen. This is achieved from one camera in the front and one in the back that surveys pedestrians, bumps and other obstacles.

 

2. Space:

The Grandland X has a long wheelbase of 2.68m that accommodates for up to five occupants. The luggage compartment has a load volume that extends from 514 litres to a maximum of 1,652 litres. A spare wheel also rests beneath the floor of the boot.

 

3. Engine and Tech

For the time being there’s only one engine available in the Grandland X. It’s a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that puts out 121kW and 240Nm of torque. Too many buyers’ happiness, the engine has been paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Grandland X will be available in three trim levels.

Amongst the trims, the Opel Grandland X Cosmo features driver assist systems such as speed limiter with Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Hill Start Assist, Lane departure warning and Speed Sign Recognition. In terms of parking, aside from the aforementioned Advanced Park Assist, there’s the Panoramic Rear View Camera that increases the angle of sight behind the car to 180 degrees.

 

4. Colours:

Why be stuck with a bland white SUV when Opel is offering some unique colours, of which the Amethyst Purple is one we’re all dying to see.

There’s also White Jade, Pearl White, Topaz Blue, Diamond Black, Dark Ruby Red, Golden Sunstone, Jasper Grey, Moonstone Grey and Quartz Grey.

 

5. Pricing:

Opel Grandland X 1.6T A/T                R429 000

Opel Grandland X 1.6T Enjoy A/T       R465 000

Opel Grandland X 1.6T Cosmo A/T    R565 000

 

6. Rivals:

Since the Grandland X is playing in the C-segment SUV category, it’s going up against the likes of the Peugeot 3008, Volkswagen Tiguan, Renault Kadjar, Toyota C-HR, Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-3, BMW X1, and Kia Sportage.