What We Like
1.2-litre engine delivers sufficient power
Relatively high levels of equipment
Comfortable to drive
What We Dislike
Not the most interesting to look at
Noticeable body roll in corners
Struggles to stand out in a crowded segment
The new Opel Grandland X is the latest crossover to wade into an increasingly crowded and competitive segment. Can it find a way to stand out?
Oh, look what we have here, another crossover...
No, that's not excitement you're hearing, but rather more placid resignation. Crossovers are everywhere now, with every brand getting into the action. And you know what's the craziest part? It's not like each manufacturer is doing its own thing.
The Opel Grandland X wades into an incredibly competitive crossover segmentIn actuality, many crossovers are actually built on shared platforms. The Nissan Qashqai and the Renault Kadjar share the same platform. Under the Volkswagen group, the modular MQB platform underpins the Audi Q2, the Seat Ateca, the Skoda Karoq and Kodiaq, as well as the VW Tiguan.
Opel is getting in on the action, obviously, with the Grandland X. It should come as no surprise that this car sits on a shared platform as well, considering Peugeot's PSA parent has bought over the Opel brand. This car is built on the PSA EMP2 platform, shared by models including the Peugeot 3008, the Peugeot 5008 and the DS 7 Crossback.
The modest 1.2-litre engine kicks out an entirely useable 129bhp and 230Nm of torque
Hustling about town
Mechanically, the Grandland X and the Peugeot 3008 share many parts. Just a quick glance at the numbers will tell you as much - both cars are the same length (4,447mm) and have the same 2,675mm wheelbase, though the Grandland X is a tad longer and slightly less wide.
Both also share the same three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2-litre engine, producing 129bhp and 230Nm of torque. It's a very serviceable and usable engine - sufficient power, but nothing much more than that. It'll get you from place to place with no problem at all, but enthusiastic driving isn't recommended.
The Grandland X rides on 19-inch alloy wheelsHowever, the six-speed gearbox in the Grandland X is on the tardier side, hesitant to kick down when you put you right foot down.
On highways, the soft suspension in the Grandland X means that cruising is reasonably comfortable, even with some wind noise in the background. Take the car through a few corners and the car's ties to the 3008 drift further apart. Where the 3008 is sharp and planted, the Grandland X definitely wafts about vaguely with noticeable body roll. The soft suspension and less than taut chassis are mostly to blame.
Oh, look what we have here, another crossover...
No, that's not excitement you're hearing, but rather more placid resignation. Crossovers are everywhere now, with every brand getting into the action. And you know what's the craziest part? It's not like each manufacturer is doing its own thing.
Opel is getting in on the action, obviously, with the Grandland X. It should come as no surprise that this car sits on a shared platform as well, considering Peugeot's PSA parent has bought over the Opel brand. This car is built on the PSA EMP2 platform, shared by models including the Peugeot 3008, the Peugeot 5008 and the DS 7 Crossback.
Hustling about town
Mechanically, the Grandland X and the Peugeot 3008 share many parts. Just a quick glance at the numbers will tell you as much - both cars are the same length (4,447mm) and have the same 2,675mm wheelbase, though the Grandland X is a tad longer and slightly less wide.
Both also share the same three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2-litre engine, producing 129bhp and 230Nm of torque. It's a very serviceable and usable engine - sufficient power, but nothing much more than that. It'll get you from place to place with no problem at all, but enthusiastic driving isn't recommended.
On highways, the soft suspension in the Grandland X means that cruising is reasonably comfortable, even with some wind noise in the background. Take the car through a few corners and the car's ties to the 3008 drift further apart. Where the 3008 is sharp and planted, the Grandland X definitely wafts about vaguely with noticeable body roll. The soft suspension and less than taut chassis are mostly to blame.
Equipment is key
Visually, the Grandland X isn't the most exciting to look at. There are enough pinched out lines and angular details to stop the car from looking uninteresting, but if it's a radical design you're looking for, you definitely won't find it here.
For those averse to complicated parking manoeuvres, the Grandland X features a nifty park assist functionAnd it's the same on the inside. The cabin is neatly finished and comfortable enough, but there's occasional rattling from some of the plastic panels, and the gearshift lever doesn't shift as smoothly as we'd like.
Where the Grandland X seeks to stand out is with its high equipment levels, including front and rear park assist, side blind zone alert, a foot-operated power tailgate, Dual-Zone Electronic Climate Control with particle and odour filter, a 360-degree surround view camera, and cruise control with (optional) autonomous follow assist.
A 360-degree surround view camera is very useful in tight spacesThe Grandland X also comes equipped with Opel Eye, a suite of safety systems that includes side blind spot detection, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.
Pleasant but rather normal
Ultimately, the Grandland X struggles to really set itself apart in a category that is quite vanilla in general. It's a pleasant, comfortable and practical crossover (like many of its peers), and will appeal to buyers who want a reasonably affordable and slightly premium five-seater that comes with a high level of equipment.
The Grandland X is a well-equipped but otherwise rather normal crossoverThat said, the Grandland X's introduction into the crossover segment isn't going to radically change or revolutionise the segment. In truth, is there anything that truly will?
Visually, the Grandland X isn't the most exciting to look at. There are enough pinched out lines and angular details to stop the car from looking uninteresting, but if it's a radical design you're looking for, you definitely won't find it here.
Where the Grandland X seeks to stand out is with its high equipment levels, including front and rear park assist, side blind zone alert, a foot-operated power tailgate, Dual-Zone Electronic Climate Control with particle and odour filter, a 360-degree surround view camera, and cruise control with (optional) autonomous follow assist.
Pleasant but rather normal
Ultimately, the Grandland X struggles to really set itself apart in a category that is quite vanilla in general. It's a pleasant, comfortable and practical crossover (like many of its peers), and will appeal to buyers who want a reasonably affordable and slightly premium five-seater that comes with a high level of equipment.
