Opel grandland x is a good bridge between car and suv
IF YOU have around R500 000 to spend on a new car this month, but aren’t sure if you want a car or an
SUV, why not get something that’s a bit of both?
Opel’s high-spec Grandland X Cosmo passed through the driveway recently, which allowed me to get to grips with the crossover and its offering.
The test car was painted in a funky two-tone paint scheme with large 18-inch alloy wheels. Not only did it look sporty, it looked expensive, which is great if you’re trying to impress. More importantly, though, it’s the packaging of the Grandland X that makes it a genuine contender for your offer to purchase. Large cabin, loads of space and an airy feel come standard.
I had approached the Grandland X Cosmo with the mindset that it was going to wallow and be unsatisfying to drive, despite it looking sporty from most angles. But, relaxed and comfortable is what you can expect from the driver’s seat.
The six-speed autobox, standard across the Grandland X range, isn’t the fastest-shifting, but it does respond well to kickdown suggestions made by your right foot.
The driver and passenger seats are approved by a panel of seating and spine experts for their ability to keep you refreshed and in an ideal position when on the road. The seating position for the driver is good, with varying levels of adaptability.
I took the car for long loops around Joburg to get a feel of the ride and handling, but also test the tractability of the engine and the drivetrain. In the past, I’d driven a Grandland X that seemed overwhelmingly turbo-laggy when trying to accelerate, but this latest model (the range topping Cosmo) proved otherwise.
There’s a short moment before boost builds and once you get used to the autobox’s responses it turns into a pleasure to drive in traffic. The 1.6 turbopetrol engine is, incidentally, rated for 121kw and 240Nm.
There’s enough room for five adults to squeeze in and a decent deep and wide boot makes it easy to carry cots and prams.
Advanced Park Assist allows hands-free autonomous parking.
The system scans for potential parking bays and guides the Grandland X into a pre-selected bay. Verdict Safe, smart, decent price (ranging between R441 870 and R565 000), and packed