VAUXHALL CROSSLAND X 1.2T
Latest Nissan Juke rival is more Suv-lite than the Mokka X
Sixty-three millimetres. That’s all there is between the lengths of the new Crossland X and the recently updated Mokka X. So what’s Vauxhall playing at, having two SUVS with barely a cigarette paper to separate them in size?
Well, it argues that the Mokka is a traditional SUV, with big wheels (up to 19in), aggressive looks and the option of four-wheel drive, whereas the Crossland X comes with 16in or 17in wheels, majors on practicality and is front-wheel drive only.
It’s based on a platform that will also underpin the next Citroën C4, thanks to a deal with the PSA Group that predates the recently agreed buyout. This original deal will also enable Vauxhall to launch a bigger Grandland X model based on the Peugeot 3008 and is the reason why the Crossland X uses PSA engines: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel.
We tried the mid-range 1.2, which produces 108bhp and 151lb ft and is punchy and happy to rev. Unfortunately, it was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox with a vague shift. A six-speed manual is also offered but was unavailable to test.
The transmission isn’t the only thing about the driving experience that disappoints. The Crossland X also has vague steering and suffers from a fair bit of body roll in bends. Scruffy road surfaces send thumps through the cabin, too.
Instead – and as promised – it’s the practicality that most impresses. There’s plenty of space for four adults inside, sliding rear seats are available as a £300 option on all models, and even without this feature you get a 410-litre boot that puts the Nissan Juke’s (and the Mokka’s) luggage capacity to shame.
The Crossland X comes very well equipped, too, with even the entry-level SE spec getting alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
If anything, then, it’s the Mokka X rather than the Crossland X that looks a little redundant, especially given that the latter model is slightly cheaper. However, the popularity of SUVS makes it likely that both will attract plenty of sales. And that, ultimately, is probably the point as far as Vauxhall is concerned.