OPEL GRANDLAND X 1,6T ENJOY AT
Late to market, what can the newest Opel offer in the bustling midsize Suv/crossover segment?
IT would be fair to say that Opel has been on the back foot in recent times. Neglected somewhat in the General Motors stable, the brand’s resurgence in 2015 looked promising until it lost impetus with the global sale of the 110-year-old German autobrand to the PSA Peugeot Citroën group. The local unbundling has nally sorted itself out and now running the show is local distributor Williams Hunt, which is selling Opels through 35 dealerships around the country. Since its takeover, we’ve seen the launch of two crossovers, the Crossland X (tested in our March 2018 issue) and now its bigger sibling, the Grandland X.
A latecomer to a bustling segment in which Opel’s competitors have been doing excellent business, the Grandland X states its case with three derivatives: a base model; this Enjoy spec; and the Cosmo version that comes in at exactly R100 000 more (there will be a 2,0-litre diesel added to the range early next year). Strictly and maybe a little cynically speaking, the vehicle has already been here for a year when one takes into account the Peugeot 3008’s arrival on our shores in July 2017. As you may know, the Opel shares much of its key components with this French cousin, including its platform and drivetrain. Not that you’d say so based on looks.
Credit to Opel’s design team for creating both an exterior
and interior of an entirely different flavour to the Peugeot’s. Whereas flair and characterful would describe the 3008’s looks with its blunt nose offset by a concave grille, swept-back headlamps and claw-mark brakelamp arrays, conservative and purposeful suit the Grandland X better. And, especially in our market, that’s not a bad approach. Overly progressive styling has only niche appeal here and the 3008 hasn’t caught on in this market as well as its abilities deserve. While not as distinctive, the Opel’s lines are well proportioned and clean; indeed, time may well look kindlier upon the Grandland X a decade down the line.
In terms of exterior spec – as befitting its mid-range status – the Enjoy comes reasonably well equipped, with LED daytimerunning lights and taillamps, colour-coded bumpers, door handles and side mirrors, and 17-inch alloys. Roof rails (R3 500) and the panoramic glass roof (R11 000) on this press unit, however, are optional extras.
The interior pretty much reflects what you see on the outside. It’s a functional if sombre space that, from an ergonomic point of view, feels spot on. Again, whereas the 3008’s more futuristic i-cockpit interior with its small steering and deeply sculpted facia was clearly designed by someone wearing a black beret and polo neck, the Grandland X’s cabin is entirely more familiar and business-like in execution. Astra-esque in design, the interior feels solid and, although there are some hard plastics in the various panels below eye level, well finished.
As standard, Enjoy spec gets Opel’s signature Agr-certified ergonomic driver’s seat with cloth trim and leatherette bolsters (the power-adjustable, leather-upholstered option on this test vehicle costs R22 000). AGR is a German Campaign For Healthier Backs organisation and its approved seats received mixed reviews from our testers. Some found them comfortable – especially with the adjustable squabs – while other struggled with a backrest that was firmer than they would’ve liked.
Our vehicle was fitted with the optional eight-inch Navi 5.0 Intellilink infotainment system that oddly didn’t have SA maps loaded, rendering it useless. Opel assured us this was an oversight. The Enjoy comes standard with the sat-nav-less Intellilink 4.0 system that’s easy to use, nicely integrated into the dash and supplemented by another between the main instruments. Given the widespread use of excellent smartphone nav apps these days, proprietary vehicle systems are
More dynamic than the 3008, to the detriment of comfort Terence Steenkamp Sensible and practical. The puffer jacket of SUVS Steve Smith Opel putting its best foot forward. Now it’s up to the buying public Ian Mclaren
something of an indulgence.
In terms of interior space, the Grandland X mixes it with best of them, offering similar passenger and boot space to the Volkswagen Tiguan and a little more than the Hyundai Tucson. When it comes to utility space, though, with 1 248 litres it comfortably beats all, including the 3008 (1 184 litres). While legroom for adult passengers in this segment is rarely an issue, the sloping rooflines of some models do impact shoulder- and headroom. The Grandland X suffers from neither of these maladies.
With regard to safety spec, the Enjoy adds lane-departure warning to a full suite of safety features expected in this segment. This includes ABS, ESP, hill-start assist, six airbags and Isofix anchor points.
While it’s offered with a 1,2-litre Puretech turbopetrol in Europe, here in SA we get the Psa-sourced 1,6 THP unit that’s done service in a number of Peugeots, Citroëns and even Mini models. It’s a punchy engine developing 121 kw and 240 N.m from 1 400 r/min and, as in all Grandland X derivatives, is channelled through a six-speed torque-converter auto. Like our experiences with the 3008, power delivery is smooth, refined and surprisingly brawny, being clearly quicker through in-gear acceleration than, for example, VW’S Tiguan 1,4 TSI and even marginally quicker than the 3008 Gt-line we tested in September 2017 (a 30 kg heavier vehicle).
One thing that did surprise us, though, was the old-school gearlever mechanism. Whereas the 3008 has a small, shift-bywire lever, the Grandland X makes do with a full-size appendage that you must mechanically manoeuvre.
On the move, the Grandland X’s ride feels assured and composed on smooth roads – a touch more dynamic than the 3008 – with steering which, though light at low speeds, weights up nicely when pushing on. The system does feel somewhat overassisted and devoid of feedback but is accurate. Along with standard park assist, it makes parking a cinch, too, and you’re able to twirl the wheel left and right with one finger.
Encounter slightly bumpier
In terms of interior space, the Grandland X mixes it with the best of them
road surfaces and the odd tar scar, however, and you’ll notice some of the EMP2 platform’s shortcomings. Despite riding on plump 215/65 R17 tyres, the Grandland X doesn’t have the supple ride exhibited by our Top 12 Best Buys champ, the VW Tiguan, nor the 3008 on the same size wheels and tyres running in our long-term eet, and road imperfections are transmitted through to the cabin.
TEST SUMMARY
Whereas some may aunt their air and design chic, typically of an Opel, the Grandland X opts for a more conservative, pragmatic approach. In this growing, ultra-competitive segment, it con dently proclaims to “do what it says on the tin” as a roomy, well-built and wellequipped family vehicle with a punchy and re ned drivetrain.
At R465 000, pricing is on par with other players in the segment – it’s R5 000 dearer than the equivalent 3008 but undercuts the Tiguan – making the purchase decision more about what it is you like in a vehicle. If you’re looking for a fuss-free car to quietly go about its job ferrying the family round, the Grandland X is well worth a test drive.
However, if you’re looking for that little something special or different, then the likes of the Peugeot 3008 and Mini Countryman we’ve put in our Match-up section will appeal more.