Easy to drive and
short of the legendary Super Boss. Strange but true. It’s responsive enough for a car that weighs almost two tons. It revs freely and you will not think for a moment that it’s only 1600cc plus a blower (turbo). The global pattern towards lighter, smaller engines that offer better fuel consumption with quick response works well in the Grandland X.
The automatic box shifts smoothly and quietly, and the freeway commute is quieter than expected. It does create some noise as the speed increases, but this SUV is not aimed at the 100mph-plus per hour club. The raised seating position allows you a smidgen of aristocracy and the six-speaker sound system keeps you well entertained.
When you up the pace, the SUV starts to sway a bit, although the 17-inch rims do keep the ride comfortable over bumpy surfaces. The FWD system can be allowed its faults with faster cornering, because it’s predictable and gives you ample warning that you pushing the adhesion limits.
The Enjoy has a load of features: electronic stability programme, hill-start assist, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and blind spot assist in the top model.
The cabin is graced with a centre touchscreen with access to navigation, radio stations and other features and although it’s not the most appealing looking system, it gives you an idea of where infotainment is heading. I would rather have the upmarket Navi 5.0 system on the high-end model, but I’ve become spoilt. The ability to use one button to configure your speed setting and other features make it easy to apply. The entire display system can be figured out without the need to attain a degree in info technology, so this German Toyota keeps things on the level.
The Enjoy seats are roomy and accommodated my lanky frame with ease, and presenting no issues on long drives. If you want to be fussy, the Cosmo model seating has been approved by German back specialists, and if you want to spend extended shifts in a car, this model would be your chiropractor’s suggestion. All the models have the ISOFIX points and with ample legroom in the back; the Grandland can transport five reasonably sized adults and their luggage.
The Opel Grandland X presents a competent, well-built, easy to drive and solid package. Perhaps there are a few refinements that can be added to this SUV’S roster, but when I drive all the others in this arena, I’ll be better able to provide a better opinion. For now, it is good to have Opel back in South Africa, and at least consumers can rest assured that the brand is staying and making sure that the future is everyone’s.
Specifications
Engine: Power: Torque: 0-100:
Top Speed: 1.6-litre Turbo Enjoy 121kw
240Nm
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