FIRST DRIVE
Vauxhall Grandland X
Grandland X is a new name for Vauxhall. It’s the brand’s rival for the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, a talented and popular bunch if ever there was one.
Despite appearances, it’s strictly a two-wheel-drive vehicle. Apparently, customers want neither the weight nor the expense of four-wheel drive – caravanners, however, may disagree. Especially when you consider that with kerbweights of 1350-1430kg across the range (including 75kg for a driver), the minimum 85% match figure is a pretty paltry 1148kg.
The Grandland X is available with either a 128bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol or a 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel. We spent most of our time in the diesel, which easily has enough pace for everyday driving. The petrol felt surprisingly engaging, although petrol cars are lighter than diesels. Either way, the Grandland X is a nice car to drive, but one you’re unlikely to want to wax lyrical about.
Rear-seat space is decent, and boot space starts at a respectable 514 litres. Fold the rear seats down and that increases to 1652 litres.
This is a likeable, amiable car, but is it a class-leader? Probably not. Lizzie Pope