Vauxhall Grandland GSE
Family SUV gets 296bhp, but do pace and practicality work in harmony? On sale Now Price from £43,700
LIKE THE ASTRA GSE, the Grandland GSE uses plug-in hybrid (PHEV) tech for more than just saving petrol. You see, this sporty take on the family SUV combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, pushing up output to 296bhp – making it Vauxhall’s most powerful car.
That means that as well as officially being able to run on electricity alone for up to 41 miles, the Grandland GSE can hit 62mph from a standstill in a rapid (for an SUV) 6.1sec. Other changes that set it apart from the single-motor PHEV Grandland include stiffer suspension and meatier steering, sports seats and thicker leather on the steering wheel.
The suspension in particular is a great improvement in terms of driver enjoyment, giving much better body control, but the firm ride can get tiring. It’s far less forgiving through potholes and over imperfections than rivals such as the Kia Sportage PHEV.
There are other issues too. The Gse’s steering feels quite artificial, and while the eight-speed automatic gearbox reacts quickly enough when you want a burst of power, it can be jerky.
The biggest problem, though, is the price: it’s far more expensive than the Sportage in our favourite 3 trim. As with the Astra GSE, its main appeal is as a relatively low-cost company car option.
Our pick GSE
List price £43,700 Target Price £43,700 Target PCP na MPG 235 CO2 27g/km For Competitive electric range; quick for an SUV; generously equipped Against High price; firm and unsettled ride; not the most practical family SUV WHAT CAR? SAYS ★★