THE OPEL GRANDLAND X wades into a busy SUV segment with the hope that its smart looks and on-board technology will make up for its lack of an all-wheel drive option. Despite the ‘X’ being used by Opel to name its more rugged vehicles, this is one that is likely to spend most of its time on-road.
Not that it really matters, as that’s how the vast majority of cars in this segment end up.
Looks-wise, the Opel is conservative but has some tasteful styling. The contrasting roof colour adds to its somewhat upmarket image. The 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows and sharp LED headlights are enough to turn heads.
It has substance too, with useful features such as an electric tailgate that opens to reveal a 514-litre boot, which can expand to 1,652 litres. Perfect for fitting in those new cushions from Ikea.
Those in the rear will be kept happy with their own power supply, but the Opel’s real party piece is its built-in OnStar WiFi connection. It works independently of your own phone, so it won’t kill your data allowance, and it has fast enough speeds to keep passengers on their various devices occupied.
Aside from the WiFi, the car has all the latest smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay working well – the insulated cabin blocks out a lot of the road noise making it easier for the voice control to hear your instructions. Oh, and did I mention the heated steering wheel? All cars should have this option.
You do sit up high in the Grandland X and visibility is good. As is the layout of the cabin, with useful storage bins in the lower door cards and between the front seats. I found the gear level well placed, but it isn’t great to use. The gear change feels far from slick in operation.
Some people may scoff at the prospect of choosing a 1.2-litre petrol engine in a car the size of the Grandland X. But with 130hp the tall Opel doesn’t feel sluggish, even if the 11.1-second 0-100km/h would suggest otherwise.
However, if you’re frequently going to have it laden to the gills with luggage and passengers, you may want to consider one of the diesel engines.
Even on those larger alloy wheels the ride quality is comfortable. Suspension is on the softer side of things, so even on bad roads the Opel soaks up big bumps reasonably well. It makes a change from so many cars trying to be ‘dynamic’ and stiffening up the ride quality.
Overall, the Grandland X scores well on the space and practicality fronts, and bonus features such as the OnStar system and extras like the heated steering wheel all add to the positives. It might not drive with the sharpness and precision of some others, but for the daily commute and family duties, the Opel does well.
The Opel Grandland X is priced from €27,995 for the 130hp 1.2-litre petrol model with manual transmission.
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