Opel Grandland X Review

The Opel Grandland X is a brand new model for the Opel range, a mid-size SUV slotting in above the Opel Astra. Grandland X gives Opel a key product to compete for family buyers, who more and more are opting for SUVs.

The Opel Grandland X is a good-looking SUV with familiar Opel design cues. It shares underpinnings and engines with the Peugeot 3008 launched last year, but the Grandland X feels very much like an Opel. The Grandland X has a sleek and compact presence but there’s room inside for five as well as a generous 514 litre boot.

And while the interior design may not be as avant-garde as the Peugeot, the interior of the Grandland X is good quality and packed with technology including the Opel OnStar personal assistant and a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Will the Opel Grandland X make a good family car?

Comfort and space is a must for a family car and the Opel Grandland X does not disappoint. On the road it’s an agile and pleasant SUV to drive with light but predictable steering. The handling is not going to set the world on fire, but as a family car that’s easy to drive and get along with, you can’t fault it.

Opel is lucky to have some excellent engines to offer with Grandland X. I was driving the 1.2-litre petrol with 130hp and the SRi model tested with lots of goodies retailed at €30,595 (the range kicks off at €27,995).

For anyone thinking of switching back to petrol, I couldn’t recommend this engine more. It’s nippy with plenty of torque, and refinement is excellent. It’s smooth and efficient while C02 emissions mean motor tax is just €200 per year.

There’s also a 1.6-litre diesel with 120hp (from €28,995) and a range topping 2.0-litre diesel with 177hp.

Opel Ireland is offering the Grandland X in four trim levels: SC, SRi, Elite and Ultimate. While the starting price of €27,995 is higher than some rivals, Opel bites back with a good standard specification.

All the equipment you could ever need

Equipment includes OnStar with Wifi hotspot, smartphone projection, dual zone climate control, cruise control, electric windows, 17” alloys, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, rear parking sensors, high beam assist, and auto lights and wipers.

My 1.2 SRi model on test (€30,595) had 18” alloys, ambient lighting, electrically folding door mirrors, front and rear alloy effect skid plates, front parking sensors, keyless entry, 60/40 split folding rear seats, blind spot alert and a power tailgate.

The Opel Grandland X enters a packed segment full of rivals but it’s a really valuable car for Opel. It ticks all the boxes for a family car and the 1.2-litre petrol model is very pleasant to drive. The Opel Grandland X doesn’t do anything extraordinary but it’s comfortable and laden with technology so deserves to do well in its segment.

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Opel Grandland X SRi 1.2
Price: €30,595 (Range from €27,995)
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol
Power: 130hp
Torque: 230Nm
0-100km/h:  11.1 seconds
Top speed: 188km/h
Economy: 5.1/100km
CO2 emissions:  117g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year

If you are looking for a petrol family crossover, you might also like this review of the Nissan Qashqai.