Launched in 2017 and present in one of the most competitive segments of the European market, the Opel Crossland it was the target of the already traditional middle age restyling.
The goal? Refresh your image — inspired by the new Mokka — and remain competitive in a segment where proposals seem to multiply like mushrooms after the rain (see the recent example of Volkswagen, which after the T-Cross is getting ready to launch the Taigo).
Objective achieved? Is Crossland still an option to consider? To find out, we put to the test the also new GS Line version, with a sportier nature, associated with the 1.2 Turbo with 110 hp and six-speed manual transmission.
Crossover on the outside, minivan on the inside
Taller than average, the Opel Crossland appears to be the “connecting link” between traditional people carriers and SUV/Crossover, offering a pleasant sense of space on board that some competitors lack.
Whether in the field of head space (where the height of the body pays dividends), for the legs (which benefits from longitudinally adjustable seats in the rear) or the luggage compartment (capacity varies between 410 and 520 litres), the Crossland seems thought of “string to wick” for families.
Sober and ergonomic, two of the adjectives that best describe the Crossland interior.
The interior is typically Germanic, easy and intuitive to use, and a quality of materials and robustness in what is the average of the segment (not a reference, but also not disappointing).
All of this contributes to making the Opel Crossland cabin a pleasant space, suitable for long, comfortable and peaceful family trips.
110 hp enough?
Equipping “our” Crossland was the less powerful version of the 1.2 turbo (there is a 1.2 to 83 hp, but this one is atmospheric, without a turbo), which may raise doubts when we decided to make one of those trips with a car and a full trunk .
After all it is a small 1.2 l three-cylinder with 110 hp and 205 Nm.
If on paper the numbers are somewhat modest, in practice they do not disappoint. The six-speed manual gearbox is well stepped and has a pleasant feel (only the handle is too big) and helps to “squeeze” all the “juice” the engine has to give.
Whether on the highway, overtaking or in the ever-accelerating city traffic, the 110 hp has always allowed Crossland to provide quite acceptable performances for a model with its characteristics and all this while “rewarding” us with contained consumption.
After more than 400 km covered in the most diverse types of route, the registered average did not go beyond 5.3 l/100 km. On the other hand, in a more committed drive, he did not walk very far from 7 l/100 km.
Dynamically, the Opel Crossland saw the chassis shift take effect. Despite not “stealing” the title of the most fun B-SUV to drive the Ford Puma, the German crossover has a precise steering and a good compromise between comfort and behavior, something always important in a family-oriented proposal.
Is it the right car for you?
This renovation gave the Opel Crossland a new look that allows it to stand out a little more in the midst of the competition, especially in this GS Line that “pulls” for the sportier look.
Dynamically more efficient than until now, the German model is investing heavily in areas such as living space, comfort and versatility, all to establish itself as one of the best proposals in the segment for those who have children.
In my opinion, this new design language from Opel brought a welcome differentiation to Crossland.
In the technological field, the new adaptive Full-LED headlamps are an asset for those, like me, who travel many kilometers at night and the sober and ergonomically well-conceived look of the interior promises to win over the most conservative drivers.