After getting to know the new Opel Grandland X up close, in a presentation that took place in Portugal, it was time to drive the biggest member of the X family of the German brand.
German DNA…and French
Both the Crossland X and this Grandland X are the result of the partnership celebrated between GM and the PSA Group in 2012, prior to the acquisition of Opel by the French group. This partnership was intended to reduce costs, resorting to the joint production of models.The Opel Grandland X uses the EMP2 platform used by the PSA group in the Peugeot 3008. While the Opel Crossland X has this familiar relationship with the French SUV, it will find, when it hits the market in the first quarter of 2018, a real rival .
Although the measurements are practically the same (the Opel Crossland X is marginally taller and longer than the Peugeot 3008) it is in the exterior and interior design that, as you would expect, we find the big differences.
design
About this chapter, nothing better than reading Fernando Gomes' opinion and analysis here, in an interview with Opel Deputy Design Director, Fredrik Backman.
Engines
The engines available at the launch of this Grandland X, are all PSA origin and are limited to a diesel proposal and a gasoline one. On the petrol side we have a 1.2 liter turbo engine with 130 horsepower and on the Diesel side a 1.6 liter engine with 120 horsepower. These engines will be the spearheads for the first few months of commercialization.
The 1.2 Turbo engine with direct injection is constructed of aluminum, delivers 130 hp of power and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 1750 rpm. Weighing only 1350 kg it is the lightest proposal in the range (Diesel charges 1392 kg on the scale when equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox).
It is capable of completing the traditional 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds and reaching 188 km/h of top speed. It also promises mixed consumption between 5.5 and 5.1l/100 km (NEDC cycle). The announced CO2 emissions stand at 127-117 g/km.
In the Diesel option, the 1.6 Turbo D engine produces 120 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1750 rpm. This engine is capable of completing the traditional 0-100 km/h sprint in 11.8 seconds and reaching 189 km/h of top speed. It also promises mixed consumption between 5.5 and 5.1l/100 km (NEDC cycle). The announced CO2 emissions stand at 127-117 g/km.
There are two transmissions available, manual and automatic, both six-speed. An 8-speed automatic transmission will later be introduced into the range.
New versions in 2018
For 2018 a top-of-the-range Diesel is promised, a 2.0 liter with 180 hp, as well as other engines that will be introduced over the next year. Also in 2018, the PHEV version, the brand's first plug-in hybrid, should be introduced in the Grandland X range.
Diesel will be the most sought-after offer on the Portuguese market, representing the largest share of sales in the C-SUV segment, so the presence of a Diesel engine right at the start of the Opel Grandland X's marketing should boost sales.
The power range available at launch is also in line with the majority of sales in this segment, which tells us that it will be more than enough to satisfy the needs of most future customers.
These two engines, due to their low CO2 emissions, promise to be an ally in terms of price, as they manage to be fiscally competitive, avoiding a penalty on the bill to be paid by the consumer.
Versatility
Luggage compartment has 514 liters of capacity and can be increased to 1652 liters with the seats folded down. If we choose to install the Denon HiFi sound system, the trunk loses 26 liters of capacity, if we add a spare wheel it loses another 26 liters.
That's 52 liters of capacity that are lost, so if it's cargo space you're looking for, you'll have to take that into account when defining the list of options.
front wheel drive only
Despite being an SUV, the Opel Crossland X takes the same direction as its brother 3008 and will only have front wheel drive. The IntelliGrip system is available and is able to adapt both the torque distribution to the front axle, as well as the automatic gearbox and the accelerator response, using five operating modes for this: Normal/Road; Snow; Mud; Sand and ESP off (changes to normal mode from 50 km/h).Class 1 at the tolls? It's possible.
Opel continues to work towards homologating the Grandland X as a class 1 at the tolls, the units destined for homologation should soon arrive in Portugal. The approval as Class 1 will be decisive for the success of the German model in the national market. The Opel Grandland X hits Portuguese roads in the first quarter of 2018, with a definite launch date and prices yet to be announced.
Safety
There is an extensive list of safety and comfort equipment available. Highlights include the Adaptive Speed Programmer with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, Driver Tiredness Alert, Parking Assistance and 360º Camera. The front, rear seats and steering wheel can be heated, and the electrically operated luggage compartment can be opened and closed by putting your foot under the rear bumper.
Also in terms of security systems, Opel has once again reinforced its commitment to lighting, having equipped the Opel Grandland X with AFL headlamps entirely in LED.
entertainment for everyone
The IntelliLink entertainment system is also present, with the range starting with Radio R 4.0, up to the complete Navi 5.0 IntelliLink, which includes navigation and an 8-inch screen. This system allows the integration of devices compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. An induction charging platform for compatible appliances is also available.The Opel OnStar system is also present, including 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and adds two new features: the possibility of booking hotels and locating car parks.
At the wheel
We had the opportunity to test the two engines that will be available right from the launch, the 1.2 Turbo petrol with a 6-speed manual gearbox and the 1.6 Turbo Diesel with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The Opel Grandland X feels agile, even on urban routes, and is able to face the challenges that are presented to it in daily use, without difficulties. The controls have the correct weight and the steering, not being the most communicative I've tested in a C-segment SUV, fulfills its purpose. The 6-speed manual gearbox is well stepped and has a comfortable to use lever, which allows for relaxed driving.
The higher driving position gives the Grandland X a positive rating in terms of visibility, although rear window visibility has been impaired to favor the model's leaner, leaner styling. To increase the feeling of freedom, light and interior space, the panoramic roof is the best option.
But if it's relaxation and ease of driving that you're looking for, then it's best to opt for the 6-speed automatic. During our first contact, it was possible to drive a Grandland X Diesel with this option. The 6-speed automatic transmission is not “the last cookie in the package”, but it does on a positive note.
It is necessary to review the quality of the rear camera, it deserved more definition. Even in bright situations, the image quality is poor.
Verdict
The Opel Grandland X has what it takes to be a success. The design is balanced, it's a well-built product and the engines available are the most sought after in our market. The approval as Class 1 at tolls will be decisive for your business success. We are awaiting a complete test in Portugal. Until then, keep the images.