VAUXHALL GRANDLAND X
Vauxhall’s Grandland X is the straight-laced British cousin to the flair-heavy Peugeot 3008 SUV.
It’s fair to say that Vauxhall’s a little late to the SUV party. This craze for high-riding sports utility vehicles began to gather traction back at the turn of the decade and has since dominated the car market. Vauxhall brought out its Grandland X for 2018, but it had a trick up its sleeve, it’s based on the Peugeot 3008 – the 2017 European Car of the Year.
If standing out from the crowd is your cup of tea, then the French 3008 from Peugeot is probably going to be your preferred choice with its dramatic, almost conceptual design language. The Vauxhall Grandland X is decidedly British about this sort of thing though, dressing down to a more presentable, inoffensive look. This is a car that keeps it simple and believe it or not, that’ll suit some people perfectly. After all, not everybody wants to have a style-heavy car.
Under the bonnet there’s a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines. The 1.2-litre turbo 3-cylinder unit is small in size but perfectly capable, with an output of around 128bhp plenty enough to get the Grandland X moving. Synergy customers who might have higher mileages in mind may be tempted by the 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel, an engine which has the same power output as the petrol but a higher amount of torque and better mpg figures. Right at the top of the Grandland X pyramid is the 2.0-litre 174bhp diesel which is only available on top-level ‘Ultimate’ trim.
The Grandland X is intended to be a comfortable, relaxed ride so isn’t likely to be a car you’ll enjoy throwing around corners. Passenger comfort is important to Vauxhall – and many of our customers too – so there’s plenty of space provided in the back and plenty of boot space too. With the rear seats up there’s 514-litres of load space, increasing to 1,652-litre with the seats folded flat. As for equipment, plenty of comforts are available in all Grandland X models. Cruise and climate control, automatic lights and wipers, Vauxhall’s infotainment system complete with ‘OnStar’ concierge system, lane departure warning, DAB radio, and Bluetooth are standard across the range.
Though the Grandland X turned up late to the SUV party, it’s spacious and comfortable, comes with great technology as standard and is always good value on a Synergy business or personal lease agreement. For many families, this will be a great SUV.