The Vauxhall Grandland X is to affordable SUVs what avocado is to hipsters
It was late to the SUV party, but Vauxhall's range topper has sauntered in, opened the fridge and started drinking the Qashqai's cans.
Avocados. Can you remember a time avocados weren't absolutely everywhere?
Don’t get me wrong, I love a bacon, poached egg and avocado breakfast muffin as much as the next hipster, but I didn’t expect the buzz to go as far as “Can I avo-cuddle?” birthday cards.
And the same can be said for the current, and seemingly never-ending, demand for SUVs and bigger motors. The interest in them I mean, not the birthday cards.
It’s a demand that carmakers are only too keen to supply. From the crossover hatchbacks trying to jump on the bandwagon to the likes of the BMW X7, a car so big it very nearly qualifies for council tax.
Somewhere in the middle of that spectrum is the Vauxhall Grandland X, which the manufacturer hoped would put its affordable and family-friendly stamp on the trend.
Vauxhall’s range topper
Sitting at the top of the pile, above the Crossland X and Mokka X, the Grandland X is the biggest of Vauxhall’s passenger cars.
It’s been around for a few years now, but to the majority of drivers that means nothing – of course, you can still buy a brand-new model like the one I tested, but you could argue that the best value for money is found in used stocks.
And considering the sheer number of SUVs and crossovers to choose from, it’s often the value that splits them – a case of which has the best balance of tech, features and price.
In terms of rivals, its closest competition is the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Karoq, and Peugeot 3008 that’s built on the same platform as the Vauxhall, by parent company PSA.
It scores well on looks
Despite being the same underneath, though, the Grandland X and 3008 look nothing alike. The Peugeot’s gone for a more edgy design, with jagged lines and Mustang-esque rear lights, but I think the Vauxhall is the more imposing of the two.
When it comes to SUVs and crossovers, imposing is probably something you’re after.
The manufacturer’s signature bonnet crease and angular daytime LEDs suit the car, while the Elite Nav – the model we’re looking at here – throws in 19-inch alloys and chrome detailing for extra appeal.
If you want something that’s alright to look at, the Grandland X’s higher trims will fit the bill and score better than many of the alternatives.
Style, but not at the expense of substance
Styling can win buyers, but it’s wasted if there’s no usability to back it up.
As most of the models in this class will end up on the driveway of a family home, they need to carry five passengers in decent comfort.
The Grandland X does well on that front. Thanks to its height, you slide in rather than drop down into it, and there’s also impressive headroom and space in the front.
You won’t find as much in the back, but it’s unlikely the kids are as vertically favoured as this six-foot-three reviewer.
On top of that, there’s 514 litres of space in the boot – almost 85 more than the Qashqai. Or enough room for an absolute ton of gear, in layman’s terms.
Solid, surprising performance
When you think family SUV, you generally don’t think performance. Not the sort that’ll have you pressed against the side window as you hurtle round a bend, anyway.
They do need enough poke to pull themselves, however, along with the passengers and gear they’re lugging about.
The model I tested will do that with a 1.2-litre petrol turbo. Granted, it sounds quite small for a big car, but today’s 1.2s aren’t what they used to be.
The Grandland X is fitted with a turbocharger, like most engines these days, which makes a world of difference. It’s nippy enough and doesn’t feel as flat as you’d expect from a small unit.
Still, there’s a 1.5-litre diesel and 2.0-litre diesel as well, the latter of which is now available across most of the specs. You won’t take too much of a hit on the more powerful engines either, as they all offer decent fuel economy. Another big tick for family motoring.
And for even more power and efficiency, the Hybrid4 plug-in arrives next year, with nearly 300bhp and a mpg figure that could reach three digits.
Separating it from the rest
To a degree, all family SUVs and crossovers will offer space, comfort and a more than reasonable return on fuel costs. It’s often in their tech, and the price it comes at, that you’ll find the difference.
The Grandland X does well for extras, with the majority options coming as standard on the Elite Nav that I drove. The leather seats, which are heated and air conditioned, in particular stand out.
That being said, the Elite Nav and upcoming Hybrid4 are two of the pricier specs. Perfect for those wanting the best looks and all the kit, but maybe not the option for motoring on a budget.
For me, it’s the mid-spec Sport Nav that has the best balance of kit and value. It has cruise control, touchscreen, satnav, parking sensors and even tilting wing mirrors, to help avoid a collision with the neighbour’s cat.
The Sport Nav is no longer available brand new, but that just means you’re looking at even more savings on list price. And if you’re adamant on having the first backside behind the wheel of a new motor, there’s now the similarly spec’d SRi Nav.
They might not have benefited from the avocado effect and found their way onto greetings cards, but SUVs aren't going anywhere soon. There's now a model for just about every budget.
The Grandland X sits firmly in the affordable family SUV segment, and doesn't look an inch out of place.
To try out a new or used Vauxhall Grandland X yourself, get in touch with your nearest Lookers Vauxhall dealership.
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Comments (3)
Do you mean they should be smashed?
(Nice review btw)
Or we can meet in the middle and put a Grandland X on a birthday card. Cheers for reading