5 minute read
Vauxhall Grandland
Vauxhall has given the Grandland a comprehensive mid-life makeover. Darren Cassey got behind the wheel...
Under the bonnet
A 1.6-litre petrol engine with electric motor combine to give the Grandland 222bhp.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Vauxhall Grandland Plug-in Hybrid-e
Price (as tested): £33,820
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol
engine and electric motor
Power:
222bhp
Torque: 360Nm
Max speed:
140mph
O-60mph:
8.9 seconds
MPG (combined):
192
Emissions:
31g/km CO2
WHAT IS IT?
Last year, the Vauxhall Corsa was the UK’s best-selling car and the new Astra has been well received by reviewers, too. A new Grandland represents an opportunity to keep this upward trend going. On paper it’s all positive, with a refreshed face and much improved on-board technology – and now we’ve had a chance to get behind the wheel in the UK to find out if the reality is just as good.
WHAT’S NEW?
The front end in particular looks completely different, gaining the firm’s ‘Vizor’ design that makes it look like the rest of the range. The new Pure Panel infotainment display puts in an appearance here as well, while there are also improved driver-assistance systems, comfortable seats and a simplified range of trims.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The hybrid is the main story here, as manufacturers are keen to get drivers behind the wheel of their electrified models. This is a plug-in unit that combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 222bhp. There’s also a 13.2kWh battery that has a range of up to 39 miles, which makes it useful for urban trips when fully charged.
The fuel economy of 192mpg will be a big draw, although bear in mind this is only achievable by those who can charge the battery regularly.
You’ll also have the choice of a 1.2-litre petrol engine and 1.5-litre diesel engine, which promise fuel economy of up to 45.6mpg and 54.3mpg respectively.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
We got behind the wheel of both the hybrid and regular petrol, and the common theme to both was that the Grandland is a pleasant car to travel about in. The steering weights are well judged and the pedals are easily accustomed to. It’s pretty comfortable on poor roads but doesn’t roll too much in corners, either.
The petrol doesn’t have much in the way of performance, with acceleration reluctant rather than enthusiastic. However, the hybrid is much more palatable – it’s hardly lightning-quick but feels much less stressed keeping pace with the hustle and bustle of urban traffic. Its electric output could do with being a little gentler when pulling away from a stop to smooth out the driving experience, but it’s a minor bugbear.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
On the face of it, the Grandland is a handsome car. Vauxhall’s Vizor front end looks great and has been well applied elsewhere in the range. The large black bar between the headlights gives it a unique, sleek appearance, while the lower bumper with its larger air intakes have a hint of sportiness.
The rear hasn’t quite been given the same spruce-up. In isolation it looks fine, but taken alongside that sparkly new front it looks a little soft and incohesive.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
In short, less inspiring. In pictures it looks like there’s been a tick upmarket, but once you’re behind the wheel there’s no doubt it’s closer to a budget model. The digital instrument display looks great but the infotainment looks awkward – the screen’s real estate appears smaller than it is because of the shiny black surround.
The materials are far from cheap and nasty but they’re certainly not premium. It all feels just a little cold and practical. The boot has 514 litres of space and this rises to 1,652 with the rear seats down. Hybrid models have a decent chunk less – 390 and 1,528 litres – because of the packaging of the batteries.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
There are just three trims. Called Design, GS Line and Ultimate, they’re effectively value, sporty, and all-the-bells-and-whistles respectively.
Design models start at £25,810 and include LED headlights and tail lights, cruise control, a seven-inch infotainment display, climate control plus 17-inch alloy wheels. GS Line starts at £28,070 and adds a rear parking camera, 10-inch infotainment display, sports style front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a black roof. Top-spec Ultimate models start at £31,570 and include pixel LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, wireless charger, Alcantara upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels and much more.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
What Car? said the Grandland was ‘competitively priced in most trim levels’, while Auto Express said it lacked character but ‘those after something sensible and well built should definitely add it to their list’.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
It has a smart exterior and the trim levels offer great value for money. The hybrid powertrain is particularly good to drive and should mean fantastic running costs if kept well charged.
The interior is less inspiring and cements the Grandland’s position as a decent – if a little drab – family car. There’s a lot to like, but it remains firmly in the middle of the pack in this segment, with plenty of rivals offering more appealing alternatives, even if they do cost a little more.
Style
Design updates give the Grandland a refreshed front and a sleek look.
Cabin
There are some nice touches but it doesn’t have a premium feel. The digital instrument display looks great, though.
TARGET BUYERS:
Family and fleet buyers looking for a low-cost SUV.
THE RIVALS:
Skoda Karoq Peugeot 3008 Toyota Rav4
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Smart new look. 2.Efficient hybrid engine. 3.Comfortable ride.
