Vauxhall Grandland

Grandland grows up – and looks great

Vauxhall’s Grandland-X has a new moniker and is now known simply as Grandland. The new name kickstarts a model refresh for Vauxhall’s C-sector SUV, and we got to drive the fleet-friendly plug-in version recently.

The shorter name also ushers in a slimmed down model range that’s better equipped, visually different and substantially cheaper then the outgoing Grandland-X. It’s also been built on Vauxhall’s Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) – a multi-energy platform that supports both electrification as well as advanced petrol and diesel powertrains.

Choose from three models: a 1.2T 130 PS 6-speed manual and an 8-speed auto petrol; a 1.5D 130PS 8-speed auto diesel or a 1.6T 225PS 8-speed auto PHEV.

Vauxhall has also simplified the model range with now just three on offer, in Design, GS Line and Ultimate. Design isn’t offered as a PHEV though and is only available in GS Line and Ultimate specs.

Interior and exterior

While the Grandland doesn’t look that different to the outgoing Grandland X, there are some notable changes. There’s a new Vauxhall Vizor front end with wing-style headlights and a redesigned front bumper. At the rear, the Grandland name stretches across the rear hatch and there’s some subtle changes to the rear bumper.

The interior has been sharpened up too; there’s a redesigned dashboard with PurePanel multimedia twin displays, with improved finishes to the dash front and top. The use of darker greys and blacks on the dash and seats also lifts the interior which previously was very grey. It feels more upmarket and all at a lower price point, which is good news for customers.

Interior space is good. Both front seat passengers have plenty of head and legroom while in the rear, thanks to the almost flat floor, three adults will have decent leg room as well. Rear passengers also benefit from a fold down centre seat armrest with two cup holders that doubles as a ski hatch. Door pockets are generous and there’s a couple of drinks holders in the centre cubby and under armrest storage too.

Our test car featured a hands-free power tailgate with HYBRID-e offering a 390 litre boot, ( 514 litres in petrol or diesel format ) which extends to 1,528 litres when folding down the rear seats.

Why should I pay more for the PHEV?

It’s a good question. The cheapest way in to a Grandland is with the petrol 1.2T manual Design, which costs from £25,810. GS Line is likely to account for 60% of Grandland sales, so a better comparison is the GS Line turbo auto, costing £29,570 vs the GS Line PHEV, which costs £33,820, so £4,250 more expensive. Retail customers therefore, may well be better off taking the standard petrol Grandland, but for corporate customers, it’s a little more complicated.

For starters, the BIK on the plug-in is 11%, meaning that for a 40% tax payer on a three-year lease, the low BIK represents almost a £6,000 saving over the term of the lease. So, the plug-in makes an awful lot of sense.

The plug-in Grandland mates an 81kW motor to a 1.6T 4-cylinder petrol auto engine. They combine to offer 225PS. with the onboard 13.2kWh battery providing up to 39 miles of pure electric driving. Unlike pure EVs which come with large batteries, the beauty of a PHEV is that the small battery, in this case 13.2kWh, can be charged quickly, for example from 0-100% in 3.5 hours on a home 7kWh charger, or if you select your PHEV with the optional 6.6kW On-Board-Charger, in just 1.75 hours.

On the road

The Grandland Hybrid-e offers three driving modes: Electric, Hybrid and Sport. In Hybrid the car automatically selects the most efficient method of propulsion, while Electric allows you to utilise the car’s battery range. Sport increases the fun but decreases driving range.

In Electric Mode, the HYBRID-e silently moves off and over short distances and at lower speeds, you can really take advantage of the battery range. Speed up and it makes sense to drive in Hybrid where you get the best of both worlds. Push the boat out in Sport Mode and the 360Nm comes to the fore, with a 0-60mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 140mph achievable.

Over some challenging roads, the Grandland performed admirably, with a quiet engine, comfortable seats and auto-box making progress serene. Apple CarPlay connects quickly and the new multi-media systems features decent graphics and a swift response when scrolling. We like the separate climate controls, so there’s no fiddling in the touchscreen required when you want to adjust the temperature.

On the road tight corners, even at speed, are taken in their stride and the battery weight is not really noticeable as you drive along.

Fuel economy

On the latest WLTP testing, Vauxhall claims 192 mpg and with CO2 emissions of just 31g/ km, company car drivers should take a serious interest. As we’ve said before though, the only way you’ll see any kind of fuel economy return close to 200 mpg is if you drive in Electric only, plug-in after every short journey and utilise the range-saver function. Engage the B regeneration mode on the car’s gear leaver and you’ll top it up as you go, too. We’d guess that if you don’t do these things regularly, and many PHEV customers don’t, then 40 mpg is a more likely scenario.

Pros

The Grandland is a vastly improved offering than the departing Grandland X. It’s now fitted with the latest tech and safety, oifers a quiet comfortable ride and uses a smooth 8-speed auto box. The plug-in’s low BIK makes it attractive for fleet and in GS Line spec, it’s also cheaper to buy than the competition, as well as being £4,000 less than the old Grandland X HYBRID4.

Cons

It may look better than before, but it doesn’t stand out looks-wise vs the Hyundai Tucson or Citroen C5 Aircross.

CC&V VERDICT

It’s massively improved: cheaper, better equipped, better improved engines, lower emissions and improved fuel economy. The PHEV version is especially attractive for fleet customers and in 225PS guise, makes a really strong case to be your next family, company car. Feels more grown up than its predecessor and is cheaper than its main competition.