mass compatible
Opel has tuned the chassis of its SUV to the greatest possible intersection with mass taste.
The Opel Grandland relies on the classic formula for success of compact SUVs: Many strengths and only a few weaknesses make it one of the most attractive offers on the German everyday car market. However, if you are looking for corners and edges in a crossover, this is not the place for you.
The first impression: Objective and compact – Opel’s currently largest SUV with a length of 4.48 meters is now almost a small model in a class comparison. This has a positive effect on handiness and parking space requirements, while hardly any concessions are necessary in terms of space. The trunk corresponds to the class standard, offers practical storage compartments and a remote release for the backrests.
Visually, the Grandland, which has already been lifted once, appears rather sober and elegant, while digital instruments and the easy-to-use infotainment system provide a modern touch in the interior.
On the road: Uncomplicated and efficient – Opel has tuned the chassis of its SUV to have the greatest possible intersection with mass taste. A little comfort, a little sportiness and above all a handy and uncritical handling. Most users should get along with it very well, even if the crossover doesn’t set any special accents anywhere.
The manual 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine is more spirited than the paper values suggest, bringing its manageable 96 kW/130 hp for this class to the road and requiring little start-up, even for high motorway speeds. If you don’t max that out, you can get by with just under six liters of petrol per 100 kilometers. The drive is via the front wheels, so the trailer load is a bit meager for an SUV with 1.4 tons.
The costs: Just under 31,000 euros are enough to get started in the compact SUV series. If you buy the basic model “Enjoy”, you have to do without some design and comfort extras, and the choice of additional options is severely limited. The better alternative should therefore usually be the “Elegance” model, which comes well stocked for 34,300 euros – including the highly recommended, multi-adjustable ergonomic seats.
Tidy interior
Inside, digital instruments and the easy-to-use infotainment system add a modern touch.
Comparatively clear
At 4.48 meters long, Opel’s currently largest SUV is now almost a small model in a class comparison.
The competitors: In hardly any other segment of the German car market is the competition as fierce as in that of compact SUVs. The strongest alternatives include the slightly larger VW Tiguan, the slightly futuristic Hyundai Tucson and the Ford Kuga, which is only available as a relatively expensive plug-in hybrid. In addition, the technically closely related Peugeot 3008 from sister company Peugeot appeals to a similar clientele.
Finally: The Grandland is one for all. Balanced driving characteristics, fair price positioning and impeccable suitability for everyday use in the city and on long journeys. If you have special requirements in terms of driving comfort or sportiness, you will certainly find more suitable alternatives in the wide range of segments. The fact that the Grandland can neither go off-road nor is it particularly suitable as a towing vehicle should hardly bother the average crossover buyer.
Specifications – Opel Grandland 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo
Five-door, five-seat mid-size SUV; Length: 4.48 meters, width: 1.91 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2.10 meters), height: 1.61 meters, wheelbase: 2.68 meters, trunk volume: 514 – 1,652 liters 1.2-liter three-cylinder -Turbo petrol engine, 96 kW/130 hp, maximum torque: 230 Nm at 1,750 rpm, six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h: 10.1 s, Vmax: 188 km/h, standard consumption (WLTP): 6.1 – 6.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 138 – 143 g/km, test consumption: 6.1 l/100 km Price: from 30,980 euros