Opel attends to Mzansi’s trendsetters with its new and ‘Hip’ looking Grandland X compact SUV, but is it ‘hip’ enough to prevail in its congested segment?
What is most certain though is that the new Grandland X fits in as a third member of the Opel X family, joining the Crossland X and Mokka X siblings (one would swear they are triplets). What differentiates the new Grandland X from a design perspective is the fact that it is longer and higher than its siblings, allowing for added practicality. Its ‘cool’ looks are favoured by the bold Opel Blitz grille flanked by chrome winglets that flow towards the slim, double-wing LED headlamps, with the hood gaining the makers signature crease. The side view gains sculpted wheel arches with protective cladding on the lower body that grants an off-road appeal. Personalisation options come in the form of the optional two-tone finish with the roof in contrasting black. The rear benefits from a wide stance, silver underride protection with integrated tailpipes on the left and right, with the protective cladding and slim LED taillights adding the final touches. ‘Hip’ enough for you?
Interior highlights include a horizontally laid out instrument panel and center stack with touchscreen and three horizontal rows of controls for easy access to infotainment, climate control and chassis functions. Its long wheel base ensures comfort for 5-passengers including a 1.652litre luggage compartment. Opel enthusiastically claims that the ‘Grandland X can compete with even the most spacious compact class station wagons’. Further convenience highlights include a higher driver seating position, Navigation system with 8˝ touch screen, Power tailgate and the FlexFold rear seats that disappear with a one hand movement.
“The new Grandland X is a modern SUV with an exceptional presence and a bold design that looks compact, sporty and muscular. We have further refined our Opel design philosophy to create an SUV which blends sportiness and elegance to make it an absolute eye-catcher in its segment,” said Vice President Design Mark Adams.
One engine will be available at market launch, a 121kW/240Nm 1.6litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and will be available in three trim levels.
Pricing:
Opel Grandland X 1.6T A/T R429 000
Opel Grandland X 1.6T Enjoy A/T R465 000
Opel Grandland X 1.6T Cosmo A/T R565 000