Get social with me on twitter and Instagram @DanielCalbacho

Opel’s local range of cars is nice and simple – three hatches: the tiny Adam, the small Corsa and the compact Astra. In addition, there are three SUVs: the small Crossland X, the compact yet bigger, Mokka X and their mid-sized flagship, Grandland X.

The Grandland X is the newest member in the family. This is a family SUV that has entered the very crowded playing field of similarly priced and sized competitors. Positively, the Grandland X shares its chassis, engine and gearbox with the accomplished Peugeot 3008. That’s a bonus because the Peugeot 3008 is arguably within the top five list in its category.

Walk around the Grandland X, and you’ll notice a handsome vehicle that has been carefully put together - although visually the impact is somewhat reserved. The design fits within the family SUV category expected profiling, yet Opel seems to have played things safe. Especially when one considers the fact that the Grandland X shares its underpinnings from the flamboyant 3008. These two designs are visual examples of how, when given similar bases, designers can express their artistic flair so differently.

Open the Grandland X and you are surrounded by quality materials that are all screwed together with Germanic precession, but once again, lacks much flair - again, when compared to its French brother that oozes joie de vivre like an overstuffed chocolate Éclair. Simple, handsome lines may leave you wanting more, but the Grandland X’s array of standard features won’t. There is a great array that includes: 360°Cameras, Bright LED headlamps, heated and ventilated ergonomic AGR front seats, LED headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting, Advanced Park Assist, Navigation system with 8˝ touch screen, power tailgate and FlexFold (fancy rear folding seats). I loved the heated steering wheel, especially since it is winter now.

The range is driven by a smooth free-revving 1.6-liter petrol turbo motor. This engine, and its partnering 6-speed automatic gearbox are borrowed from Peugeot’s parts bin. Together, this combination makes for fuss-free motoring with a nice oomph of power (121kW/240NM) that will see you hitting 100km/h in comfortable 9.5 seconds. Being a compact motor, the Grandland X benefits from pretty good fuel consumption – these figures range between 8 to 10l/100km depending on your urban-to-freeway ratio.

The benefit of this engine and gearbox combination brings forth a relaxed drive. You never feel like the Grand is struggling. Its supple ride, thanks to its congruent suspension set up is also in-line with a care-free and cossetted driving experience. The Grandland X is set up perfectly for parental duties – hauling around kids, groceries, functional usage etc.

Overall, the Grandland X is a good car. Perhaps the only hinderances to its flourishing success would be the stiff competition and demure design. If you choose to part with your hard-earned coin in exchange for the Grandland X, you won’t be unhappy with its considered package.

Plus +

• Good ride quality
• Nice engine
• No fuss family car

Minus –

• Conservative design

The Competition

Ford Kuga, KIA Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 3008, Renault Koleos, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

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

Service and warranty

Warranty & roadside assistance 3 Years/120 000km, anti-corrosion warranty 12 years/unlimited km, Service Intervals 12 months/20 000km and Service Plan 5 years/100 000km.

My Choice

Opel Grandland X 1.6T  Enjoy A/T | R465 000

www.opel.co.za