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Did you know that the Opel brand is now part of Groupe PSA, which includes Peugeot and Citroën? 

The combination of companies and unification of technology means a better product offering from all three companies – almost like splitting the bill on a shared meal – you get to eat at a better quality restaurant. 

With that said, each brand shares the base (chassis), engines and gearboxes. Electronics are also shared. This leaves room for each brands’ designer to wrap or reskin products – so they look unique to each of the brands’ design language, rather than like a Kardashian/Jenner clone. 

An example of this from each of the car brands in their compact crossover/SUV segment are: The Peugeot 2008, Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel’s Crossland X. 

The Crossland X, a new nameplate introduced in 2018, is priced below its Mokka sibling and larger Grandland X models. 

Perfect for a small family of three to four, or those looking for a crossover to replace their hatch or sedan. The range offers three engines: A naturally aspirated 1.2-l manual, a 1.2-l turbocharged petrol motor in either manual or automatic, or the spirited and frugal 1.6-l turbocharged diesel. 

The option of three engines carries across into two guises – the mid-spec Enjoy and the flagship Cosmo. The Enjoy offers both engine and gearbox choices, while the Cosmo is only available in a 1.2-l turbocharged automatic. 

The diesel motor on test offers a more powerful engine that turns up the fun. There is 68kW/230Nm of power and torque on offer via a sloppy 5-speed manual gearbox. Modest figures that translate into nippy real-world acceleration. The benefit of the diesel motor vs the petrol is its frugality – expect figures around 5 litres/100km or less – an important component when deciding between the two motor options.

The Enjoy model range offers a variety of standard features, most notable key standard features include: A solar absorbing windshield, ergonomic cloth seats, foldable rear seats, air-conditioner, cruise control with speed limiter, rain-sensor wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, reverse camera (Optional) and front and rear parkassist. 

Safety is nicely covered both actively and passively with these safety features: Electronic stability programme (ESP), hill-start assist (HSA), driver, passenger, front seat side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners and lane departure warning. 

An infotainment system is now an important part of the car’s overall appeal. The system in the Crossland X is a breeze to operate and has good functionality - Bluetooth® / USB / MP3 / AUX input and IntelliLink Infotainment that is linked to a premium six speaker sound system.

The Crossland X is the quite accomplished one in a group of almost 20 competitors. I would consider buying the Crossland X – go test drive one. Its supple ride and ease of use are hard not to appreciate

The competition

Citroën C3 Aircross, Fiat 500X, Ford EcoSport, Haval H2, Honda BR-V, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Creta, Jeep Renegade, KIA Seltos, Mahindra XUV300, Mazda CX-3, Opel Mokka X, Peugeot 2008, Renault Duster, Renault Captur, Renault Triber, Toyota Rush, and Volkswagen T-Cross.  

Pricing 

Crossland X Enjoy 1.2 non-turbo Manual R311 000

Crossland X Enjoy 1.2T Automatic R367 000

Crossland X Enjoy 1.6TD Manual R367 000

Crossland X Cosmo 1.2T Automatic R404 000

Service and Warranty

The Crossland X is sold with a warranty & roadside assistance of 3 Years / 120 000 km and 3 year / 60 000 km service plan.

www.opel.co.za