Introduction: My first glance of the newest version of the Grandland, impressed me and then after driving it for a week, I realised why. It was not only a solid looking vehicle, but it also matched the looks with some great handling and lovely power from the word go, without turbo lag – a must in South African driving conditions. This vehicle will afford buyers another option in this eagerly crowded crossover SUV market, giving customers that are looking for some traditional German engineering from the Stellantis Eisenach plant, something to consider. The Grandland has used some design elements from the experimental concept car. Included in the borrowing, are the "3D Visor" front fascia with an illuminated logo, an Intelli-Lux Pixel HD lighting system, an option of a dual tone exterior colour, and the first Opel/Vauxhall production model to offer well-lit and standout illuminated brand lettering in centre on the full-width taillights, in red. The front grille contains white lights displaying the Opel badge and also stands out very well. Recycled materials are used inside a very spacious cabin for the fabric and upholstery, and they look great with dual tone seats giving the car a sporty feel.
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The Grandland comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering a 134 kW and 300 Nm to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Opel have claimed a combined fuel economy figure of 7 L/100 km, but I got 9 L/ 100 km, after enjoying some ferocious accelerations between traffic lights! I loved the guttural sound produced when flooring it, making me turn the volume down often, just to hear it repeatedly! The vehicle was comfortable thanks to its special dampening suspension, is easy to drive and once on the open road, sat very well on our highways at generous but respectable speeds.
Features: All the bells and whistles and more, including, EBD, traction control, heated rear seats, airbags (front, side, curtain), 2 x USB c type ports well positioned in the front, wireless charging station, rear and front cameras plus 360 degree view, auto cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane assist, adaptive speed control, a HUP that toggles to your height which was a big bonus, tyre pressure sensors, heated steering wheel, heated front seats with massage function, power assisted tailgate, panoramic sunroof and the list goes on.
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The massive interior is incredibly roomy, offering its occupants the freedom to enjoy some space without being all cramped up like some smaller cars. The 40-centimetre infotainment screen is fantastic and seamlessly merges alongside an instrument cluster that is crisp and clear. The 19-inch alloy wheels look good on the Grandland and go well with the exterior aesthetics. What really impressed me was the boot space and ground clearance, coming in at 550 Liters and 199 millimetres respectively. This means that as a family wagon, it has everything that you need to go away, and you can book that holiday and go forth, with the utmost confidence, even when you trail a mate with a 4x4 who wants to go off the beaten track. I reckon that with enough momentum and reduced tyre pressure, you could actually go even further than ever imagined, far into the mountains on those roads less travelled. The Grandland allows you to walk away from your busy desk and can bring out the adventurer in you, if you allow it in!
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R789 900, 5 years/100 000 km warranty with roadside assistance and a 12 years/unlimited km anti corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 12 months/ 15 000 km, and the service plan is the first 5 years/90 000 km
In Summary: I would buy this vehicle, as I am a family man. I loved the abundance of room in both rows of seats and my children who are teenagers though that the back seats were super comfortable, and legroom was a plenty. If you are wanting to create memories with your family in a sturdy, spacious and good-looking SUV and you are happy to venture off the beaten path, away from the herd, then have a proper look at the Opel Grandland.
*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact Opel SA*
