IT'S a tough world out there in the ever booming SUV market and you have to have something to give you an edge over your competitors.
And as - despite what some car magazines might say - most models are chosen primarily on looks the Vauxhall Grandland X's striking design has to put it ahead of the game.
The largest of the Luton-based car company's SUV models the Grandland X is a big car at almost 4.5 metres in length but its large dimensions are disguised in impressive flowing lines and clever creases in the metal.
Its tall stance makes it easy to get in and out of and affords excellent all round vision for driver and passengers.
The length and height of the Grandland X means it's an ideal choice for anyone looking for a particularly spacious family SUV as it not only offers an abundance of head and leg room but also plenty of space to cram in a bumper amount of luggage.
In fact beneath the powered tailgate there's space for some 514 litres of suitcases or shopping with all the seatbacks upright and a whopping 1,652 litres with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded down.
That's well in excess of the SUV market leader the Nissan Qashqai but not too much different to the Peugeot 3008, which is probably not surprising as this is the model it has a lot in common with.
While they may look different they have the same platform and the car tested here was powered by one of Peugeot's highly praised 1.5-litre, 130bhp diesel engines - which since Peugeot now owns Vauxhall makes perfect sense.
And it's an engine which gives a good account of itself despite the size of the Grandland X.
There's plenty of pulling power and this big SUV is never found wanting when you need to pick up the pace.
Add to that economy of well over 50 miles per gallon and you can see why this sweet little engine is so highly rated.
At the same time the Grandland X offers a very comfortable if slightly soft ride which is good for relaxed long distance travel, although with such compliance you do notice some body roll on fast corners.
The interior is attractive and intuitive and while there is a centre-set 8-inch colour touch screen for the satellite navigation and a host of onboard functions Vauxhall hasn't made the total transition and there are still a number of traditional buttons, which will please a lot of more mature customers.
The same screen is also the monitor for a very useful reversing camera to make parking easier, although surprisingly the grid which is overlayed on the image is fixed rather than moving which would be more helpful in tight spots.
But if you do have a problem you can always take advantage of the onboard parking system to let the car park itself.
The Grandland X is packed with onboard safety features including lane assist, blind spot alert, lane departure warning, forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking not to mention a hill holder clutch - so you don‘t roll back on inclines - and automatic dipped/full beam headlights.