THERE'S an awful lot to like about the Grandland X, Vauxhall's first-ever plug-in hybrid and the first Vauxhall SUV I can honestly say I've enjoyed being behind the wheel of.

Quite obviously, the difference between it and previous models is that it is based on the same platform as the Peugeot 3008 from new owners PSA, who are now part of the oddly-named Stellantis group.

The propulsion system in the Grandland X Hybrid, the version I was driving, produces an ample 222bhp, thanks to a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors, one at the front and one on the rear axle.

Powered by a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, the electric motors are coupled to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and provide an ample 360Nm of torque. It's certainly spirited and comes with all-wheel drive so there's plenty of grip too.

It features four driving modes - hybrid, electric, sport and all-wheel drive - and while body roll is held in check, it's not an SUV you will want to push through corners at high speed. Instead, enjoy its comfortable family-friendliness.

In pure electric mode, the car has a range of over 30 miles - plenty enough for the average commute. In hybrid mode, the car automatically selects the most efficient method of propulsion. When travelling at low speeds within cities the system switches seamlessly to electric mode for zero-emission driving if there's enough charge on board.

The official combined fuel consumption is an unlikely 192mpg. Unless you can charge it every day, a more likely scenario is much less. Without powering up on electricity, I managed 38.6mpg, which is respectable enough.

It comes with a 3.3kW on-board charger, with an optional 6.6kW version also available. With a 7.4kW wallbox at home, owners can fully charge the battery in less than two hours.

Whether you're driving around town or cruising on the motorway, the Grandland X Hybrid is lovely to drive. Though the steering is a little on the light side, it's quiet - though the large wing mirrors generate some wind noise - comfortable and enjoyable. It's also rather good looking on the outside, not always an easy achievement for a large crossover.

Up front the space is good, the seats comfortable and with a commanding view of the road. There's also plenty of space for passengers in the rear.

Hybrid models of the Vauxhall Grandland X house their battery under the boot floor, reducing boot capacity from 514 litres to 390. While that seems a big loss, there's still enough space for a big weekly shop or a family's holiday luggage. And, with the 60:40 rear seats folded there's up to 1,528 litres of space available.

This model also comes with a handy powered tailgate that you can open with a swipe of your foot underneath the rear bumper.

As the name suggests, this model has been developed for businesses and company car drivers so, along with the low benefit-in-kind rating and other tax efficiencies, it also comes loaded with kit.

Riding on 19-inch wheels, there's front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera standard, adaptive LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satnav, Bluetooth audio streaming as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, and wireless mobile phone charging.

There's also the Vauxhall Connect telematics service, which includes Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, as well as the ability to check key vehicle data via an app.