Vauxhall Grandland X

- Used Car Review

Vauxhall Grandland X, 2017, front
Vauxhall Grandland X, 2017, side
Vauxhall Grandland X, 2017, rear
Vauxhall Grandland X Ultimate, 2017, interior
Vauxhall Grandland X, 2017, rear seats
Vauxhall Grandland X, 2017, boot

VAUXHALL'S largest SUV from 2018 to 2021 was the Grandland X, lately replaced by a new model that's more up to date.

But that doesn't mean the X is outdated - far from it. It's a great family choice second hand, with a wide range of trims so that there's something to appeal to all tastes and needs.

When new, buyers could opt for many ways to personalize their car, and of course, second hand buyers will benefit from those choices.

Also, new prices were more often than not below those of most competitors and this adds to its second hand appeal.

Since the takeover of Vauxhall/Opel by Stellantis - formerly Peugeot/Citroen - the Grandland shares its underpinnings and engines with fine cars like the Citroen C5 Aircross and the Peugeot 3008.

It was available with a wide range of power and trim options including a petrol/electric hybrid as well as pure petrol and diesel.

Perhaps the 1.5 or earlier 1.6 diesels are the best choice for many, with economy of 65 miles per gallon, but of course that comes down to personal preference and whichever you choose, they all offer good performance.

Unlike some other SUVs in the class, the Grandland also delivers excellent comfort, but as with so many cars, larger wheels and lower profile tyres can spoil that ride quality.

The softer suspension that gives the ride does have a small drawback however, because there is a fair amount of roll through the corners. However, I have never found it excessive.

The steering seems slightly woolly at first acquaintance, but it firms up as more angle is applied, giving a better feel.

During the production run, there were three diesel engines offered - a 120bhp 1.6, which was replaced by a 130bhp 1.5, and a 2.0-litre with 177. The 1.6 was good for 65 miles per gallon and took 11.4 seconds to get from zero to 60 miles an hour.

The 1.5 is quicker, taking 10 seconds for the sprint, but economy falls to 54mpg, and the 2 litre is obviously more thirsty at 47mpg but brings the benchmark acceleration time down to 8.9.

The single straight petrol offering is the excellent Peugeot 1.2 turbo with 130bhp. It reaches 60 from rest in 9.5 seconds while managing an excellent 45mpg.

Both petrol and diesel models are available with an automatic gearbox if that'syour preference.

And finally, the petrol/electric hybrid - which is only available as an automatic - boasts no less than 225bhp from a 1.6 turbo petrol plus an electric motor.

It reaches 60 in a very good 8.6 seconds, can cover around 34 miles on electric power alone and is rated at 204mpg if you use mainly electric power.

Mid-range SRi Nav trim has a good range of kit including audio remote, traction control, the luxury of parking sensors, air conditioning, alloys, loads of airbags and an electrically adjusted driver's seat. It also has heated mirrors, an alarm, cruise control, and easy-fold rear seats.

Pay about £12,450 for an '18 18-reg 1.2 SE petrol, or £18,250 for a '20 20-reg 1.5 TD SRi Nav.

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