2023 Opel Grandland SRi review

Opel continues to roll out new models for Kiwi consumption. The latest
is the family-oriented Grandland SUV.

While EVs are a sexy sector at present, not everyone wants or needs one. In the case of the newly arrived Opel Grandland there isn’t one in contrast to other Opels already available here (Corsa-e and Mokka-e).

In the case of the incoming Astra, there’s a similar situation to Grandland, with a pure ICE power model initially and a hybrid arriving imminently. Overseas there’s a new pure electric Astra that will possibly come here.

And likewise in 2024 there will be a Grandland-e. It will be underpinned by the STLA medium EV chassis, where the current model uses the EMP2 platform.

Meantime, however, in New Zealand there is just a single petrol Grandland offering, this 1.2 three-cylinder turbocharged unit with 95kW and 230kW, the latter available from 1750rpm and the output processed by an eight-speed auto.

Not far away is a plug-in hybrid variant that adds $26k to the bottom line ($22k premium after the $4025 rebate is subtracted). For that you do get more power and performance, with 165kW and 360Nm, but more importantly fuel use efficiency is a claimed 1.2L/100km overall.

It is said to have a pure electric range of 67km thanks to the provision of a 13.2kWh battery pack.

By comparison the Grandland ICE SRi, as it’s known here, has a quoted combined fuel use figure of 5.4L/100km (WLTP) and a CO2 figure of 125g/km. Other than the powertrain, the SRi version of the Hybrid and the ICE model are identical, with a high spec level.

The reason the acceleration figures aren’t much different is mainly a weight thing; the blue vehicle in the images scales up at 1386kg, so it is almost 350kg lighter than the PHEV.

The GL’s fuel use figure is pretty impressive for a 4.5m long crossover that has no hybrid pretensions. The wee turbo is so easy on gas that you pay no clean car fee.

And during our week with the vehicle we managed around 6.0L/100km which involved mainly highway driving and mid to high sevens when in town.

New name for locals

The Grandland is another new Opel model for Kiwis, but it actually debuted in 2017 and was the first vehicle launched after Peugeot-Citroen acquired Opel-Vauxhall from GM. It shares its platform with Peugeot’s 3008.

In 2021 it received a facelift, literally, acquiring the Vizor grille design already seen in Mokka, refreshed Corsa, and the latest Astra.

It’s a little alarming how expensive vehicles have become lately. A few years ago something like this might have cost around $45k, but now the SRi is just shy of $52k*, though in fairness we take the top model available which gets costly items like matrix LED headlamps.

There are also gloss black 19-inch alloys (they show the dust but are easy to clean), a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12-inch digital driver’s display and Alcantara and leather-like seat trimmings.

Other SRi items include seat heaters, switchable lane positioning, AEB with cyclist and pedestrian detection, window tints, a heated wheel, Park Assist, wireless charging and a five-year/100,000km warranty.

Rather striking exterior

The Grandland has an attractive silhouette, with nicely nipped overhangs and a kind of Euro look about it. The new Vizor face is up to the minute too.

Its black roof enhances appearances further, contrasting nicely with the cobalt blue body colour but the latter adds $950 to the overall price. A three-year service contract is also a cost option at $1590 (five years, $2790) but there are no further options here.

In New Zealand Grandland slots in above Mokka in the scheme of Opel things but is still a rather compact medium crossover, measuring up at 4477mm stem to stern. Most rivals are over 4.5m in length, a CX-5 being 4575mm for instance.

What’s noticeable right away is generous boot capacity at 514L, expanding easily enough to 1652L. The floor height can be changed, helping to make a flat space after split folding for those more awkward items.

There’s also enough width to slot a golf bag in sideways, minus the driver and we managed to get our folded up trundler in there as well, with room to spare.

What makes loading a bit easier when both arms are full is a powered tailgate that opens and closes by gesture control.

Powertrain a family affair

Being part of the Stellantis group, the basics are familiar, like the 1.2T triple, the gruff wee engine that’s outputting 230Nm from around 1750rpm so it has an easygoing feel to it providing you’re not expecting earth shattering acceleration times.

It does get to 100km/h from zip in 10sec but only just. The smaller Mokka with the same mill manages 9.2sec and costs closer to $40k.

It’s more how effortless Grandland feels as an everyday drive that impresses. That’s using the default middle or Normal drive mode setting; you can opt for Sport or paddle it manually if the need for more speed arises.

In this mode it holds the gears for a bit longer and feels a shade zippier.

Brakes can seem snatchy during slow speed manoeuvres, exacerbated by the idle-stop system but on the go the light overall weight of the vehicle is obvious, and that’s also reflected in a best 100-0 emergency stopping figure of 34m.

The Grandland may have a pretty smooth look about it, but that’s in contrast to its ride quality.

It feels too busy around town, the occupants noticing any small imperfections in the road surface and while progress improves some with speed it is still clearly set up for smoother European surfaces.

With firm underpinnings it gets about cornering duties well, however, within the limits of its front-wheel drive layout and Michelin Primacy 3 rubber. The turning circle would have to be amongst the best in class at 10.7m.

Roomy but dated

It’s quiet enough on the go too, though with a 72.5dB in cabin average, it is not special in this regard. Neither is the interior which has a bit much in the way of hard plastics while the screen and instruments date the car somewhat.

The reversing camera image is rather small, though an overhead projection helps with backing duties, as do front and rear sonar.

Seats are firm but quite well shaped and while adjustments are manual, the exception is a pump for adjusting lumbar support. The seat finish is nice too, with Alcantara squabs and what feels to be leather-like material at the edges.

Because there’s PSA DNA in the Grandland there are also a few quirks, like the stop-start button that refuses to do anything if you just push it down momentarily. You have to push and hold to get it to cooperate with stop-start tasks.

The transmission shifter doesn’t like to be rushed either. You must push and hold it to achieve reverse and it gives a little ding when it’s ready to back up for you. Same with the other direction, pull and hold for D.

So it can be a little vexing at times undertaking three-point turns. Not that you will have to very often with its compact turning circle.

Worth the ask?

In this popular sector a vehicle really needs to be special to make the grade, because the rivals are numerous and generally accomplished, including the just-updated Qashqai, the Sportage and Tucson twins, and others like Karoq, CX-5, Tiguan, CR-V, and RAV4.

And its mechanically similar sib, the 3008. The Stellantis offerings have the smallest engines of any of these, though are also amongst the most abstemious. Still, paying over $50k for a 1.2L triple seems a bit of an ask.

For us, the base Cupra Formentor for slightly less money takes some beating. It has a greater sense of style, is quicker and also clean car neutral while it rides and handles in a rather special way.

Boot space isn’t as commodious but it feels modern and funky inside, which is not quite how we’d describe the Grandland. Sure, the Opel has some nice aspects, like the matrix LED headlamps but doesn’t do quite enough to stand out from the masses.

To be fair, though, it’s a hard ask expecting something that came out in 2017 and has had only a mild makeover to be competitive with relative newcomers.

*The Opel Clean Car Clean-Out Sale currently has Grandland SRi priced at $46,990, a saving of $5000. This offer lapses on Sep 30, or once existing stock has sold. All other Opel models are also discounted.