Opel finds its way back into the crossover SUV scene with the updated Grandland

SINGAPORE

It’s been some time since Opel was a major player in the mainstream auto retail scene here in Singapore. High COE prices for this year aren’t doing any of the non-luxury brands any favours here right now, but within the Stellantis Group of auto brands that include Citroen, Peugeot, and Opel, are a group of promising cars to be found. The latest to arrive is the Opel Grandland crossover SUV, heavily updated from its 2018 predecessor. 

The overall specification of the Grandland is that of a mid-sized urban SUV, with a nicely efficient, three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine. The power output records a maximum output of 129 horsepower, which is the upper limit for Category A COE eligibility. 

It’s front wheel driven, through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Opel Grandland actually has mechanical twins from other brands. In Singapore, the same engine and transmission combo can be found also doing duty in the Peugeot 2008, 3008, and 5008. Then there’s the Citroen C4 and C5, also sharing the same powertrain.

Within the Opel garage the small Mokka and Crossland are also similarly powered, and rather than feeling like it’s too much sameness, the width of choice available means that consumers have a lot to choose from.

The turbo three-cylinder engine is among the best we have ever seen in a series production car to date, which goes quite a way to explain why it has spread across many of Stellantis’ brands. Unlike the very vibey three-cylinder in the Kia Stonic, and the powerful but chatty ones in BMW’s base model cars, the Stellantis engine is well-balanced, smooth, and very quiet.

It’s not tuned for punchy power delivery, but it doesn’t strain to get the car moving either. When fully loaded with occupants the Grandland will still keep pace with other cars of similar power outputs, but there’s really no need to reach for the Sport mode button, despite it being there, and try to drive it like a sports car.

The German styling of the Opel’s cabin is elegant and streamlined, with silver accents to lift it from being too dark and monotone. There’s a full digital instrument cluster and centre entertainment screen, along with a bunch of active safety features including lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

We would have liked the main screen could be bigger than the 12-inch screen fitted, but that’s probably because we’ve become victims of the giant screen wars currently being waged between BMW and Mercedes-EQ.

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Exterior styling is still consistent with Opel’s current design language, which also includes the Mokka-e that we reviewed in 2022. The long chrome vizor strip that wraps the front end into one single elements surrounds the LED headlight elements, and despite not being an EV or even a hybrid there’s a very sleek look to the car’s front end.

Now while everybody is tripping over themselves to sell EVs and hybrids, the Grandland, like its distant cousins from Peugeot and Citreon, still makes a decent case for itself with the very economical, efficient engine. It’s possible to achieve around 6.0L/100km of fuel economy in daily use. With a light right foot and knowing when to let the car cruise on the highway, getting close to the factory stated claim of 5.2L/100km is well within reach.

The tricky part is the car’s asking price of nearly S$190k with COE. Yet the fact is, even the Honda HR-V, and Peugeot 3008, which is very similar in size and scope as the Opel Grandland, are asking similar prices. Reach a tiny bit higher and you’ll be able to get the more powerful, and arguably more premium Nissan Qashqai, but the fuel economy isn’t anywhere near what the Grandland can manage.

All up, the Grandland has a distinct visual character that distinguishes it from the Peugeots and Citroens, despite having a similar driving feel. For potential buyers, it’s very much a matter of trying them out and seeing which of these continental urban SUVs suite your personal sense of style.

Opel Grandland 1.2 Elegance

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