The Opel Grandland, an emblem of style and performance, took centre stage at the highly anticipated launch event hosted at Stellantis’ brand-new eco-conscious headquarters. From the bold Opel Vizor design to the revolutionary Pure Panel cockpit, the latest Grandland range offers a superior driving experience that seamlessly blends luxury, innovation, and dynamic prowess. Here’s our take on groundbreaking features and advancements that define the new Opel Grandland.
When Opel brought first brought its Grandland B-segment SUV to South Africa, one would be forgiven for thinking its design was somewhat forgettable. Compared to some of its segment rivals, including from Stellantis’ own family of brands, the Grandland offered a great deal of substance but not as much style. However, those opinions belong in the past, thanks to recent updates brought to Opel’s second model range in the country.
At the forefront of the Grandland’s transformation lies the captivating Opel Vizor design, a visual narrative demanding admiration. Crisp lines and assertive contours elegantly merge with the iconic brand creases gracing the bonnet. The rear of the Grandland proudly showcases its name and the distinguished Blitz brand emblem, projecting an aura of authority. The option to choose between high-gloss black or body-coloured bumpers and side panels, in addition to the distinctive two-tone roof, underscores the element of personalisation. The Grandland looks rather fetching, with the visual updates giving the car a competitive edge in a saturated market.
INTERIOR LUXURY AND ERGONOMICS
Stepping into the new Grandland, you are welcomed into a sanctuary of luxury and refinement. The interior is curated to be ergonomically perfect. The Grandland base model presents cloth-trimmed seats, while the Grandland GS Line indulges in Alcantara upholstery. Elevating the luxury experience up a notch, the Grandland Ultimate showcases leather-trimmed seats with electric seat tilt and electro-pneumatic lumbar support. These seats, endorsed by AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken), extend comfort and a foundation for healthier backs, and we reckon they will be heaven-sent on long road trips. The Ultimate edition even introduces a sensor-driven power tailgate, epitomising convenience—no need to juggle your groceries while reaching for the tailgate like a peasant with this one.
SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY
The core of innovation within the Grandland unfolds through the remarkable Pure Panel, an immersive digital cockpit. Twin widescreens merge the Driver Information Centre with a vivid colour touchscreen, presenting vital information to the driver with unparalleled ease. While the old school side of me mourns the slow death of analogue dials, I have to admit that the 12” fully digital instrument cluster, together with the crisp 10” infotainment on our Ultimate review unit, do offer a wholesome package whose convenience we cannot discount.
UNLEASHING THE POWER
Underneath the Grandland’s hood lies Opel’s cutting-edge 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, unearthing a potent 121 kW and 240 Nm. The engine’s vitality is seamlessly harnessed by a fluid six-speed automatic transmission, ushering in a dynamic driving narrative. The front-wheel-drive architecture balances ride comfort and unshakable control, transforming each drive into an indulgence. Opel claims a spirited sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds to a 200 km/h top speed.
Our drive route took us from the brilliant new headquarters towards Hartbeespoort, allowing us to test the Grandland’s highway mannerisms. As claimed by the manufacturer, the Grandland became a competent highway companion. The power was adequate for the driving a car of this ilk would naturally be subjected to, and we never felt like we were asking too much from the 1.6-litre unit.
The suspension rose to the task, consistently delivering a smooth ride even on rougher sections of the local roads. That said, the ride quality and the impressive cabin insulation made the cabin an enjoyable environment to munch highway miles in. The Grandland also turned out to be as frugal as the manufacturer claims, noting how we did not stray from the claimed 7.0 l/100 km.
SELECTING YOUR GRANDLAND
The Grandland range is a compendium of choices catering to individual inclinations. The journey commences with the base Grandland model at R599,900, embodying elegance and performance, with the Grandland GS Line, priced at R679,900, beckoning for elevated luxury and style connoisseurs. The zenith of the range, the Grandland Ultimate, a synergy of luxury and innovation, graces the landscape with a price tag of R720,900.
LAST WORD
The Opel Grandland launch signalled the dawn of a new era defined by grace, technology, and performance. From the iconic Opel Vizor to the captivating Pure Panel cockpit, the Grandland embodies excellence in every facet. With a range that caters to diverse preferences and a steadfast dedication to safety and serenity, the Grandland emerges as an influential contender within the SUV realm. It’s more than just a car; it promises an extraordinary journey harmonised with style.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © STELLANTIS SOUTH AFRICA
