The Grandland is largely still new despite coming out with the latest edition of Opel’s range-topper. The
regular-sized passenger vehicles leads Opel drive for a grand place in the SUV and crossover market.
The Grandland is thefore the flag-bearer of that campaign and latest offering the fight for the French
automaker’s fight in the hugely contested terrain to a higher level. So what’s with the Grand since its
2018 debut in South Africa?
From the rather subdued market entry, the Grandland now turns heads after the addition Opel’s bolder
Vizor. There are further improved works on the the bumper and bonnet, whose nose appears a lot more
wide. The sharper lines make the new Grandland look far modern if not futuristic.
Exterior
The headlamps’s IntelliLux lighting system wits its 168 LEDs look grand during the day and shiniest in
the night. The new Opel Grandland’s refreshed styling turns heads thanks to sharp features, a pert rear
end while diamond-cut 18-inch alloys shore up the top-spec Ultimate version. The rear is also completely
new as the model name now appears on the tailgate for the first time, adding to the new Grandland’s
modern looks.
Interior, the redesigned upper half of the facia boasts the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen
that forms what Opel calls the Pure Panel. The latest Grandland also comes with keyless entry and start,
a motion-activated tailgate that the keyholder can open with the movement of a foot under the rear
bumper and a wireless charger in the centre console which holds down a compatible mobile phone.
Safety
The specs here have prominence across the range, with forward collision warning, automatic
emergency braking, lane-keep assist and pedestrian detection. On the top-ranger Ultimate model, there
lateral parking sensors as well, over and above the usual automatic parking assistant, reverse camera
and blind spot warning. More than that, the full set of safety features, the likes of ABS, EBA, hill-start
assist, traction/stability control and hill-descent control, is all there.
Performance
Opel has positively responded and addressed previous complaints about the previous Grandland’s ride
being somewhat uncomfortable. Now the range-topping Grandland makes use of a chunky 215/65 tyre
that helps absorb bumps. There are now also driving modes, which the Eco and Sport modes, which are
driven by the 1,6-litre turbopetrol engine.
In conclusion, the new Opel Grandland is a stunner with impeccable safety features but it faces a tough
competition from in the SA market, more from the likes of Haval H6, Kia Sportage and Tiggo 8 Pro.
Pricing
Opel Grandland 1.6T R599 900
Opel Grandland GS Line 1.6T R679 900
Opel Grandland Ultimate 1.6T R720 900
With a 5-year/100 000 km warranty with roadside assistance, as well as a 5-year/100 000 km service
plan. Service intervals are annual or every 20 000 km.
Grand improvement for Opel Grandland
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