Vauxhall Grandland GS Line Plug-in HYBRID-e UK first drive: Mid-life transformation brings new appeal to Vauxhall’s crossover SUV
’s new Vizor front-end styling. The way it contains the headlights and hides the ADAS systems has turned what was a fairly bland crossover into something altogether more striking.
The Grandland’s arrival coincides with a major streamlining of Vauxhall’s model range, simplifying powertrain options and reducing trim levels to a choice of three. The entry-point is now Design, which covers the basics, while GS Line adds sporty styling and Ultimate has the best tech. For the Grandland, that includes matrix LED headlights, still a rarity at this end of the market. There’s even optional night vision.
GS Line is the starting point for the plug-in hybrid, which comes with 18in alloy wheels, black exterior trim elements, a 180deg reversing camera and adaptive cruise control, as well as the LED lights, traffic-sign recognition and automatic emergency braking found on Design-spec cars. You still have the choice of petrol or diesel power, but Vauxhall has worked hard to make the PHEV the most appealing choice. The on-the-road price has been slashed relative to the outgoing version, which should please private buyers as much as the 11% BIK tax rate will to business customers. It’s the current top tier in performance terms, too - at least until the 296bhp four-wheel-drive range-topper reappears later this year.
he 1.6-litre turbo four and electric motor send a combined 223bhp to the front axle, so you expect the Grandland to be reasonably quick. That’s not entirely the case in practice, the motor not engaging instantly at slow speeds and the eight-speed automatic ‘box hesitates before downshifting to a useful gear when you ask for more power.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vauxhall Grandland (2022) review: losing the X factor?Dropping the X Factor: we test the newly refreshed 2022 Vauxhall Grandland: lower prices, digital dials and slicker style, inside and out – but still only ✭✭✭ in our full review
Read more »
Vauxhall Grandland X Review 2022Read the definitive Vauxhall Grandland X 2022 review from the expert What Car? team. Check specs, prices, performance and compare with similar cars.
Read more »
BMW 223i M Sport Active Tourer 2022 UK review | AutocarIs there still a place for the MPV in this SUV world? The new, second-gen BMW 2 Series Active Tourer thinks so – and we can see why. First UK drive:
Read more »
Citroen C5X review: the hybrid crossover tested'The new C5X is a breath of fresh air, squarely nailing its brief to offer a calming, spacious and supremely comfortable vehicle. It’s keenly priced, too. Citroën is one of the first car makers to show a credible vision for a post-SUV bodystyle.' Review ⤵️
Read more »
Kia's 2022 Sorento plug-in is no Telluride, but it's still a posh SUV | EngadgetKia's 2022 Sorento PHEV is a solid plug-in, but it gives me Telluride envy..
Read more »
New 2022 Mazda CX-60 brings RWD and straight-six power | AutocarNew flagship SUV combines distinct dynamic focus with Mazda's first plug-in hybrid powertrain
Read more »