By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

From 2021, the first generation version of Vauxhall's Grandland mid-sized SUV no longer had an 'X' in its name - but it remained an affordable, well equipped mid-sized SUV and in this updated form gained a sharper look and a much more modern cabin. The conventional engines are frugal and if you happen to want a used car of this size with a Plug-in Hybrid unit, it's one of the cheaper options in its segment.

Models

5dr SUV (1.2 Turbo, 1.5 Turbo D, 1.6 petrol Hybrid)

History

When the original version of this car, badged the 'Grandland X' was launched in 2017, it was quite a late entrant to the mid-sized SUV segment. Or that's what you might think anyway. Actually, Vauxhall competed half-heartedly in this sector for nearly a decade between 2006 and 2015 with its Korean-built Antara, which replaced the Luton-built Frontera model launched way back in 1991. Neither of these crossovers really hit the segment sweet spot though and neither was helped by brittle build quality that could charitably be described as 'patchy'. By the middle of this century's second decade though, Vauxhall had got on board with the kind of SUV modern family buyers really wanted, launching its supermini-based Mokka model in 2012 and shortly afterwards, entering into an agreement with Peugeot to share the engineering of two further contenders in this class, the original Grandland X model being one of them. Four years on, it shed the 'X' part of its badge and gained a smarter look both inside and out, creating the car we're going to look at here. The Grandland sold in this form until the second generation model was launched in mid-2024.

What You Get

As well as losing an 'X' (in its name), the post 2021-era version of this Grandland gained quite a lot in terms of its adoption of the brand's far more interesting 'Vizor' trim detailing on the front of the car. This saw Vauxhall's revamped Griffin logo proudly positioned in the centre, flanked by slim LED headlamps and more muscular bumpers. Inside, changes were made with the adoption of Vauxhall's Pure Panel cockpit with two widescreen displays for more of a digital experience. Ahead of the driver there was an instrument display of 12-inches in size, offering up essential information, while the central 10-inch monitor controls all infotainment via a touchscreen. As before, driver and passengers benefitted from the elevated seating position typical of an SUV, which ensures good visibility in all situations. In the rear in terms of legroom, there's space for an average-sized adult to sit behind a six-foot driver in reasonable comfort. Like most cars in this class, you'd really be pushing things if you wanted to try and accommodate three adults back here but a reasonably low centre transmission tunnel makes that possible if need be. Finally, let's consider the boot. Once the tailgate raises, you're faced with a square, usable space, though it's not particularly large in the Hybrid variant - just 390-litres. There's a much more satisfying 514-litre capacity if you opt for one of the conventional engines.

What You Pay

Prices from this '21-plate-onwards Grandland start at around £15,250 for a typical 1.2-litre base-spec 'SE' variant on a '21-plate (around £17,350 retail). For a later mid-'24-plate version of the same car (with equivalent 'Design'-spec), prices rise to around £18,450 (around £20,500 retail). Either way, you only need to add around £700 to get the alternative 1.5-litre diesel engine. Fancy the petrol plug-in hybrid version? For the front driven Hybrid model, with typical 'GS'-spec, prices start from around £20,700 on a '22-plate (about £23,000 retail), rising to around £22,850 for one of the last mid-2024-plated cars (around £25,250 retail). All quoted values are sourced through industry experts cap hpi. Click here for a free valuation.

What to Look For

Though quite a few owners in our survey seemed happy, there are certainly things that you'll need to look for. The 1.2T petrol and 1.5D diesel engines have an oil-lubricated cambelt that in a few instances has been known to disintegrate and damage the engine. We've heard of instances of engines stalling while driving. In some instances, the side airbags have refused to inflate. And various electrical problems have been reported, with things like the infotainment system, the rear parking system and the parking sensors, so check all of these thoroughly. Make sure that the infotainment system works as it should and doesn't freeze or crash. If it does, the system might need an update. We've come across reports of weak batteries in several models - if the engine won't crank or cranks very slowly then that's a tell-tale giveaway. In a number of instances, there were problems with corrosion on the battery. And in other instances, a weak key fob battery caused problems with the start stop button functionality on the dash. We came across issues with broken starter motors - if you turn the key and hear a clicking sound, that's the tell-tale giveaway. And in some other instances, we had reports of alternator failure, clogged fuel filters, fuel pump failures, blown fuses and defective spark plugs. More expensive versions have big 19-inch alloy wheels that could easily have picked up kerbing damage. Check the cabin for the usual family scuffs and scratches. And insist on a full service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2021 Grandland Hybrid - Ex Vat) An air filter costs in the £6-£28 bracket. An oil filter costs in the £4-£11 bracket. A fuel filter costs in the £5-£47 bracket. Front brake pads sit in the £21-£109 bracket for a set; for a rear set, it's in the £18 to £103 bracket. Front brake discs sit in the £33-£68 bracket. Rear brake discs sit in the £24-£71 bracket. A radiator is around £222-£344. And a pollen filter is in the £6-£33 bracket. A wiper blade is in the £7-£27 bracket.

On the Road

Engine-wise, this Grandland model didn't change much in this post-2021 form. As before, almost all sales were of the 1.2-litre 130PS three cylinder petrol version, available either in manual or automatic forms. In manual form, it makes 10.4s en route to 122mph. The alternative was a 1.5-litre diesel, also with 130PS but only available with a manual stick shift; that manages 62mph in 12.3s en route to 119mph. Vauxhall didn't think potential buyers in this segment really needed 4WD - not even with the top Hybrid Plug-in model, which previously had had it, but in post-2021-era form didn't. As before, the PHEV variant used a 1.6-litre petrol engine, but there was just one electric motor mated to it in 2WD form, so the combined power output was restricted to 225hp. That gets you to 60mph in 8.9s and the top speed is 140mph (or 84mph in all-electric drive, which lasts for up to 34 miles between battery charges). As for drive dynamics across the Grandland range, well we'd anticipate that your expectations of a car of this kind when it comes to handling will probably be pretty modest. You'll want quite a commanding driving position, a comfortable ride, reasonable refinement, decently responsive engines and, well, that's likely to be about it. If you're after a C-segment SUV that you can throw around a bit, then this one certainly won't suit.

Overall

Vauxhall didn't bring us anything particularly new or innovative here, but with the 2021 model year Grandland updates, it gave itself a fighting chance of getting an important slice of sales in this vitally important fast-growing market segment. In this updated form, the Grandland is comfortable, good-looking, well-equipped and practical, all attributes that will endear it to likely customers. Don't expect it to be particularly dynamically rewarding; few SUVs are. You can though, have much higher expectations when it comes to ride and refinement. In short, if you want a mid-sized SUV in this class from the 2021-2024 period and value's a priority, there's no real reason why you shouldn't consider this one.

Body Glass

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Dark tinted rear windows

Collapsible windscreen wipers

Two speed windscreen wipers with variable intermittent wipe

Heated rear screen with timed cut off

Intermittent rear window wash/wipe

Electrically operated front and rear windows with safety auto reverse and one touch up/down facility

Soundproof insulated windscreen

Front wiper system spraying directly from wipers

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)

CSC - Cornering stability control

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection

Electronic stability program (ESP) including traction control

Front brake ventilated disc 304mm diameter

Rear brake ventilated disc 268mm diameter

Carpets/Rugs

Fully carpeted luggage area

Chassis/Suspension

Anti-roll bars

Independent decoupled MacPherson strut front suspension with gas pressure dampers and coil springs

Compound crank rear suspension with coil springs and gas pressure dampers

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning system

Lane keep assist

Side blind spot alert

Driver drowsiness alert system

Speed sign recognition

Speed sensitive electric power assisted steering

Cruise control with speed limiter

Front and rear parking distance sensors with 180 degree rear view camera and advanced park assist

Drive mode selector (Eco, Normal, Sport)

Driver Convenience

Wireless charger for mobile devices

Start/stop system

Driver Information

Digital speedometer

Lights on audible warning

Central facia display with digital clock, outside air temperature and audio information

Digital water temperature gauge with warning light

Gearshift up/down indication light

Driver information - Total mileage, service indicator, oil life

Multi function trip computer - Trip odometer, vehicle range, average speed and fuel economy, instantaneous fuel economy and driving time

Digital rev counter

Digital fuel gauge with low fuel level warning light

Vauxhall connect including Emergency call (SOS e-call) and Breakdown call (b-call)

Multimedia Pure Panel Navigation System incl 10" colour touchscreen, 12" digital instrument cluster & satellite naviagtion

Driving Mirrors

Black door mirrors

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

Automatically dimming anti dazzle rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Black door panels with black premium leather effect inserts

Dax decor facia panel with palladium medium finish

Entertainment

Six speaker - four front + two rear

Steering wheel mounted audio/phone/cruise controls

Exterior Body Features

Rear spoiler

Body colour door handles

Black side window trim

High gloss black roof rails

Magic wash

Upper and lower bumper design

Shark fin aerial

Vizor front grille

Rear side wing doors

Body colour upper front bumper

High gloss black protective front and rear skid plates and C-shape bumper inserts

Carbon black lower front and rear bumpers, protective wheel arches and lower door cladding

High gloss black Griffin for Vizor and tailgate with high gloss black Grandland tailgate lettering

High gloss black exterior detailing

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Door to door illumination

Automatic lighting control

Welcome lighting

LED daytime running lights

LED tail lights

LED Headlights

High beam assist

Manual headlight beam levelling

Hazard warning lights

High level centre rear brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Charcoal filter

Dual zone electronic climate control

Rear passenger compartment heating ducts

Automatic air direction and fan speed with manual override

Advanced predictive logic control system using a sun sensor

Interior Features

Reach + rake adjustable steering column

Luggage compartment cover

Chrome effect interior door handles

Driver's centre armrest

12V electrical accessory socket in front

Two drinks holders in centre console

Covered storage compartment in centre console and in driver armrest

Rear door pockets with 1.8 litre capacity

Front door pockets with 2.6 litre capacity

Centre rear seat armrest

Focus cloth upholstery

3 spoke heated flat bottom leather effect steering wheel with satin chrome effect bezel

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Ambient centre console downlighter

Illuminated luggage area

Safety

Driver airbag

Front seat side impact airbags

Front passenger airbag

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Deflation detection system

Deactivation switch for front passenger front and side impact airbags

Child proof locks on rear doors

Dual seatbelt pretensioners on front seats

Inertia reel lap and diagonal seatbelts for all seats

Load limiters on outer rear seatbelt retractors

Smart seatbelt reminder for front and rear seats

Full-size curtain airbags for driver and front passenger

Pretensioners on outer rear seatbelt retractors

Seats

ISOFIX on front passenger and rear outer seats

60/40 split folding rear seat

Height adjustable headrests

Rear centre seat head restraint

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

6 way adjustable Ergonomic active heated sports style front seats AGR approved with seat cushion extension and lumbar adjustment

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Deadlocking system

Central locking

Remote security alarm system

Electronically protected audio equipment

Engine deadlock immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

18" 5 twin spoke high gloss black alloy wheels

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 144

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 147

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 144

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

CC: 1199

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 43.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.5

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: 72

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 17E

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 62500

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 130

Badge Engine CC: 1.2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Coin Description: Turbo

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 6

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Coin Series: GS

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.3

Engine Power - BHP: 130

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Top Speed: 121

Engine Power - KW: 96

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Engine Torque - NM: 230

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - MKG: 23.5

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 170

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Rear: 225/55 R18

Tyre Size Front: 225/55 R18

Wheel Style: 5 TWIN SPOKE

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2675

Length: 4477

Width: 1906

Width (including mirrors): 2098

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1609

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 53

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1200

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 600

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1955

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 514

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1652

Exterior Body Features

Two coat metallic paint

Two coat premium metallic paint

Interior Features

Rear restraining net

Paint - Metallic

Two coat metallic - Carbon black

Two coat metallic - Contrast grey

Paint - Special

Brilliant Paint - Arctic white

Two coat premium metallic - Carmin red

Trim - Part Leather

Cloth - Focus black fabric seat trim inserts/Black premium leather effect side bolsters

Wheels - Spare

Spare wheel provision - Grandland