Opel Grandland First Drive

It is no secret that the outgoing Grandland didn’t quite return the sales figures Opel Ireland were hoping for. It wasn’t a bad looking machine by any means but the timing of its arrival as the country went into lockdown made for a difficult marketplace and it never got the chance it deserved. Fast forward four years and the Grandland is back and this model marks a significant milestone for the German brand as it aims to reclaim vital market share. This all new Grandland will give Irish buyers versatility with a range of electrified powertrains, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and 48-volt hybrid technology. It is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, measuring 4,650mm in length (+173mm), 1,934mm in width (+49mm), and 1,665mm in height (+36mm). The added dimensions result in a more spacious interior, with 20mm more rear legroom and up to 1,645 litres of boot space. Additional cabin storage of 36 litres makes it super practical for families. The stylish exterior design with sharp wheel arches, contrast cladding, and a striking two-tone floating roof make for one good looking vehicle.

Setting off on a drive from Dublin to the Slieve Donard Hotel, the Grandland’s comfort and refinement quickly became evident. The well-insulated cabin minimises road noise, creating a decent driving experience. The high seating position offers great visibility, while the supportive seats ensure long-distance comfort. The generous interior provides ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently travel with passengers. Our test car used the Hybrid powertrain which pairs a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 136 hp with a 28 hp electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. In city or town use, the hybrid system allows for up to 50% of driving in electric mode, providing a smoother, more efficient drive without the need for external charging. On the motorway towards Newcastle, the Grandland exhibited impressive composure, with the hybrid system seamlessly transitioning between petrol and electric power for optimum efficiency.

Following the initial Hybrid launch, we were informed that the Grandland will be available as an all-electric 73kWh variant capable of covering 523km on a single charge with 160kW DC fast charging. Later, an 82kWh version (582km range, 150kW DC charging) will join the lineup, with an even larger 97kWh battery, offering up to 700km of range. A plug in Hybrid variant is also inbound which ensures the Grandland will have an offering to suit everyone's needs. Driving through the scenic Mourne Mountains, the Grandland’s road manners stood out. The suspension absorbed imperfections effortlessly, ensuring a smooth ride over undulating terrain. The steering provided decent feedback, and body control remained well-balanced through winding country roads. The hybrid system delivered sufficient power for overtaking on the M1 while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency with the gauge reading still almost full as we crossed the border in Northern Ireland.

Inside, the Grandland features a driver-focused cockpit with a 10-inch or 16-inch multimedia central display, depending on trim. The high centre console gives it a quality feel, while the fully digital driver cluster ensures clear access to essential information. Opel’s intuitive Pure Mode allows drivers to declutter the display, reducing distractions. Importantly, frequently used controls such as climate settings remain accessible via physical buttons, a welcome touch in an era of touchscreen-heavy interfaces! A variety of colours, including the striking Impakt Copper and Spektrum Green, are available across three trim levels: SC, Elegance, and GS.

So what does this level of style and comfort cost? Well, the entry-level Grandland Hybrid SC starts at €40,995 and comes generously equipped with features such as adaptive cruise control, a 10-inch infotainment Pure Panel display, a 10-inch driver information cluster, 19-inch alloy wheels, and front and rear parking sensors. For €42,995 the Elegance trim adds AGR-certified ergonomic front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power tailgate, and a rear-view camera. The range-topping GS, priced from €44,995 includes the 16-inch Pure Panel HD multimedia screen with navigation, Intelli-Lux HD headlamps, a 3D illuminated Vizor, privacy glass, and a wireless charger. Pricing for the Grandland Electric looks set to be very competitive at €39,065 including grants and PHEV will be announced in the coming weeks. We believe with its combination of style, space, and advanced hybrid and electric offerings, the new Grandland has the potential to make a significant impact in the Irish market. Perhaps it’s time you took a test drive?