By Kelly Fisher
In the realm of vehicles like the Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more recent entrants from China, such as the Haval H6 and the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, it’s easy to overlook Opel’s contender – the Grandland. This refreshed Grandland made its debut in South Africa earlier this year, bringing significant changes. Notable among these are updated exterior styling to align with newer Opel models, the incorporation of Opel’s adaptive IntelliLux lighting system, and a series of interior enhancements like a modernized instrument panel and a new touch-screen-enabled infotainment system.
A special nod goes to the lighting system, utilizing 168 LEDs in each headlamp to intelligently discern oncoming traffic and prevent blinding fellow motorists. As a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, any form of updated technology holds a certain appeal for me.
In the top-tier Grandland variant, known as the Ultimate, an array of luxurious features enriches the overall driving experience. These include leather seats with both heating and cooling functionalities, keyless entry, a motion-activated tailgate, and a conveniently located wireless phone charging station in the centre console.
Beneath the Grandland’s bonnet resides a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 121 kW and 240 N.m of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. On the road, this combination results in an excellent, smooth driving experience, with the option to switch between different driving modes.
Noteworthy safety features, dependent on the chosen model, encompass automatic emergency braking that warns and decelerates the vehicle if needed. During Cape Town traffic, I experienced this feature kicking in once or twice, which, for the uninitiated, can be a bit disconcerting. Additionally, advanced park assist detects parking slots and steers the Grandland into the space – Opel claims all you need to do is accelerate and apply the brakes. Personally, I’m still hesitant to fully trust this feature, though the 360-degree camera proves handy in tight parking situations.
Undoubtedly, the Opel Grandland presents a compelling package with its attractive aesthetics and a plethora of features. However, within this competitive segment and economic climate, South African consumers are keen on maximizing value for money. GWM’s Haval H6 and Chery’s Tiggo Pro range are gaining significant attention, and judging by their prevalence on the roads, this interest is translating into sales.
With prices starting at R599 900 for the entry-level Grandland model (at the time of writing) and reaching R720 900 for the Ultimate, it poses a considerable expense for budget-conscious South Africans. That said, if the budget allows and a preference for non-Chinese vehicles exists, the Grandland is certainly worth considering. Its higher-specced models share a comparable price range with the Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Peugeot 3008, with which it shares a platform. This is a strong category with lots to offer. Shop wisely!