WHAT IS IT?
Isn’t it funny how what a company produce can go from being an everyday choice to a curiosity? Because that’s what the Grandland was to many passers-by when I drove it. Two people said they hadn’t seen an Opel in ages. Another said they didn’t know they were in the country. And a self-confessed Opel fan said he had never seen the Grandland before. It’s a big, beautiful curiosity.
WHY THIS?
Because not everyone wants an SUV that screams for attention with gigantic grilles or a badge that tries too hard. Some of us want something a little more understated, and the Grandland is exactly that: a smart, adult-in-the-room SUV with the right levels of technology, safety, and everyday panache.
It’s also a refreshing alternative to the usual crowd. Buyers who like a dash of individuality without drifting into the realm of the quirky will appreciate Opel’s approach: sensible engineering dressed in crisp, contemporary styling.
OUTSIDE
The Grandland has benefitted enormously from Opel’s new design direction. The 3D Vizor front end — a single, sleek panel that integrates the grille and headlights — gives the SUV a distinctly modern, premium look. Sharp lines down the flanks, a floating roof effect, and a generally confident stance complete the package. In a world of increasingly overwrought SUV styling, the Grandland’s restraint is a selling point. What is not restrained is the light treatment: on the front just about everything lights up — the logo and a lightbar included. The rear is the same, with a red illuminated "Opel" and more.
INSIDE
Step inside and you find Opel doing what Opel does best: creating a cabin that feels sensible, ergonomic, and pleasantly refined. The Pure Panel interface — a wide, digital display stretching across the dash — is crisp and intuitive, and thankfully free from the clutter that plagues many modern interiors.
Material quality is solid, seating is generous, and everything is laid out with the kind of logic that would make any German engineer proud. The boot is properly sized for family or business use, and there are enough comfort features to keep you content on long commutes: climate control, smartphone integration, driver-assist tech, and seats that will warm you, cool you, or massage you — you can even opt for the “cat’s paw” massage which feels like little, yes, cat’s paws kneading you. (I feel the need. The need for knead…)
THE DRIVE
The new Opel Grandland drives with the confidence of something that knows it has done its homework. The 1.6-litre turbo engine (134kW/240Nm) is a willing partner, delivering enough surge for brisk overtakes without ever feeling frenetic or needy. It’s the sort of engine that feels tuned for real life rather than racetracks — a relief for those of us who spend more time dodging taxis than chasing GTIs.
What really elevates the drive, though, is Opel’s frequency selective damping (FSD) technology. It sounds fancy because it is: the suspension can differentiate between a pothole smack and a long, sweeping turn, adapting the damping accordingly. The result? A ride that glides over high-frequency bumps yet feels reassuringly planted when you’re cornering or cruising at highway speeds.
FINAL WORD
First, you need to decide if no one knowing what your car is might be embarrassing or leaves you feeling smug. If it’s the latter, the Grandland offers you a fair bit of flair for a German, along with an endless list of features, at a not unreasonable price.
GO GET IT
The Opel Grandland GS Line 1.6T AT is priced at R789 900, placing it competitively in the family crossover segment considering its advanced technology and generous standard specification. It comes standard with a five-year/90 000km service plan and a five-year/100 000km warranty. Visit www.opel.co.za for more information.
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