Stylish Opel Grandland stands out
It is a fantastic vehicle and is supported by a 5-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
My test drive of the Opel Grandland was somewhat a memorable one, my family was around, and they enjoyed being out and about in this stylish compact SUV.
I drove the GS Line which rides on 19-inch alloys wheels. The Grandland is loaded with features like the Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD headlights – something different which I have never seen in other vehicles. This is a high-resolution, glare-free light distribution which turns night into day for the driver and precisely illuminates the route and surroundings. Nice one Opel!
It boasts a 16-inch central infotainment system, tyre pressure sensors, heads-up display, heated seats with massage function (which I enjoyed), heated steering wheel, power tailgate, 360-degree intelli-vision camera, parking sensors and much more.
The Grandland is known for its premium feel, modern tech and comfortable interiors, and not forgetting, it is spacious which gives it that high-end feeling. It’s powered by a 1.6l turbo engine offering 134kW and 300Nm of torque through a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Furthermore, it offers a refined driving experience, plenty of tech, and a comfortable upscale cabin, making it a strong contender for buyers seeking luxury in the compact SUV segment. It is larger than the outgoing model, with an additional 173mm in overall length, 19mm in height and wider by 64mm. I was quite surprised with the boot space with an increase of 36 litres, taking the total to 550 litres.
The Grandland also offers automatic cruise control with stop and go, extended traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed adaptation and in-crash braking. Now, in-crash braking, more commonly known as autonomous emergency braking or automatic emergency breaking, is a safety feature that automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision if the driver fails to react to an imminent danger, like a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist. It works by using sensors to detect hazards, warning the driver and then intervening with braking force if the driver doesn’t respond. It’s something I have never experienced, or wanted to try out. Imagine me trying it and the worst happens. That’s why when I’m behind the wheel, I’m in charge.
Overall the Grandland is a fantastic vehicle and is supported by a 5-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan. It’s a pity there’s no Opel dealership on the South Coast, one has to go to Durban to experience the Grandland.
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