RAY MASSEY: Vauxhall’s grand plans for its Grandland SUV

The new second-generation family SUV from Vauxhall has grown in size and stature by going upmarket.

It’s paid off as the Grandland, produced with Vauxhall and its German sibling Opel badges, won Germany’s prestigious Golden Steering Wheel award.

With prices from £34,700 for the petrol-hybrid and from £40,995 for the pure electric version, it comes in three trim levels: Design, GS and Ultimate.

I put the all-electric and petrol hybrid to the test through Rhine country before they reach UK showrooms later this month.

The new Grandland is even grander than the outgoing model as it is 17.3cm longer, 4.9cm wider, 3.6cm higher and much roomier inside. 

This feeling is enhanced by a panoramic glass roof.

The smart, contemporary interior includes a cockpit with a 16in widescreen central display, giving it a clean, modern ambience.

There is a good blend of physical buttons and touch-screen controls. 

A Pure Mode reduces the content displayed on screen to a necessary minimum at night or at higher speeds.

For a relaxing ride, drivers and passengers enjoy ergonomic seats with individually adjustable side cushions certified by Germany’s Campaign for Healthier Backs.

The Grandland also has an illuminated, translucent glass surface cover under which your smartphone can be inductively charged simply by lying it on the surface. 

And it’s the first production Vauxhall to feature an illuminated Griffin badge on its V-shaped ‘visor’ front.

There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport

The smart, contemporary interior includes a cockpit with a 16in widescreen central display, giving it a clean, modern ambience 

The new Grandland is even grander than the outgoing model as it is 17.3cm longer, 4.9cm wider, 3.6cm higher and much roomier inside

For a relaxing ride, drivers and passengers enjoy ergonomic seats with individually adjustable side cushions

The boot has around 550 litres of luggage room or 1,645 litres with rear seats folded

Electric Ultimate

Energised by a 73KWh battery, the zero-emissions SUV has a powerful 213 horse-power (157kw) electric motor that allows it to accelerate from rest to 62mph in nine seconds, up to a top speed restricted to 106mph. 

There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and my preferred Sport.

 Riding on 20in wheels, it has a claimed EV range of 318 miles which should get you from London to Newcastle. 

Although heavier than the hybrid, it feels more powerful.

Petrol-electric hybrid model

This model combines a 136hp (100kW) turbocharged 1.2 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with a small 28hp (21kW) electric motor. 

It accelerates from rest to 62mph in 10.2 seconds, up to 126mph, but lacks the bite and oomph of its electric sibling.

Fine for around town, it felt strained by comparison when asked to deliver a more energetic performance. It offers 51.4 mpg and CO2 emissons of 125g/km.

The new Grandland also features glare-free HD headlights. Most fabrics, interior trim and door panels are recycled – with three vegan – but look smart.

The boot has around 550 litres of luggage room or 1,645 litres with rear seats folded.

The car is also chrome free.

My testing took place out of Vauxhall parent company Stellantis’s headquarters at Russelsheim in Germany, where I enjoyed varied drives of my own choosing through town and country down to the scenic Rhine and back.