What's the news?
Opel is adding to its line-up of SUV-themed vehicles with its all-new Grandland X. The five-seat SUV is set to go up against the like of the SEAT Ateca, and Peugeot 3008, which it shares some of its mechanical underpinnings. It has a sporty look and wide stance that should provide plenty of appeal to younger SUV buyers.
Exterior
The Grandland X carries over some of the design elements we've already seen in the smaller Crossland X, Mokka X and new Insignia Grand Sport. Sharper, more angular headlights give the car a more focused appearance at the front, as does the larger grille. Black plastic cladding around the sills, wheel arches and lower bumper sections provide protection should you be brave enough to venture off the beaten track and add the illusion of the car riding higher.
Sharp creases in the bodywork, along with the shoulderline and coming up from the sills break up the flanks. The clamshell bonnet also carries sharper lines in the metalwork. Opel is equipping the Grandland X with its new Adaptive Forward Lighting LED headlight. These units feature cornering functions, high beam assist and have an auto levelling system designed to provide optimal illumination.
Interior
Inside the Grandland X, there should be enough space to seat five adults comfortably. Expect the rear seats to offer plenty of versatility and should be capable of folding flat to maximise boot capacity when required. The front seats are AGR-certified for greater ergonomic comfort and can be electrically adjusted as well as heated. Buyer will be able to specify the rear seats with a heated option as can the steering wheel.
Up front, there is a similar dashboard design to that of Opel's flagship Insignia Grand Sport. A large high-definition colour touchscreen will offer smartphone connectivity along with Opel's latest satellite navigation system.
Updates to the On-Star system add even greater functionality and convenience. In addition to being able to connect to a real operator at any time of day or night, the system will now be able to find where the best value fuel can be purchased and help with finding parking spaces in a busy town.
Mechanicals
Opel hasn't yet confirmed how the engine lineup for the Grandland X will look, but it is certain to feature the company's new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in addition to some diesel variants. They are likely to include at least one version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel. As well as both automatic and manual gearbox options, Opel will also offer all-wheel drive with the Grandland X.
The Grandland X will also come equipped with some of the latest safety technologies like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), pedestrian detection and will also feature smart systems like drowsiness alerts.
Anything else?
Opel will give the Grandland X its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and is set to go on sale soon after that. Prices and exact specifications will be confirmed closer to then.