Opel Crossland X – Launch Drive.

We drive the Opel Crossland X

The Mokka X having proved itself to be a worthy contender to the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Suzuki Vitara, and Renault Captur, will now be joined by the all-new family focused Crossland X. The recent accusation of the Opel brand by the French through the PSA group has resulted in a culmination of minds and the two have promised an onslaught of a total of nine PSA based models in the pipeline before 2020. The first of these collaborative efforts is the Opel Crossland X, based on the same  PF1 platform that underpins the Peugeot 2008. The Crossland X joins the ever popular B-SUV segment and thus aims to be a serious contender in this very competitive game.

Interior

The inside of the Crossland will be rather familiar to the owners of modern Opel products. Much like that of the Corsa, the interior is simple and comprehensive with standard equipment like the Intellilink 4.0 system, which offers a 7-inch touchscreen screen, Apple CarPlay and the usual Bluetooth and USB connectivity options to supplement the radio. The list of standard features on the Crossland also include Hill start assist, attractive LED driving lights, Auto headlights and traffic sign recognition. The Enjoy model adds auto wipers, rear-view camera, front and rear PDC and front fog lamps.  

The top spec Cosmo completes the package with a list of driver aids and safety assistance systems that Opel calls a Safety Pack. This encompasses Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Breaking, Blind Spot Assist and Driver Drowsiness systems. Finally, the upgraded 8-inch Intellilink 5.0 system with navigation replaces the smaller unit.

Engines

The base Crossland will be the only atmospheric engine in the line-up. Offering 60kW and 118N.m at 2 750 rpm, from a 3 cylinder 1.2-litre engine. The higher spec models will gain some turbo induction and boasts  81kW and 205N.m. The naturally aspirated motor is said to return 5.2l/100km and 4.8l/100km with the turbo engine. All models are linked to a 5-speed manual baring the 6 speed automatic Cosmo. All models drive the front wheels exclusively and highlight the family orientated market it aims to occupy

Driving Impressions:

On launch journos were ushered into the Crossland experience with the full range of models on display, and ready for testing. TheMotorist was presented with a rather handsome machine in the form of the Enjoy variant of the Crossland X. The overall dimensions suggest it to be a bit of an elevated SUV like drive, yet it doesn’t make the car feel large or cumbersome. The Enjoy will likely be the most popular model given it falls above the lower spec base Crossland X and in between the Cosmo and Automatic Cosmo, whilst not feeling sparse in equipment and spec.

The launch route was a good combination of the typical traffic and city driving that the Crossland X will mostly be subjected to. Longer, faster single lane country roads that are a part and parcel of any road trip were also included. The Crossland X offers a very well dampened suspension that offers a rather comfortable ride and well-weighted controls that are light and ideal for this class of vehicle. The transmission action is smooth and the clutch is light and easy to modulate in traffic. Shove from the engine proved to be ample, with the turbo model pulling nicely all the way up to the national limit, whilst also doing a good job of providing enough torque to overtake slower moving traffic. Space in the rear is impressive, given I can sit comfortably behind my 183cm self, and have enough head and shin room even in this position.

Summary

Overall the drive, build and feel is impressive from the not so little Opel and the package it offers will prove to be highly competitive if consumers give it the attention it deserves.

Opel Crossland X Pricing In South Africa

The based model Crossland X starts off pricing at R265 000, with the Enjoy raising this to R305 000. The top Spec Cosmo comes in at R345 000 and R365 000 for the auto. All models are sold with a 120000km/5 year warranty and a 3 year/60 000km service plan.