Opel Crossland X launched in SA
With General Motors leaving South Africa, Opel is on a mission to firmly root itself within the local market. Meet the latest product that is set out to achieve exactly that – the new Opel Crossland X.
You’d be forgiven for mistaking the Crossland X for the Mokka X. This is because, aside from being very similar in physical dimensions, both models are positioned to be key players in the fast-growing compact crossover segment.
Simply put, the Crossland X is targeted towards the family-orientated driver, while the Mokka X is targeted towards the more trendy, adventurous driver.
Having two horses in a race against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and the Mazda CX-3 makes a lot of sense from a business perspective and is very likely to bring Opel a handsome number of sales.
DESIGN
Function takes priority over form with the Crossland X sitting at just over 4,2 meters tall, allowing for ample headroom, even for taller passengers. Legroom is also taken care of thanks to the 2,6-meter wheelbase.
The Crossland X is a pleasant car on the eye with smooth lines and clever edges to give the car a rugged, yet refined look. The headlights and roof line are signature Opel, however, it is hard to ignore the similarities it shares with the Peugeot 2008, which shares its platform with the Crossland X.
The two-tone colour scheme is a winner in my book, with the gloss-black roof looking great on every paint finish.
The build quality of the interior is decent, although a bit less plastic would go a long way. The rear seats feature a nifty slide-function that allows them to slide back or forward on demand, again, supplementing the comfort of the rear passengers. Boot space also benefits from the sliding seats, which is bumped up to 1,255 litres with both seats folded down.
The infotainment system up front features Apple CarPlay and its Android equivalent as standard on a 7” screen that also offers Bluetooth and USB functionality. The higher specced ‘Cosmo’ models feature an 8” screen, along with tech such as navigation, voice command, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android mirroring.
The Crossland X is a lot of car for the money, with features such as cruise control, automatic DRLED’s, traffic sign detection and hill assist fitted as standard. The ‘Cosmo’ and ‘Enjoy’ spec levels also come with automatic wipers, reverse camera, front and rear PDC and a heads-up-display unit. Optional extras on the top-spec Cosmo model include adaptive LED’s, park assist, automatic emergency braking and collision alert safety systems.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Crossland X line-up is made up of four derivatives, with two engine choices along with either manual or automatic gearboxes.
The entry-level model is powered by a naturally aspirated 1,2-litre engine, producing a modest 60kW of power and 118Nm of torque, fed to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The other three derivatives are powered by a turbocharged 1,2-litre engine, throwing out 81kW of power and 205Nm of torque. The Crossland X ‘Enjoy’ model, along with the ‘Cosmo’ model both have 5-speed manual ‘boxes, while the range-topping Cosmo Auto model comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Consumption on the 1,2-litre naturally aspirated is claimed to be 5,2-litres/100km, while the turbocharged 1,2-litres consumption is claimed at 4,8-litres/100km.
IMPRESSIONS
I drove the 1,2-litre turbo ‘Enjoy’ model which was a delight to drive. Performance was on-par with what is expected from a mid-size family crossover and the overall ride was comfortable.
The comfort was evident and consistent from the start as we progressed from the bustle of town driving to the more open, and occasionally bumpy, country roads.
The cabin and the seats are very easy to get used to and the visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, although the interior of the Crossland X was a bit more Peugeot than Opel, which the more loyal customers will notice.
The steering wheel was extremely agile, which gives the driver a sense of confidence in the ability of the Crossland X. The gearbox was also surprisingly smooth, although the more-than-subtle turbo lag definitely dampened the mood.
PRICING
Crossland X – R265 000
Crossland X Enjoy – R305 000
Crossland X Cosmo – R345 000
Crossland X Cosmo Auto – R360 000
Prices include a 5-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance programme, a 5-year/unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and a 3-year/ 60 000km service plan. Service intervals at 15 000 km or 12 months for all models.
