WE DRIVE VAUXHALLS NEW BABY CROSSOVER…

Vauxhall have recently launched an all-new baby crossover, named the Crossland X, even more recently we got the chance to drive it for a week to see what it’s like.

The Vauxhall ‘X’ range has now extended to a trio with the introduction of the Crossland X as it joins its big sister, the ever popular Mokka X and big brother, the Grandland X which is due in showrooms in January.

This trio covers the full crossover/SUV range to pitch firmly against the likes of Peugeot’s 2008 and 3008 along with Renault’s Captur and Kadjar models as prime examples.

At a glance, the Crossland X leaves no doubt in the fact it is a crossover, featuring the typical black plastics around the lower bumpers, lower doors and around the arches as per most vehicles of this type.

Styling inspiration can be seen from the likes of Vauxhall’s Adam as well as the Mokka X – both highly popular models in their respective markets, so I guess pulling style and design across to the Crossland X is the right move.

Better looking and finished than Renault’s offerings, the Crossland X just doesn’t quite have the brave styling and quality as that of the Peugeot’s, that said, for the money, it’s a decent effort from Vauxhall that will appeal to a huge audience.

With an all-black upper half on this model tested, accentuated with the privacy glass and chrome trim, the Crossland X may well turn heads, I think it does look quite stylish if the truth be told and removes what would be an element of blandness had it been one solid colour.

Load space is incredibly good for such a small crossover, as you can see from the above image – my large camera bag, rucksack and a sports bag hiding a flight case under it, all fitted with ease – family life wouldn’t be a problem, though you may struggle with a pram and all that goes with a young baby.

Inside the Crossland X tested, a sea of black and grey was on offer with orange detailing and some nice nicely sculpted features such as the steering wheel made it a nice enough place to look at despite using materials that generally wouldn’t be nice to look at.

A couple of cup holders up front keep the morning coffee safe whilst driving and a central armrest adds comfort on longer commutes with plenty of rather unsupported space on offer up front with the rear seating being great for a young family and teenagers, though a long run may become a little cramped with four adults on-board.

Via the screen built into the dash which offers all the usual AM/FM/DAB Radio, phone connectivity, Bluetooth and more, the 180° panoramic rear-view camera gives a clear view of the area behind your car and helps place the car perfectly, without needing to strain your neck.

Project your phone’s apps to the IntelliLink screen with Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™, including a wireless charging spot and Wi-Fi hotspot to keep everyone connected, model dependant.

The Crossland X features six models starting from £15,555 with the ‘SE’ which comes with OnStar (Vauxhall’s personal assistant), R4.0 IntelliLink touch screen infotainment system, electronic climate control including air conditioning, 16-inch silver-effect four twin-spoke alloy wheels and cruise control with speed limiter and intelligent speed adaption.

Add the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink touch screen navigation and infotainment system and you get the ‘SE Nav’ which starts from £17,255 and next up in the range is a ‘Tech Line Nav’ adding rear parking distance sensors, 16-inch diamond-cut titan four twin-spoke alloy wheels and the choice of a mineral black, satin steel grey or summit white roof colour with matching door mirrors – this model starts from £16,650.

An ‘Elite’ model (as tested) starting from £17,755 features the R4.0 IntelliLink touch screen infotainment system but gets 17-inch diamond-cut Technical Grey multi-spoke alloy wheels with 215/50 R 17 tyres.

Add the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink touchscreen navigation and infotainment system and you get the ‘Elite Nav’ which starts from £18,455 whilst an ‘Ultimate’ features wireless charging for mobile devices and starts from £21,945.

Engine wise; the Crossland X comes with an incredibly lacklustre 1.2 petrol unit, mated to a 5 speed manual producing 80bhp with a claimed combined economy of 54.3mpg. Next up, a pair of turbocharged 1.2 petrol unit’s starting with 108bhp mated to either a 5 speed manual ‘box or a 6 speed auto ‘box, managing a claimed 58.9mpg and 52.3mpg respectively.

The more potent of this paring comes with 118bhp and a 6 speed manual ‘box returning a claimed 55.4mpg. Finally a brace of 1.6 turbocharged diesels are available starting with a 97bhp model mated to a 5 speed manual ‘box with a claimed economy of 78.5mpg.

Finally a mile munching 118bhp unit is available paired to a 6 speed manual ‘box with a claimed return of 70.6mpg. Driving wise, I found the Crossland X to have a little more body roll than I’d prefer with light steering and an overall experience that doesn’t engage.

The Tech Line Nav appears as best value for money when it comes to spec, I can see it being the most popular model and expect to pay almost £19k for a 118bhp petrol, 5 speed manual with metallic paint and heated front seats.

For a well kitted 118bhp diesel ‘Ultimate’ model; expect to pay just shy of £25k, is it worth that? I don’t think so, especially when you consider the Mokka X which starts from £18,455 which offers a sportier drive.

Is a £3k saving on base models going to put people into the Crossland X though? Only time will tell!

One thing we do know is that the Crossland X is well kitted even from the base model and the Tech Line Nav does seem like great value with a great array of engine / gearbox combinations and low insurance groups.

Words and Photos: Graham Curry
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