• Some cheap plastics in the cabin
• Comfortable AGR seats
• Rear cabin feels slightly claustrophobic

How is the quality and layout?

At a glance, the Grandland X dashboard looks solid, if a little uninspiring. For the most part, material quality is fairly average, with fewer soft, squidgy plastics than you might find in a Peugeot 3008 or a Volkswagen Tiguan. The doors are particularly disappointing, with some flimsy pockets made with brittle, cheap plastic.

That said, the materials are generally well screwed together, even if some of the steering wheel buttons aren’t quite as pleasing to use as they might be. Apart from that, things are laid out pretty logically and the cabin is quite airy – as long as you don’t sit in the back. Although overall space back there is generous, the seats feel a bit dark and claustrophobic, even with the optional panoramic roof.

Infotainment and tech

Vauxhall has tried hard to clear the dash of buttons, but it has left the all-important heating controls alone – a welcome surprise when sister brands Peugeot and Citroen are hiding them away in the touchscreen. Speaking of which, the Vauxhall has a slightly small screen, with lowlier models making do with the smaller 7-inch infotainment system. Larger screens are offered higher up the range, however, and even the basic unit comes with the all-important Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connections.

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Size aside, we like the way that the Grandland X’s infotainment system works. It isn’t quite as modern as some rivals’ systems, but it’s easy enough to use and it’s a little better than the related touchscreens in Peugeots and Citroens. If only because it looks better. We also like the ledge underneath the screen, which is great if you’re trying to use it on bumpy roads – it gives you something to rest your hand on to successfully make selections.

Comfort

• AGR seats are very supportive
• Rear passengers have plenty of space
• Plentiful storage

Arguably the most impressive aspect of the Grandland X interior is the seat comfort. The AGR seats, which are optional across the range but standard on high-end models, are certified by the German Campaign for Healthier Backs, they have plenty of adjustment and leave you feeling surprisingly refreshed after a long drive.

Interior space is also pretty good, with room for four adults, and even the central rear seat isn’t a punitive place to sit. That’s mainly down to the lack of a transmission tunnel behind the centre console, but the generous headroom also helps.

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There’s also plenty of storage for bits and bobs, with two cupholders, a large armrest box and another smaller cubby in the centre console. And it goes without saying that there’s plenty of space in the front, with a decent driving position and bags of headroom.