• One mild-hybrid model available
• Performance is sluggish
• No other powertrains are planned

Hybrid engines

Unless you want to embrace the Grandland Electric, your only choice is the 136hp 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol that’s shared with what feels like a million-and-one other cars in the Stellantis (Peugeot/Citroen/DS/Vauxhall/Fiat etc) range. The hard-working little engine is combined with a 28hp electric motor/0.9kWh battery combo and paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The mid-sized family SUV class isn’t filled with fast cars, but the Vauxhall Grandland doesn’t feel spritely even here. We think this drivetrain is out of its depth with the 1.6-tonne kerbweight. We don’t see too many £35k cars with a 0-62mph time of more than 10 seconds these days, but this is one of them, taking 10.2 seconds for the benchmark. In normal driving it’s fine, but should you need to overtake, carry lots of people, or go up a steep hill, it will rapidly run out of puff.

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The Grandland is sold in mainland Europe and Ireland as a plug-in hybrid under the Opel badge. However, there are no plans to bring this option Grandland to the UK.

What’s it like to drive?

• Stiff ride at lower speeds
• Not fun, but competent in corners
• Feels most at home on the motorway

There are three driving modes to choose from – Eco, Normal and Sport. Each one adjusts the steering, braking and engine response. In this car it’s an unnecessary luxury, as it handles and steers well enough in the default Normal mode and the changes are nominal. The biggest difference we noticed was Eco mode, which makes the gearbox jerkier and dulls the throttle.  

Taking it on a B-road home is no chore thanks to the effectiveness of its frequency selective dampers. The body control is above average, and it feels planted and reasonably composed in corners. We’d have liked more steering feel, but there were no complaints from us about its precision or weighting. There’s even some feedback available through the wheel. While it grips well and is certainly better to drive than a Kia Sportage, you’ll have more fun in a Ford Kuga.

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On the motorway, it feels grown-up and at home. Refinement is good once the engine has settled down and noise levels are impressively low. It’s at its most comfortable here, although you’ll still feel expansion joints thwack through the car. That’s because the suspension is stiff to deal with the weight and provide decent cornering. Around town, it’s particularly firm and jarring, so try it before you buy.