RAY MASSEY: Vauxhall’s big plans for its Grandland SUV

Vauxhall’s new second-generation family SUV has grown in size and stature as it has gone on sale.

It has paid off as the Grandland, produced with the badges of Vauxhall and its German sibling Opel, has won Germany’s prestigious Golden Steering Wheel award.

With prices starting from £34,700 for the petrol hybrid and from £40,995 for the pure electric version, it is available in three trim levels: Design, GS and Ultimate.

I tested the all-electric and petrol hybrid across the Rhineland before they reach UK showrooms later this month.

The new Grandland is even bigger than the previous model: it is 17.3 cm longer, 4.9 cm wider, 3.6 cm higher and much more spacious inside. This feeling is enhanced by a panoramic glass roof.

The smart, contemporary interior includes a cockpit with a central 16-inch widescreen display, giving it a sleek, modern feel.

There’s a good mix of physical buttons and touchscreen controls. A Pure Mode reduces the content displayed on the screen to a necessary minimum at night or at higher speeds.

For a relaxing ride, driver and passengers enjoy ergonomic seats with individually adjustable side cushions, certified by the German Campaign for Healthier Backs.

The Grandland also has an illuminated, translucent glass surface cover under which your smartphone can be inductively charged by simply placing it on the surface. And it’s the first production Vauxhall to feature an illuminated Griffin emblem on the V-shaped front of the visor.

Electric ultimate

The zero-emission SUV is powered by a 73 kWh battery and has a powerful 213 hp (157 kW) electric motor, allowing it to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in nine seconds, up to a top speed limited to 170 km/h . There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal and my favorite Sport. It sits on 20-inch wheels and has a claimed EV range of 318 miles, taking you from London to Newcastle. Although heavier than the hybrid, it feels more powerful.

Petrol-electric hybrid model

This model combines a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with 136 hp (100 kW) and a small electric motor with 28 hp (21 kW). It accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds, up to 200 km/h, but lacks the power and power of its electric brother.

Fine for the city, but it felt tense in comparison when he was asked to deliver a more energetic performance. It has a fuel consumption of 51.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 125g/km.

The new Grandland also features glare-free HD headlights. Most fabrics, interior trim and door panels are recycled – three of which are vegan – but look stylish.

The trunk has approximately 550 liters of luggage space or 1,645 liters with the rear seats folded down.

The car is also chrome-free.

My testing took place from Vauxhall parent company Stellantis’ headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, where I enjoyed varied drives of my choice through town and country up to the scenic Rhine and back.