Grandland X Greta Thunberg edition. There are no schoolchildren across the country waiting for a version of the show to be plastered on their bedroom walls. However, here we are with the Hybrid4, the performance and eco-friendly version of the GrandlandX.
While 296bhp makes it the most powerful production Vauxhall fading currently on sale, it makes the Grandland
The Grandland X's appeal is much broader. After all, this is a draw-heft hybrid. So this big SUV is capable of an official 204mpg and produces very little pollution – in theory. rather fast.
Special Nurburgring lap times.
If you haven't read, manufacturers must reach a line average of 95g/km CO2 next year. Having hybrid vehicles in its product range goes a long way towards helping Vauxhall achieve this goal, and avoid paying billions of Euros in fines.
Unsurprisingly, this Mongrel X is the most expensive in the GrandlandX lineup. For that, you get a 1.6-liter petrol engine, two electric motors, and an all-wheel drive.
Grandland X Thunberg edition. There are no schoolchildren there
In the top-spec, called Ultimate Nav, the equipment list is predictably long, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, driving modes, and seats approved by – no joke – the German campaign for healthier backs.
While this is an impressive array of things to do, it will cost up to £46,500. No, you read that right. The Vauxhall is the same price as some two-bedroom terraced houses in Durham.
Talk to me about that 296bhp
Well, if you insist. This is a very healthy power output and comes with an even healthier 384 lb-ft of torque. The 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine produces 197bhp, the front electric motor produces 108bhp, and the rear produces 111bhp. Math fans will know that power reaches 416bhp. But it's not that simple.
Meanwhile, in full power mode, all three power sources are used, but because they all work at different RPMs, there is no single moment when all three can produce maximum power.
On the other hand, instead of having a theoretical 296bhp (depending on battery position), you will always have 296bhp. This is because even though the digital readout is in the 0 – electric range you still have battery 15. This means that even if you ‘ run out ’ of electric power, you still have 296bhp at your disposal.
It feels pretty fast. 0- 62mph comes in 5.9 seconds. Low electrical power helps a lot in this regard. It also has no trouble getting traction, thanks to the AWD system. In full power mode, it converts power into movement in a very efficient, even spectacular way.
Yes, the wheels move roughly in line with what the steering wheel does, and that's a good start. The fault lies in the steering speed. This is too fast. And also too light.
Throwing it into a long corner you can feel the car leaning heavily. You will also hear the sound of screeching tires.
With AWD as standard, there's actually plenty of grip. And while we commend Vauxhall for not fitting it with some sort of overly heavy steering that's electronically controlled depending on the driving mode you're in, you're never confident enough to really make the most of all the grip.
The ride was pretty good. Despite all the PHEV gubbins, it never feels fragile – it's very soft. Our test route was in the Peterborough Black Forest in Germany. In cities full of holes caused by logging trucks, the atmosphere feels smooth and relaxed.
The wheels the car drives are determined by the driving mode you use.
At start-up, the default is Electric mode. This locks the car in rear-wheel drive mode because it uses the motor on the rear axle. No, it won't float. When in this mode, it will cover a distance of 35 shops in electric mode at speeds of up to 84mph.
Our test route included a short stretch of motorway and was sure to run well north of 80mph in Power lock. The distance must be covered carefully, but in daily driving, we cover a distance of about 30 shops on pure electricity.
In mongrel mode, it can switch between the 1.6-litre petrol engine and the electric motor. There are no major changes, and that's good. The sport uses all three drive modes to get maximum power. And AWD is best when things get a bit cold.
If you make it past the black hood(optional) without wanting to escape, you can open the door to reveal the inside. Here, it's almost like a regular Grandland
There's plenty of room up front. The screen looks a bit small compared to higher-end machines, but this is a Vauxhall after all. The seats are comfortable, and most of the dashboard is button-free. The infotainment works well and is easy to read.
Even though it was very dark there. And the plastic, at least under your eyeliner, feels and looks hard and scratchy.
Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4 verdict
Grandland
And yes, it's a bit pricey. A bit very expensive. From a financial perspective, this seems more reasonable. The cheapest Hybrid4 works out (depending on mileage and initial payment) at around £400 per month. A similarly powered SUV, such as the BMW X2 M35i costs around £450 per month more. While other large plug-in SUVs, such as the Audi Q5 TFSIe quattro, will set you back almost £500 per month.
No, it doesn't handle everything well. However, in a world where the dégagé SUV has firm suspension, Vauxhall has gone against the grain and created something for people who want a fast SUV but don't want to look dégagé in the slightest.
It just doesn't have the interior luxury and swanky badging that the average fast SUV driver desires.
Price when new £46,500
On Sale in the UK Now
1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with two electric motors, 296bhp@ 3000rpm, 384 lb ft@ 2500rpm
Eight-speed Automatic Transmission, all-wheel drive
Performance 5.9 seconds 0- 62mph, 146mph, 204mpg, 34g/ km CO2
Weight/ Material 1,800 kg/ steel
Dimensions( length/ width/ height in mm) 4477/1856/1609( mm)
