Vauxhall Grandland X 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp)

Vauxhall Grandland X 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp): A European Compact Crossover

The Vauxhall Grandland X 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp) represents a significant entry by the British marque into the highly competitive compact crossover SUV segment in the European market. Introduced in October 2017, the Grandland X was Vauxhall’s answer to the burgeoning demand for family-friendly SUVs, sharing its platform and core technologies with its French stablemates under the then-new PSA Group (now Stellantis) ownership, namely the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. This particular variant, powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, offered a compelling blend of efficiency, practicality, and modern features, positioning it as a sensible choice for consumers seeking versatility without excessive running costs. Though not sold in the United States, the Grandland X played a crucial role in Vauxhall’s product strategy, offering a contemporary design and a comfortable driving experience tailored to European tastes and regulations, including adherence to strict Euro 6 emission standards.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of this specific Grandland X model is a sophisticated 1.2-liter (1199 cm³ or 73.17 cu. in.) three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, internally designated B12XHT. Despite its modest displacement, this engine is a testament to modern powertrain engineering, delivering a robust 130 horsepower at 5500 revolutions per minute (rpm). More impressively, it generates a substantial 169.64 lb.-ft. of torque from a low 1750 rpm, providing excellent responsiveness and tractability in everyday driving situations. The power delivery is smooth and linear, a characteristic often associated with well-engineered turbocharged units.

Power is efficiently channeled to the front wheels via a precise 6-speed manual transmission, a common and popular choice in European markets for its engaging driving experience and fuel efficiency. This powertrain architecture ensures that the vehicle feels agile and capable, whether navigating urban environments or cruising on highways. The Grandland X 1.2 Turbo achieves a respectable maximum speed of 116.82 mph, making it perfectly adequate for typical European highway speeds.

Fuel economy is a strong suit for this model, reflecting its design for efficiency. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers, which translates to an impressive 43.6 US miles per gallon. Urban driving yields approximately 36.8 US mpg, while extra-urban conditions can see figures as high as 48 US mpg. These figures, coupled with CO2 emissions of 124 g/km, underscore its compliance with Euro 6 emission standards, making it an environmentally conscious choice within its segment during its production run from late 2017 to mid-2018.

Design and Features of the Vauxhall Grandland X

The Grandland X adopts a conventional yet appealing SUV body type, characterized by its five-door, five-seat configuration, prioritizing practicality and passenger comfort. Its exterior design is contemporary, featuring Vauxhall’s then-current design language with a prominent grille, sleek headlights, and robust body cladding that signifies its crossover credentials. The overall stance is confident, with a relatively high ground clearance and a muscular profile, further enhanced by the standard 19-inch wheels and 235/50 R19 tires, which fill the wheel arches nicely and contribute to a commanding road presence. The vehicle’s dimensions—176.26 inches in length, 73.07 inches in width (82.6 inches including mirrors), and 63.35 inches in height—place it squarely in the compact SUV category, balancing interior space with maneuverability.

Inside, the Grandland X offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The design is ergonomic, with controls logically placed for ease of use. The five-seat layout provides ample headroom and legroom for adults, making it suitable for families. A key highlight is its cargo capacity: a generous minimum trunk space of 18.15 cubic feet, which expands significantly to an impressive 58.34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This flexibility makes the Grandland X a highly versatile vehicle, capable of accommodating everything from weekly groceries to larger luggage for road trips.

Modern features are integrated to enhance convenience and safety. While specific infotainment details are not provided in the technical data, as a contemporary SUV, the Grandland X would have featured a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Bluetooth connectivity, and potentially satellite navigation, depending on the trim level. Standard safety equipment includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, ensuring effective stopping power. The electric power steering system provides light and precise handling, making parking and low-speed maneuvers effortless, while still offering sufficient feedback at higher speeds. The overall design emphasizes a blend of style, comfort, and everyday utility, catering to the needs of its target audience in Europe.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Vauxhall Grandland X, particularly with its efficient 1.2 Turbo engine, entered the market during a period of intense growth and competition within the compact SUV segment across Europe. It faced formidable rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Karoq, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and its platform-mate, the Peugeot 3008. In this crowded landscape, the Grandland X carved out its niche by offering a compelling package of practicality, modern design, and competitive pricing, coupled with Vauxhall’s established brand recognition in the UK.

Its introduction marked a strategic shift for Vauxhall, moving away from General Motors platforms to leverage the efficiencies and technologies of the PSA Group. This move allowed Vauxhall to offer a product that was fresh, technologically up-to-date, and aligned with European market trends, particularly regarding powertrain efficiency and emissions. The 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp) variant was a particularly attractive option, balancing adequate performance for family duties with excellent fuel economy and lower running costs, which are crucial considerations for European buyers.

The Grandland X quickly established a reputation as a sensible and reliable family crossover. Its spacious interior, generous trunk space, and comfortable ride quality made it a popular choice among those seeking a versatile daily driver. While it may not have been the most dynamically thrilling option in its class, its focus on comfort, safety, and practicality resonated strongly with its target demographic. It contributed significantly to Vauxhall’s sales volumes, solidifying the brand’s presence in a segment that continues to dominate European new car registrations.

The Grandland X’s legacy is one of successful adaptation and strategic positioning. It demonstrated Vauxhall’s ability to evolve under new ownership and deliver a competitive product that met modern consumer demands. The “X” suffix was later dropped as part of a brand refresh, with the model simply becoming the Grandland, reflecting its ongoing evolution and importance in Vauxhall’s lineup as a core offering in the family SUV market. Its efficient 1.2-liter turbo engine proved that a smaller displacement, three-cylinder unit could power a family SUV effectively, setting a trend for efficiency in the segment.