Vauxhall Grandland X 1.5 Turbo D (130 Hp) Automatic

The Vauxhall Grandland X 1.5 Turbo D (130 Hp) Automatic: A European Compact SUV

The Vauxhall Grandland X 1.5 Turbo D (130 Hp) Automatic represents a significant offering in the highly competitive compact SUV segment within the European market. As a brand primarily sold in the United Kingdom, Vauxhall is the British sister marque of Opel, both operating under the umbrella of what was then PSA Group (now Stellantis). The Grandland X, first introduced in 2017, marked Vauxhall’s entry into the C-segment SUV market, sharing its platform and many components with the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. This particular variant, produced from July 2019 to July 2021, featured a highly efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine paired with a smooth automatic transmission, catering to European consumers who valued fuel economy, torque, and a practical family vehicle.

During its production run, this iteration of the Grandland X aimed to blend modern design with practical utility and impressive efficiency. Positioned as a versatile five-door, five-seat SUV, it provided a compelling package for families and individuals seeking a comfortable and capable vehicle for both urban commutes and longer journeys. The focus on a refined diesel powertrain underscored its European market orientation, where diesel engines continued to be a popular choice for their robust torque delivery and lower running costs compared to gasoline counterparts, especially for higher mileage drivers.

Engine and Performance of the Vauxhall Grandland X

At the heart of the Vauxhall Grandland X 1.5 Turbo D (130 Hp) Automatic lies a modern, efficient 1.5-liter (1499 cm³) inline four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, designated with the model code D15DTH. This powerplant was engineered to deliver a balanced combination of power and exceptional fuel efficiency, a crucial factor in the European automotive landscape. It produces a respectable 130 horsepower at 5500 revolutions per minute (rpm), translating to a power output of 86.7 horsepower per liter. More significantly for an SUV, it generates a robust 221.27 lb.-ft. of torque, available at a low 1750 rpm. This ample low-end torque is instrumental for effortless acceleration, confident overtaking, and capable towing, enhancing the driving experience especially when the vehicle is fully loaded.

The engine’s advanced architecture includes a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, ensuring optimal airflow and combustion efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a sophisticated Diesel Commonrail injection system, which precisely controls fuel atomization for cleaner and more efficient burning. Further boosting performance and efficiency is a turbocharger coupled with an intercooler, which forces more air into the engine, resulting in greater power output without significantly increasing displacement.

Power is channeled to the front wheels through a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission, a modern choice that optimizes gear ratios for both spirited driving and fuel economy. This drivetrain architecture, with the internal combustion engine driving the front wheels, is typical for compact SUVs in this segment, offering a good balance of traction and cost-effectiveness. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 119.3 mph, positioning it as a capable cruiser on highways. Furthermore, its commitment to environmental standards is evident with CO2 emissions of 108 g/km and adherence to the stringent Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard, supported by a particulate filter and an AdBlue tank with a capacity of 4.49 US gallons for nitrogen oxide reduction.

Design and Features

The Vauxhall Grandland X adopts the popular SUV body type, characterized by its elevated ride height, rugged styling cues, and practical interior space. Measuring 176.26 inches in length, 73.07 inches in width (82.6 inches including mirrors), and 63.35 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 105.31 inches, the Grandland X presents a commanding yet manageable footprint for urban environments and open roads alike. Its five-door configuration and five-seat layout emphasize its utility as a family-friendly vehicle.

Design-wise, the Grandland X features a contemporary aesthetic, aligning with Vauxhall’s design language of the era. The exterior styling is characterized by clean lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted body panels, contributing to a modern and assertive road presence. Inside, the cabin is designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The minimum trunk space of 18.15 cubic feet is generous for daily use, expanding significantly to a maximum of 58.34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, offering ample cargo capacity for larger items or family trips.

Key features contributing to the vehicle’s driving dynamics and safety include an independent McPherson type front suspension and a semi-independent rear suspension with coil springs, providing a comfortable and stable ride. Braking performance is handled by ventilated discs measuring 304 mm at the front and solid discs measuring 268 mm at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced control during emergency stops. The steering system is a rack and pinion type with electric power steering, offering precise and effortless maneuverability. The Grandland X also offered a range of wheel and tire options, from 215/65 R17 to 235/50 R19, allowing for customization of both aesthetics and handling characteristics.

Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Grandland X 1.5 Turbo D (130 Hp) Automatic

Legacy and Market Impact

The Vauxhall Grandland X, particularly the 1.5 Turbo D (130 Hp) Automatic variant, played a crucial role in Vauxhall’s product strategy within the European market from 2019 to 2021. As a rebadged version of the Opel Grandland X, it allowed Vauxhall to offer a competitive and modern compact SUV to its UK customer base, leveraging the engineering and design prowess of the PSA Group. This model was a direct competitor to a host of popular C-segment SUVs in Europe, including the Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga (known as the Escape in the USA), Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and its platform mates, the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross.

Its reputation was largely built on its practicality, comfortable ride, and the excellent fuel economy offered by the 1.5-liter diesel engine. In a market where diesel powerplants were still a significant consideration for many buyers, especially those covering long distances or requiring towing capability, the Grandland X 1.5 Turbo D provided an appealing blend of performance and efficiency. The 8-speed automatic transmission further enhanced its appeal, offering a refined driving experience that was well-suited for both urban stop-and-go traffic and relaxed highway cruising.

The Grandland X’s entry into the market under PSA ownership marked a new chapter for Vauxhall, moving away from its traditional General Motors platforms. This shift brought with it a renewed focus on efficiency, modularity, and shared technologies, which ultimately benefited consumers through competitive pricing and modern features. While the “X” suffix was eventually dropped in subsequent model updates (leading to the Grandland nameplate), this generation established Vauxhall’s presence in a vital segment. It demonstrated the brand’s ability to adapt to changing market demands, offering a vehicle that was both contemporary in design and robust in its mechanical underpinnings. Its legacy is that of a practical, efficient, and well-rounded family SUV that successfully carved out its niche in a crowded European marketplace.