Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 Turbo (225 Hp) Hybrid Automatic

The Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 Turbo (225 Hp) Hybrid Automatic: A European Electrified SUV

The Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 Turbo (225 Hp) Hybrid Automatic represents a significant step in Vauxhall’s commitment to electrification within the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Launched in December 2019 and produced until July 2021, this particular variant of the Grandland X, known simply as Grandland in its later iteration, introduced advanced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology to the brand’s popular crossover lineup. Primarily marketed in the United Kingdom and across Europe, where Vauxhall operates as a sister brand to Opel under the Stellantis (formerly PSA Group) umbrella, the Grandland X was designed to offer a compelling blend of SUV practicality, modern design, and impressive fuel efficiency, particularly appealing to buyers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance or utility.

As a key player in the European C-segment SUV market, the Grandland X aimed to capture a share from established rivals by leveraging its sophisticated powertrain architecture. This generation of the Grandland, identifiable by the “X” suffix, underscored its crossover credentials. The 1.6 Turbo (225 Hp) Hybrid Automatic model, with its potent combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, provided a driving experience that was both dynamic and environmentally conscious, setting a benchmark for Vauxhall in the evolving landscape of electrified vehicles.

Powertrain and Dynamic Performance of the Vauxhall Grandland X

At the heart of the Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 Turbo (225 Hp) Hybrid Automatic lies a meticulously engineered plug-in hybrid powertrain, designed for both spirited driving and exceptional fuel economy. The internal combustion engine (ICE) component is a 1.6-liter (1598 cm³ or 97.52 cubic inches) turbocharged inline-four cylinder unit, an EP6FADTXHPD engine model, which produces a robust 180 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 221.27 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm. This engine features direct fuel injection, a turbocharger with an intercooler, a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), and a compression ratio of 11:1, ensuring efficient power delivery.

Complementing the gasoline engine is a powerful electric motor, strategically placed between the combustion engine and the transmission. This electric motor contributes an additional 110 horsepower at 2500 rpm and a substantial 236.02 lb.-ft. of torque across a broad range of 500-2500 rpm. The synergy of these two power sources results in an impressive combined system output of 225 horsepower and 265.52 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission, allowing the vehicle to operate in full electric, hybrid, or gasoline-only modes.

Performance figures for the Grandland X 1.6 Turbo Hybrid are competitive within its class. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 8.6 seconds, and reach a maximum speed of 139.81 mph. Beyond raw performance, the hybrid system prioritizes efficiency. The vehicle boasts an remarkable combined fuel consumption (WLTP) of 1.5 liters per 100 km, translating to an outstanding 156.8 US mpg. Its CO2 emissions are exceptionally low at just 35 g/km, adhering to the stringent Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard. The plug-in hybrid architecture includes a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 13.2 kWh (11.5 kWh net usable), located discreetly under the rear seats. This allows for an all-electric range (WLTP) of up to 34.18 miles, with a maximum electric speed of 83.89 mph, making it ideal for urban commutes or short trips on electric power alone. The average energy consumption (WLTP) is rated at 16.1 kWh/100 km, equivalent to 130 MPGe, further underscoring its green credentials.

Design, Features, and Practicality

The Vauxhall Grandland X maintains a contemporary and robust SUV aesthetic, typical of the compact crossover segment. Its five-door, five-seat body configuration emphasizes practicality and family-friendliness. With an overall length of 176.26 inches, a width of 73.07 inches (82.6 inches including mirrors), and a height of 63.35 inches, the Grandland X strikes a balance between urban maneuverability and interior spaciousness. A wheelbase of 105.31 inches contributes to a stable ride and ample cabin room for all occupants.

Inside, the Grandland X offers a well-appointed cabin with a focus on comfort and connectivity, though specific infotainment details are not provided in the technical data. Being a modern vehicle, it would have featured a range of contemporary amenities expected in its class, including advanced driver-assistance systems. The SUV’s practicality is further highlighted by its versatile cargo capacity. With the rear seats in place, it offers 13.77 cubic feet of trunk space, which expands significantly to 53.96 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, accommodating larger items or luggage for longer journeys. The curb weight of the vehicle is 3968.32 lbs., with a maximum permissible weight of 5048.59 lbs., allowing for a maximum load of 1080.27 lbs.

For enhanced driving dynamics and safety, the Grandland X is equipped with an independent McPherson-type front suspension with a transverse stabilizer, and a torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs. It features electric power steering for ease of maneuverability and comes standard with 19-inch wheel rims. Safety is paramount, and the vehicle includes ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as a fundamental assisting system. The integration of the Start & Stop System further contributes to fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Vauxhall Grandland X

The Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 Turbo (225 Hp) Hybrid Automatic carved out a significant niche for Vauxhall in the highly competitive European compact SUV market. Its introduction marked a pivotal moment for the brand, as it was one of the first models to offer a plug-in hybrid option, signaling Vauxhall’s strong commitment to electrification. In its primary market, the UK, the Grandland X was positioned as a practical, stylish, and environmentally friendlier alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel SUVs, appealing particularly to company car drivers and families looking for lower running costs and reduced emissions.

Competitors in its segment were numerous and formidable, including the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga (known as the Escape in the US), and its platform siblings, the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. What set the Grandland X hybrid apart was its blend of a familiar, accessible brand image with cutting-edge powertrain technology. It offered a compelling value proposition, combining respectable performance with impressive fuel efficiency and the ability for short-distance electric-only driving, which was a major draw for urban and suburban commuters.

The reputation of the Grandland X focused on its comfortable ride, generous interior space, and the smooth integration of its hybrid system. While not a performance SUV, its 225 horsepower system output provided ample power for everyday driving and highway cruising. Its practical design, featuring five doors and five seats, along with flexible cargo space, cemented its role as a versatile family vehicle. The “X” designation, common across Vauxhall/Opel’s SUV lineup at the time (Mokka X, Crossland X), helped establish a clear brand identity for its crossover offerings.

Historically, the Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 Turbo (225 Hp) Hybrid Automatic is significant as part of the broader automotive industry’s transition towards electrification. It demonstrated that mainstream brands could offer sophisticated hybrid technology in an attainable package, helping to normalize PHEVs for a wider audience. Although this specific variant had a relatively short production run from late 2019 to mid-2021 before the “X” was dropped and the model was updated to simply “Grandland,” its contribution to Vauxhall’s electrification strategy and its role in shaping consumer perception of hybrid SUVs remains noteworthy. It laid the groundwork for future electrified models and reinforced Vauxhall’s position in a rapidly evolving market, showcasing a blend of European engineering and a forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility.