Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2 (81 Hp)

Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2 (81 Hp): A Compact Crossover for the European Market

The Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2 (81 Hp) represents a significant entry in the highly competitive compact SUV segment, specifically tailored for the European and UK markets. Launched in June 2017, the Crossland X marked a new chapter for Vauxhall, being one of the first models developed entirely under the ownership of the PSA Group (now part of Stellantis) after its acquisition of Opel/Vauxhall from General Motors. This generation, known as the Crossland X, was produced until May 2018 before receiving a facelift and dropping the ‘X’ suffix. Positioned as a practical and versatile urban crossover, it aimed to appeal to families and individuals seeking a blend of SUV styling, hatchback maneuverability, and commendable fuel efficiency. It served as a direct replacement for the Meriva mini MPV, reflecting the broader market shift from traditional people carriers to more fashionable crossovers.

The Crossland X was designed to be a pragmatic choice, emphasizing interior space, ease of access, and a comfortable ride over outright performance or rugged off-road capability. Its compact dimensions made it well-suited for navigating congested city streets and tight parking spaces, while its elevated driving position offered the commanding view characteristic of SUVs. The 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine, with its 81 horsepower output, underscored the vehicle’s focus on economy and everyday usability rather than high-speed prowess, making it an accessible and cost-effective option for a wide range of buyers in its primary markets.

Engine & Performance: The Heart of the Vauxhall Crossland X

At the core of the Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2 (81 Hp) lies a modest yet efficient powertrain designed for urban environments and economical driving. This variant is equipped with a 1.2-liter (1199 cm³ or 73.17 cu. in.) naturally aspirated inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, identified by the B12XE engine code. This engine configuration, with four valves per cylinder and a multi-port manifold injection system, is engineered for smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency.

The engine produces 81 horsepower (Hp) at 5750 revolutions per minute (rpm) and delivers a peak torque of 87.03 lb.-ft. (118 Nm) at a relatively low 2750 rpm. This torque characteristic ensures decent pull from low engine speeds, which is beneficial for city driving and merging into traffic. Power is routed to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission, a common choice for entry-level models in Europe, emphasizing driver engagement and control while contributing to the vehicle’s overall efficiency.

Performance figures reflect the car’s practical orientation. The Crossland X 1.2 (81 Hp) can reach a maximum speed of 105.01 mph (169 km/h), which is adequate for highway cruising but not designed for spirited driving. Where this powertrain truly shines is in its fuel economy and low emissions. The combined fuel consumption is an impressive 45.2 US mpg (5.2 l/100 km), with extra-urban figures reaching 53.5 US mpg (4.4 l/100 km). Urban consumption stands at 36.2 US mpg (6.5 l/100 km). These figures translate to CO2 emissions of 116 g/km, allowing the vehicle to meet the stringent Euro 6 emission standard, a crucial factor for European markets concerned with environmental impact and vehicle taxation. The engine’s modest 3.25 liters (3.43 US qt) oil capacity and 5 liters (5.28 US qt) coolant capacity further highlight its compact and efficient design.

Design & Features: Practicality Meets Modern Style

The Vauxhall Crossland X adopts a contemporary SUV body type with 5 doors and seating for 5 occupants, providing a practical and family-friendly package. Its design language, while distinctively Vauxhall, also incorporates elements influenced by its PSA Group lineage, resulting in a clean and unfussy aesthetic. The overall length of the vehicle is 165.83 inches (4212 mm), with a width of 69.49 inches (1765 mm) (77.8 inches or 1976 mm including mirrors) and a height of 63.19 inches (1605 mm). These dimensions, combined with a wheelbase of 102.52 inches (2604 mm), contribute to a spacious interior despite its compact exterior footprint, making it highly maneuverable in urban settings, as evidenced by its minimum turning circle of 36.78 feet (11.21 m).

Inside, the Crossland X prioritizes functionality and comfort. The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility, a highly desired characteristic for SUV buyers. The interior is designed to be versatile, offering a generous trunk space of 14.48 cubic feet (410 liters) with the rear seats in place, expandable to a substantial 44.32 cubic feet (1255 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. This flexibility makes the Crossland X highly capable for carrying luggage, groceries, or larger items, catering to the needs of active families.

Standard features for this era included essential safety and convenience technologies. The vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced stopping power and stability. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup with electric power steering, providing light and responsive handling, especially at lower speeds, which further aids in urban driving. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear utilizes solid discs, ensuring reliable braking performance. The Crossland X rides on 17-inch wheels, fitted with 215/50 R17 tires, which offer a good balance of ride comfort and grip. The fuel tank capacity of 11.89 US gallons (45 liters) complements its fuel-efficient engine, providing a decent range between fill-ups.

Technical Specifications

Legacy & Market Impact of the Vauxhall Crossland X

The Vauxhall Crossland X, particularly the 1.2 (81 Hp) variant, carved out a significant niche in the European compact crossover market during its production run from 2017 to 2018. Its introduction marked a strategic shift for Vauxhall and Opel, moving away from the declining MPV segment towards the burgeoning demand for SUVs and crossovers. As one of the first models developed under PSA Group ownership, it showcased the potential synergies between the two companies, sharing its platform and many components with the Peugeot 2008 and Citroën C3 Aircross. This cross-brand collaboration allowed for cost efficiencies and quicker market entry, benefiting Vauxhall’s product portfolio.

In its primary markets, such as the United Kingdom and continental Europe, the Crossland X faced stiff competition from a plethora of rivals, including the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Hyundai Kona, Ford EcoSport, and its platform siblings from Peugeot and Citroën. What set the Crossland X apart was its emphasis on practicality, spaciousness, and value for money. While not the most dynamic to drive, its comfortable ride, versatile interior, and the elevated driving position appealed strongly to families and older buyers who prioritized ease of use and everyday utility. The 1.2 (81 Hp) engine, in particular, offered an attractive entry point to the range, delivering highly competitive fuel economy and low running costs, which resonated well with budget-conscious consumers.

The Crossland X quickly gained a reputation as a sensible and dependable choice. Its compact dimensions made it an ideal urban companion, while the generous trunk space and flexible seating configurations ensured it could handle family duties with ease. The vehicle’s compliance with Euro 6 emission standards also made it a future-proof option in an increasingly environmentally aware market.

Although the “X” suffix was eventually dropped with the 2020 facelift, the core principles of the Crossland remained: a practical, efficient, and well-packaged compact crossover. Its legacy lies in successfully transitioning Vauxhall from traditional MPVs to a more contemporary and popular SUV segment, demonstrating the brand’s adaptability and commitment to meeting evolving consumer demands. The Crossland X, especially in its economical 1.2 (81 Hp) guise, proved to be a pivotal model, cementing Vauxhall’s position in a segment that continues to dominate European sales charts and underscoring the brand’s focus on accessible, everyday mobility solutions.