Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic

Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic: A European Compact SUV

The Vauxhall Grandland X represents a significant entry for the British automotive brand into the highly competitive compact SUV segment in Europe. Launched in 2017, the Grandland X was Vauxhall’s rebadged version of the Opel Grandland X, following the acquisition of Opel/Vauxhall by the PSA Group (now Stellantis). This particular variant, the Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic, was produced for a relatively short period between October 2017 and April 2018, serving as a key powertrain option that emphasized efficiency and practicality for its target market.

Designed to appeal to families and individuals seeking a versatile, comfortable, and fuel-efficient vehicle with the elevated driving position and rugged aesthetics of an SUV, the Grandland X aimed to capture a share of a rapidly expanding market. While not available in the United States, its design and technical specifications reflect the preferences and regulatory demands of the European automotive landscape, where diesel engines, especially those focused on economy and low emissions, played a crucial role during its production period.

Engine and Performance: The Efficient 1.6-Liter Diesel

At the heart of the Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic lies a robust and efficient 1.6-liter (1560 cm³) inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated with the B16DTH code. This powertrain architecture emphasizes an internal combustion engine driving the front wheels, a common and cost-effective setup for compact SUVs. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front, optimizing weight distribution and packaging.

Equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, the engine delivers a respectable 120 horsepower at 3750 revolutions per minute (rpm). More notably for an SUV, it produces a substantial 221.27 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 1750 rpm. This high torque output at low engine speeds is characteristic of modern diesel engines and is particularly beneficial for an SUV, providing strong pulling power for acceleration, climbing inclines, and carrying loads, without needing to rev the engine high. This ensures a responsive driving experience in urban environments and on highways alike.

Power is transmitted through a smooth and convenient 6-speed automatic transmission, which enhances driving comfort and contributes to the vehicle’s impressive fuel economy. The automatic gearbox is well-suited to the engine’s torque curve, allowing for relaxed cruising and efficient power delivery. The vehicle’s top speed is rated at 114.95 mph (185 km/h), which is adequate for European highways.

One of the standout features of this powertrain is its exceptional fuel efficiency. The official combined fuel consumption is an impressive 51.1 US miles per gallon (4.6 liters per 100 km). Urban driving yields 46.1 US mpg (5.1 l/100 km), while extra-urban driving pushes efficiency even further to 56 US mpg (4.2 l/100 km). These figures highlight the diesel engine’s inherent efficiency, especially for long-distance travel, a key selling point in markets with high fuel prices. Furthermore, with CO2 emissions of just 118 g/km and compliance with the Euro 6 emission standard, the Grandland X 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic was positioned as an environmentally conscious choice within its segment, aided by a standard particulate filter system.

Design and Features: Practicality Meets Modern Aesthetics

The Vauxhall Grandland X adopts the popular SUV body type, characterized by its elevated stance, robust appearance, and practical interior. It features a five-door configuration, providing easy access to both front and rear seating, and comfortably accommodates five occupants. Its design language aligns with contemporary European compact SUVs, featuring clean lines, a prominent grille, and practical dimensions that make it maneuverable in city traffic while offering a commanding presence on the road.

Measuring 176.26 inches (4477 mm) in length, 73.07 inches (1856 mm) in width (82.6 inches or 2098 mm including mirrors), and 63.35 inches (1609 mm) in height, the Grandland X strikes a balance between interior space and exterior compactness. The wheelbase of 105.31 inches (2675 mm) contributes to a stable ride and a spacious cabin.

Inside, the Grandland X emphasizes ergonomics and utility. While specific interior feature lists are not provided, as a modern vehicle from 2017, it would have offered a comprehensive suite of amenities typical for its class, likely including a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, and various connectivity options. The vehicle’s practicality is further underscored by its generous cargo capacity: a minimum of 18.15 cubic feet (514 liters) with all seats in place, expanding significantly to 58.34 cubic feet (1652 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. This flexible cargo area makes the Grandland X highly suitable for family trips, grocery runs, or transporting larger items.

Safety features are fundamental in modern vehicles, and the Grandland X includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard, enhancing control during emergency braking. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing reliable stopping power. Steering is managed by a rack and pinion system with electric power steering, offering light and precise control, particularly at lower speeds for ease of parking. The vehicle rides on 19-inch wheels fitted with 235/50 R19 tires, contributing to both its visual appeal and road holding capabilities.

Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic

Legacy and Market Impact of the Vauxhall Grandland X

The Vauxhall Grandland X, and specifically the 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic variant, played a crucial role in Vauxhall’s strategy to bolster its presence in the highly competitive European compact SUV market. During its brief production run for this specific engine between late 2017 and early 2018, it faced stiff competition from established players such as the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 (with which it shared a platform), Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Its primary appeal lay in its combination of practical SUV styling, a comfortable and spacious interior, and, critically, its excellent fuel economy from the 1.6-liter diesel engine. For European consumers, where fuel prices are generally higher and emissions regulations stricter than in the United States, a vehicle offering over 50 US mpg in combined driving and meeting Euro 6 standards was a significant draw. The automatic transmission further enhanced its desirability for drivers seeking ease of use in congested urban environments as well as on longer journeys.

The Grandland X marked a new chapter for Vauxhall/Opel under PSA ownership, moving away from GM platforms to embrace PSA’s EMP2 architecture, which also underpinned the successful Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. This platform sharing allowed for economies of scale and brought advanced technology and efficiency to the Vauxhall lineup. The 1.6-liter diesel engine was a tried-and-tested unit within the PSA portfolio, known for its reliability and efficiency.

While the specific 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic diesel variant had a relatively short production window, the Grandland X itself continued to evolve. Vauxhall later introduced other engine options, including more powerful diesels and gasoline engines, as well as plug-in hybrid variants, adapting to changing market demands and environmental regulations. The “X” suffix was eventually dropped, and the model became simply the Vauxhall Grandland, reflecting a refinement in its market positioning and a move towards electrification.

In summary, the Vauxhall Grandland X 1.6 (120 Hp) Automatic was a competent and compelling offering within its segment. It represented Vauxhall’s commitment to providing practical, efficient, and well-equipped compact SUVs for the European market. Its legacy is tied to its role in modernizing Vauxhall’s product range, showcasing the benefits of platform sharing within a larger automotive group, and delivering a strong emphasis on fuel efficiency and low emissions at a time when diesel technology was still a dominant force in European sales.