A GRANDER PLUG-IN (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_vauxhallgrandlandhybrid_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 79

Thanks to its association with the French PSA conglomerate, Vauxhall was able to introduce a Plug-in version of its mid-sized Grandland X SUV back in 2019. In 2021, that car, rebadged simply 'Grandland', was upgraded inside and out, with a Hybrid range based around the more affordable front-driven drivetrain. On the used market, it's an undeniably interesting package for a family buyer wanting a degree of EV tech but not quite ready to take the plunge into full-battery motoring.

Modelsword count: 5

5dr SUV (1.6 petrol Hybrid)

Historyword count: 131

If you're looking for a compact but family-sized SUV from the 2021-2024 period, you might well have overlooked the existence of the PHEV version of Vauxhall's Grandland mid-sized SUV, so, just to remind you, this was the Luton brand's version of the design which, with different bodywork but the same PHEV engineering was also sold by Peugeot as the 3008 Hybrid and by Citroen as the C5 Aircross Hybrid. From 2017, the Grandland (then badged as the 'Grandland X') offered Plug-in Hybrid tech with a choice of front or AWD formats. With this model's update in 2021 (at which point it was re-badged simply as the 'Grandland') just the front-driven 225PS PHEV powertrain continued, badged 'Plug-in Hybrid-e'. It sold in this form until the second generation model was launched in mid-2024.

What You Getword count: 266

As usual with a plug-in, there's nothing apart from different badging and an extra charging flap to designate this Hybrid variant's PHEV status. As well as losing an 'X' (in its name), in 2021 this Grandland Hybrid gained quite a lot in terms of its adoption of the brand's far more interesting 'Vizor' trim detailing on the front of the car. This saw Vauxhall's revised Griffin logo proudly positioned in the centre, flanked by slim LED headlamps and more muscular bumpers. Inside, changes were made with the adoption of Vauxhall's Pure Panel cockpit with two widescreen displays for more of a digital experience. Ahead of the driver is a display of 12-inches in size, offering up essential information, while the central 10-inch display controls all infotainment via a touchscreen. As before, driver and passengers benefit from the elevated seating position typical of an SUV, which ensures good visibility in all situations. And in the second row? Well in terms of legroom, there's space for an average-sized adult to sit behind a six-foot driver in reasonable comfort. Like most cars in this class, you'd really be pushing things if you wanted to try and accommodate three adults back here but a reasonably low centre transmission tunnel makes that possible if need be. Finally, let's consider the boot. Once the tailgate raises, you're faced with a square, usable space, though it's not particularly large in this Hybrid variant - just 390-litres. That's quite a bit down on the more satisfying 514-litre capacity you'd get if you were to opt for one of the conventional engines in this car.

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