VAUXHALL really are going for the X factor with their latest models to hit the market.
Hot on the wheels of the all wheel drive Mokka X comes the Crossland X – more compact and bijoux, looking a bit like a fatter and pumped up Adam because it shares that floating roofline from the small hatchback.
But Crossland is pure SUV, albeit on the smaller end of the spectrum, easily picked out by its two tone paintwork and styling.
It certainly fits the compact rule of thumb, being just 4.21 metres long, and as such a bit smaller than the Mokka X, as well as being a full 16 centimetres shorter than the Astra hatch but 10 centimetres taller.
Its elevated seating position gives the driver better visibility and Vauxhall have been able to maximise interior space in relation to its footprint on the road.
Sampling the new car on the UK press launch, it was easy to find a comfortable driving position behind the wheel, and those in the back have the added benefit of a rear seat that slides to give you extra legroom, obviously at the expense of bootspace. But that too can be enhanced by the Crossland’s drop down floor.
Other innovations include a 180 degree panoramic rear view camera that increases the angle of sight at the back of the car and gives the driver sight of other road users on either side when reversing.
A raft of safety features includes advanced park assist, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and side blind spot alert are all available.
The focus, say Vauxhall, is on versatility – witness big boot and lots of interior space, and Crossland X is highly specced, even on the entry level SE.
There are four petrol variants, all three cylinder 1.2 powered from 81ps to 130ps, and two four cylinder diesels, both 1.6 (99ps and 120ps). The 130ps unit, with its 230Nm of torque, is no slouch, with good mid range pull, and nor does it handle like a balloon full of water. It feels nicely set up so should fit the bill for most family uses. Certainly in urban use if feels agile but is comfortable enough for a long trip not to hold any fears.
The SUV B sector of the UK market currently mops up 8.3 per cent of all sales, so it’s a bit of a no brainer Vauxhall joining the party. And they expect 65 per cent of Crossland sales to be retail customers, either family orientated buyers or those slightly more advanced in years looking for the ease of access a car like this offers.
Buy into it and you’ll also get the connectivity that’s a feature of today’s cars. Vauxhall OnStar – as well as IntelliLink infotainment systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -0 will keep you connected through an up to eight inch colour touchscreen.
It’s a busy time for Vauxhall, with Insignia Sport Tourer due soon and later in the year another model with the X factor – Grandland X – joins the compact SUV ranks.
FASTFACTS: Vauxhall Crossland X; from £16,555 on the road; (1.2i SE 81ps, five speed manual gearbox); 1.6 CDTi 120ps s/s diesel Elite Nav, six speed manual – £21,380; 70.6mpg combined, 105g/km CO2, top speed 116mph.
© Wheelwrite.co.uk 2017