Latest news with #Grandland
Irish Independent
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Opel Grandland review: Grand by name but is it more than grand by nature?
Opel's new family SUV is sharp and well-proportioned, with an impressive interior and a composed driving feel — so is it better than its name suggests? In Ireland, 'grand' is a masterclass in understatement. It's our go-to response to whatever the question and can mean anything from winning the Lotto to burying a family pet. Either way, 'grand' is what we say when things are fine, manageable, or too complicated to explain. So when Opel named its family SUV the Grandland, my initial reaction was, 'Is it merely passable? Politely forgettable? Or the automotive equivalent of 'it'll do'?' To be fair, naming cars is a global branding minefield. Some get it just right, but for every Golf or Focus, there's a Pajero (awkward in Spanish) or the ill-advised Ford Probe. Brands try everything — mythology (Yaris), florals (Corolla), or the add-an-'o' trick (Terrano, Murano, Vivaro, Bolero). Off-roaders get action-hero names like Pathfinder, because you never know what you'll meet on the school run. Then there are automotive gems like the Renault Wind and VW Thing, proving you can get it very wrong.
Economic Key
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Key
Opel Previews High-Performance All-Electric GSE Models
In 2025, Opel will take the electrification of the brand to a new level. The extra-dynamic and emotional GSE sub-brand will become fully electric and at the same time receive a new, expressive logo – ready for the next generation of GSE models. How the future Opel GSE electric cars will send pulses racing is shown in the new GSE film 'Three Letters', which is now available online on all relevant channels. 'The GSE sub-brand stands for particularly dynamic, exhilarating, and emotional Opel models. In 2025, we will take the next important step. The new GSE models will be fully electric. This demonstrates how powerful, exciting, and inspiring battery-electric mobility can be,' teased Opel CEO Florian Huettl. As early as 2022, Opel heralded the return of the iconic 'GSE' abbreviation – since then, GSE has stood for 'Grand Sport Electric' – and shortly thereafter offered the Opel Astra, Astra Sports Tourer and the previous Grandland generation as particularly bold and dynamic electrified top models with plug-in hybrid drive. With the next GSE generation, the sub-brand will now enter a fully-electric era and become even more emotional. Even the new GSE trailer – the cinematic GSE manifesto, so to speak – shows in one minute that 'Three letters are enough to send pulses racing!' • G for: Grand, German engineering meets goosebumps, great grip and G-forces • S for: Sport, speed, sweat and sliding through S-curves • E for: Electric, excitement, exhilaration and euphoria And Opel promises: 'There will be more this year. So better not blink or miss all the fun!' Because everyone who drives a new battery-electric GSE model will experience the proverbial OMG feeling – full of excitement and adrenaline! In addition to the sporty look, which is based on the award-winning Opel design, future GSE customers can look forward to a chassis set-up that directly integrates the driver and offers exciting driving pleasure. In addition, the GSE, like all other models with the Blitz, are designed to be stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds on the Autobahn – and combine this with locally emissions-free mobility. Opel is thus proving once again that all-electric vehicles are also full of emotions. The suspenseful short film as well as the new 'OMG! GSE' platform also continue the fresh and unconventional tonality of the recently unveiled Frontera launch campaign as well as award-winning marketing campaigns such as 'Yes, of Corsa' and '#GOGRAND', with which Opel has already successfully positioned the best-selling Opel Corsa and the new top-of- the-line Opel Grandlan. تم نسخ الرابط
Irish Examiner
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Opel Grandland EV review: electric SUV offers good range and undercuts hybrids on price
in GS trim there is a lot going on here. Very impressive IT IS not often in these columns that you will see us plump for the electric variant in a model line-up which includes a variety of internal combustion engine options as well. Then again, there's a first time for everything. The car in question is the new Opel Grandland, which was reviewed in petrol hybrid form in these columns in the not-so-distant past and which only secured a three-star rating, being panned generally for having poor driving dynamics — even if it is comfortable, well-specified, and competitively priced. Good looking too, this new Grandland. Having previously been something of a staid, boring family SUV, a refreshed look has given it a much-needed visual boost and an appeal that didn't previously exist. In many ways, the new generation of cars should be well placed to take advantage of renewed appeal and sell in larger numbers than ever before. However, we found that the mild hybrid petrol engine lacked the puff to carry this big-ish car around the place with any alacrity, although — – as we know — such a characteristic is not necessarily top of the list for many punters. Even so, we felt a touch disappointed by the new car — certainly in that format — despite the fact that Opel's stock has risen inexorably since it came under the wing of the PSA Group (Peugeot, Citroen etc) having been sold by its previous owners, General Motors. With the French giant having subsequently merged into the Stellantis conglomerate, Opel still has stronger ties with the Gallic end of the business — probably more than any of the other elements of the group: Fiat, Chrysler and so on. In the case of the Grandland, which is very closely related to Peugeot's new 3008, that has been pretty beneficial. We particularly saw that in this week's tester, the EV version of the car. We've not yet tried the electric 3008, but having driven the Grandland EV, doing so would not be the chore it might once have appeared to be. The reason: This is one damned fine car, ergo, if that's the case then the Peugeot should be too. Opel Grandland spacious interior In any event, it is the Opel we are focussed on and — aside altogether from its abilities as an EV (more of which later) — the German company has pulled off something of a coup here because the electric version is cheaper than its hybrid siblings. The outrageous cost of EVs has long been a bugbear in these columns and, for some time now, we have refused to accept the industry's excuse that research and development costs for these vehicles have put their baseline cost into the stratosphere. We don't buy it. The development of an electric motor is something which should cost a fraction of that related to the design and build of a new internal combustion engine — or series of engines. Sure there will be ancillary developmental costs, but nothing to suggest that the end product will come to the market at a price significantly greater than that of an internal combustion engine equivalent. No, but a lot of companies — as is their wont — have been of the opinion that if the green market out there wants electrics as badly as research would suggest, then they'll gladly pay for it. The recent collapse in EV sales would tend to suggest otherwise. Read More Essential electric vehicle tips for Irish road trips and motorway driving In any event, Opel has struck something of a rich vein of potential sales by pitching the new Grandland EV to the market at a price less than that of its internal combustion engine siblings. And, when tied in with such as SEAI grant aid, this makes the car's appeal all the greater. Opel are definitely on to something here, and that's only one of the good reasons to look carefully at this car. In terms of performance, it is powered by a 210bhp electric motor and a 73-kWh battery and, while the nine-second 0-100 km/h time might suggest it's a tad slovenly, remember this thing weighs some 2.1 tonnes — making it something of a Billy Bunter on wheels. The top speed of 180 km/h is pretty impressive, but better again is the claimed range of over 520km — realistically somewhere in the region of 460-470km — is something of an eye-opener for a family SUV and makes it considerably more appealing than most in this segment. That it will recharge from 20% to 80% in just 26 minutes also makes it a lot more tolerable than a lot of its competitors. A coffee break when you're covering a substantial distance will see you well in most circumstances. For such a relatively big car, the handling is very tidy and, while the ride can be a little rough on B-roads, in general, the car is a pleasing companion most of the time. You would have thought too that manoeuvring it around urban areas might be tricky because of its bulk, but an array of driver-aids makes parking it in tight spots an absolute doddle. The new Opel Grandland EV The interior is spacious and comfortable, and the infotainment system is easily navigable. The actual physical controls for the climate system make life easier too. In the GS trim, we tested — expected to be the big seller — the car comes with the 3D 'Vizor' front end look with an illuminated Opel 'Blitz' emblem and Intelli-Lux LED lights (which actually put on a little show every time you unlock the doors), all of which make the car that little bit more appealing. So, getting back to where we started, the EV Grandland impressed us more than the hybrid version; it was good to drive and the practicalities (or impracticalities, in the case of most EVs) of having a workable range and decent charging times were impressive. By and large, it drives well, is comfortable, well specced, roomy, and practical while also having an attractive demeanour. All that, in our view, makes it a much more compelling choice than the hybrid version. While there was always a workmanlike aspect to Opel's products, this adds a touch of exterior glamour, a well-finished interior decor, and some personal touches that should appeal to most potential owners. In short, this is perhaps the best option in the Grandland range and when you consider it is that most rare of things — an EV that's cheaper than the alternative options within the range — it becomes something a lot more plausible than most of its competitors. We have not said that about to many EVs in this era of a vastly changing automotive landscape. Read More MG HS PHEV review: budget SUV with big value but flawed performance
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hot electric Vauxhalls are back on the menu
Hot Vauxhalls are making a comeback, as the company's performance-focused GSE sub-brand is set to return in 2025 as a flagship fully electric range with a fresh new logo. The GSE (or 'Grand Sport Electric') badge was last revived in 2022 with plug-in hybrid variants of the Astra, Astra Sports Tourer and Grandland. The relaunch will ditch the current hybrids in favour of next-generation, battery-electric GSE models, which Vauxhall hopes will represent the peak of its all-electric ambitions. Florian Huettl, CEO of Vauxhall, said: 'The GSE sub-brand stands for particularly dynamic, exhilarating, and emotional Vauxhall models. In 2025, we will take the next important step. The new GSE models will be fully electric. This demonstrates how powerful, exciting, and inspiring battery-electric mobility can be." Vauxhall has yet to properly reveal any new cars, but teases a sporty new Mokka in the brand's eye-catching GSE relaunch trailer. The short video promises drivers fierce dynamics and 'the proverbial OMG feeling' behind the wheel. As well as getting a sportier look, added performance and bucket seats, GSE owners can look forward to 'a chassis setup that directly integrates the driver and offers exciting driving pleasure'. We're also told that the forthcoming hot electric Vauxhalls are designed to be stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds on the motorway. The revival of the GSE sub-brand is part of Vauxhall's wider ambition to go fully electric, as the brand aims to phase out new combustion models by 2028.
Scotsman
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Vauxhall Grandland Electric review: A sensible choice, but superb value for money
The new Grandland is a handsome thing, especially in the copper colour | Vauxhall This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Motoring writer Gareth Butterfield tests Vauxhall's premium all-electric SUV, which costs less than £40,000 in ANY spec Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Vauxhall recently announced that the starting prices for its entire range would squeeze in below the £40,000 "luxury tax" bracket. And when I read that, this was the car that came to mind. It's the Grandland Electric. And in "Ultimate" spec, it's really rather lavish. Yet, even with electric propulsion, it costs £39,995. And that's honestly quite a bargain. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What's even more remarkable, is it's the broadly the same price as the petrol hybrid version. There's a wider gulf between price in the lower specs, but it's still impressive. To dispense with some housekeeping first, the battery is a 73KWh unit that can charge at up to 160kw and allegedly cover 325 miles, a heat pump as standard, and there's 210bhp on offer, which is good for 0-60mph in nine seconds. The cabin is comfortable and practical | Vauxhall The exterior looks great, especially in the Impact Copper of my test car, and it wears Vauxhall's standard "3D Visor" styling language really well. I particularly like the illuminated light bars and logos. Inside, it's all a bit less cohesive in terms of styling, and a few more physical buttons would be nice, but it feels individual enough, there are some neat storage solutions, and it's light and airy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A 16-inch infotainment screen dominates the dashboard in this trim level, along with a smaller display for the driver. The oh-so-annoying suite of safety bongs is there to ruin your day, of course, but thankfully Vauxhall has put in a driver profile shortcut button which allows you to quickly turn them off. We need to see more of this please, manufacturers. Rear passengers have plenty of space, and the boot is a good size | Vauxhall There's decent space in the back seats of the Grandland, a 550 litre boot, but no "frunk", and the false floor in the boot is a little fiddly. But on the whole, it's a really nice, comfortable interior. The Grandland's driving dynamics are its weakest point. Not that we should ever expect thrills and spills from this sector, but even a trick set of dampers struggle to tame a 2,700kg weight, and you can tell. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's really not that quick, either. Not that that will be a problem for most buyers, but some EV evangelists are starting to expect vivid acceleration, and the Grandland just doesn't offer it. As for efficiency, it's pretty adequate. Despite the weight, I was able to top 4mi/kWh on a warm day and I gather it's not as good in cold weather, but it should still be good to get close to 300 miles of range in the right conditions, if driven carefully. Smart LED lights really lift the exterior | Vauxhall It's fair to say there isn't a particular area in which the Grandland excels, but it's all pretty good. That is, apart from the deals available if you did want to buy one. Vauxhall dealers can now offer an "Electric All In" package, which gives you eight years of roadside assistance, 10,000 miles of home charging through Octopus, and a £500 contribution to a home charging wallbox. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You also get six months of free use of the Connect Plus Pack, which is worth having, a three-year warranty, and an eight-year battery warranty. The Grandland, then, is a sensible choice for sensible people. If you're a trendy instagrammer or you buy your clothes from high-street fashion stores, it probably won't suit you. But if you like a practical, sensible car that represents superb value for money, it's going to be just your cup of tea. Selling your car? Here's the fastest way to get cash – and how it compares to rivals Thinking of selling your car this summer? It all starts with a valuation – and you can get one in under a minute with WeBuyAnyCar. With over 500 branches across the UK and same-day payment available, it's one of the quickest ways to find out what your vehicle is worth and get the cash if you're ready to sell. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Used car prices have stayed surprisingly strong, especially for economical hatchbacks and SUVs. Whether you're upgrading for road trips or switching to a hybrid, a fast online quote can give you a solid starting point – even if you're still weighing up your options. To see how WeBuyAnyCar stacks up against other top car-selling platforms like Motorway, Carwow and Auto Trader, read our full article comparing the UK's most popular car sales sites here.
