Vauxhall Crossland X 1.6T D Ecotech 01 | 06 | 2017Scotcars rating

    Vauxhall adds to its seemingly never-ending line-up of SUVs with the Crossland X

    THE CROSSLAND X is the latest addition to Vauxhall’s seemingly ever-expanding line-up of SUV models, and the company pitches it as a more versatile, practical, and economical alternative to its Mokka X.

    Probably safe to say here that the Crossland X is  more of a mini-MPV than SUV, but it will still go head-to-head with the likes of the Suzuki Vitara, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.

    Built on a new PSA platform, which will also underpin the next Citroen C4, the new Vauxhall is only available with front-wheel drive. It does though offer more interior space than the Mokka X, even though it's slightly smaller.

    Vauxhall — which continues to sell more cars in Scotland than any other car maker — has shown recently that, despite its cars not delivering dynamically, they are a hit with the buying public.

    Vauxhall-Crossland-X-2.jpg

    Take the Mokka X. Dynamic? Hmmm, not really. But it became one of the best-selling new cars in the UK as the  young family market focused on its practicality and versatility. Vauxhall believes the Crossland X will repeat that success.

    It’s likely most of the buyers — the bulk of which will be retail — will be attracted by the low list price, meaning the 78bhp 1.2-litre petrol will take the biggest portion of sales, with prices starting at £16,555.

    Vauxhall-Crossland-X-4.jpg

    But we’re driving the 1.6-litre entry-level diesel — which will outperform its more powerful sibling, the 1.6-litre 118bhp diesel, in the sales charts — in mid-spec Elite trim.

    Inside the Crossland X there’s a generous amount of space for five occupants — head and leg room in the rear is especially impressive — plus the newcomer beats its principal rivals in terms of bootspace. Fold the seats flat and the 1255-litre load bay is 85 litres larger than in a Citroen C4 Cactus.

    Vauxhall-Crossland-X-7.jpg

    The driver’s looked after too with a plenty of adjustment behind the wheel. And as for kit, even in Elite trim you’re not found wanting, with a touchscreen infotainment system, parking assistance and 17in alloys all standard.

    According to Vauxhall, the 1.6-litre ecoTEC BlueInjection diesel can hit 62mph from standstill in 12 seconds, and carry on to a top speed of 112mph. It’ll also return 76.3mpg on a combined run, making it the most frugal version in the range. It’s also the cleanest in terms of CO2, emitting 95g/km CO2.

    Vauxhall-Crossland-X-8.jpg

    In town the Crossland X, mated to the entry-level diesel, feels surprisingly sprite, especially at low revs where there’s plenty of shove from slow speeds. Take the revs above the 3000rpm mark though and you’ll notice the torque disappearing, exposing the engine’s low overall power output.

    And being the entry model, it comes with a five-speed manual, which doesn’t translate to comfortable long distance motorway runs; if that’s how your Crossland X will spend its life, best opt for the six-speeder in the more powerful diesel.

    Also worth bearing in mind the Crossland X can get a little unsettled if you try to hustle along your favourite winding country road.

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    The dilemma the Crossland X brings to buyers is whether they prefer practicality and economy over style and dynamism.

    There’s no denying the Vauxhall beats its rivals both in terms of economy and practicality, but while the Captur and Juke are a tad more expensive, they unquestionably have more flair and style.

    That said, if you’re considering either the Renault or the Nissan, it’s definitely worth having an outing in the Crossland X before you make your decision. Who knows? You might even save yourself a few quid.

    Related: Vauxhall boost for young Scots drivers

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars

    Jim McGill

    Quick Stats
    Price OTR/As Tested £19,195 / £19,195
    Engine / Power: 1560cc 4cyl diesel with 5sp auto / 98bhp
    How fast?: 12.0sec / Max 112mph
    How big/heavy?: L4212mm W1742mm H1590mm / n/a
    How thirsty/CO2?: 76.3mpg combined / 95g/km CO2
    InsGP/Road tax: n/a / n/a
    Alternatives: Suzuki Vitara, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Citroen C4 Cactus

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