Vauxhall Grandland 1.2 Hybrid 136 GS 5dr e-DCT6

Ten Second Review

Vauxhall's Grandland gets non-plug-in 48V full-Hybrid tech - and it's all the better for it. Here's an ideal interim step for a customer in search of compact C-segment family crossover who isn't quite ready for a full-EV.

Background

If you're looking for a new electrified family SUV from Vauxhall, the brand wants you to consider its new Frontera. We'd also counsel you though, to consider the car we're going to look at here, the company's Grandland Turbo Hybrid e-DCT6. No, it's not a full-EV, but it can function much like that for a lot of the time in urban traffic. And it's more affordable than a full-EV in this segment would be and has none of the reliance the full-battery model would have on an under-funded public charging network. There's scope for confusion here because the Grandland has long been available as a 'Hybrid'. But that continuing model is of the plug-in sort. This more affordable 48V Grandland Turbo Hybrid e-DCT6 model can't be plugged in, but it could be all you really need.

Driving Experience

Like the Astra, this Grandland gets the 136hp version of this Hybrid powertrain, rather than the 100hp variant of this unit that primarily powers the smaller Corsa Hybrid. The 48V system is based around the Grandland's familiar 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine mated to a bespoke 6-speed e-DCT6 dual clutch auto transmission. Bespoke because that gearbox's casing houses the DC inverter, the Engine Control Unit and a little 28hp electric motor powered by a tiny battery secreted beneath the front passenger seat. On the move, the petrol engine and the electric motor can operate together - or separately. And, unlike with a mild hybrid system like that fitted to say, a Volkswagen Tiguan eTSI, here the car can be driven for short urban distances (under 18mph) on electric power alone. The motor also assists the engine under acceleration - such as from standstill to 62mph, which (helped by 230Nm of torque) takes 10.0s en route to 121mph. Mind you, those figures are only 0.3s faster than the equivalent un-electrified auto derivative. During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the Hybrid system's 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recuperated by the regenerative braking system.

Design and Build

There are no visual clues at all to this Grandland's 48V Hybrid status, unless you closely examine the badgework. Like other recent Vauxhalls, this model features the brand's 'Vizor' trim detailing on the front end which sees Vauxhall's Griffin logo proudly positioned in the centre of the grille, flanked by slim LED headlamps and muscular bumpers. The dimensions (nearly 4.5m of length, nearly 1.9m of width and nearly 1.65m of height) position this Grandland just above smaller mid-sized SUVs (like the Qashqai and the Ateca) and just below larger mid-sized models (like the Ford Kuga and the Volkswagen Tiguan). Avoid entry-trim and you get a contrast-coloured roof too. Inside, provided you avoid base trim, there's Vauxhall's usual Pure Panel cockpit with two widescreen displays for a very '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.  Driver and passengers benefit from the elevated seating position typical of an SUV, which ensures good visibility in all situations. And this model's relatively long wheelbase provides decent space for up to five people, while the luggage compartment on conventionally-engined models (with a load volume from 514-litres to a maximum of 1,652 litres) should offer more than adequate room for luggage.

Market and Model

Pricing for this Turbo Hybrid e-DCT6 model starts at around £32,500. That's for base 'Design' trim. You'll need a couple of thousand more for mid-level 'GS' spec; and well over £38,000 for top 'Ultimate' trim. In entry-level 'Design' trim, the Grandland Hybrid is equipped with automatic LED headlights, 17-inch silver-effect alloy wheels and front and rear parking sensors. Infotainment is provided via a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster. 'Design' models also feature a wide range of driver assist systems, including speed sign recognition, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking and cruise control. 'GS' trim adds Vauxhall's Multimedia Pure Panel Navigation system, consisting of a 10-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. A wireless charger for mobile devices is also included. For added comfort, the 'GS' version features heated AGR-approved sports-style front seats, while a heated steering wheel and rear-view parking camera bring further convenience. Visually, 'GS' models are distinguished by 18-inch high-gloss black alloy wheels, a black roof and high-gloss black exterior detailing. Completing the line-up, 'Ultimate' spec adds Vauxhall's adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel headlights and LED front fog lights. The parking camera is upgraded with a 360-degree panoramic view, while a power operated tailgate and keyless entry and start provide greater ease of use. Advanced driver assist systems, including lane positioning assist and adaptive cruise control, are also reserved for this top level of trim. And 'Ultimate' models feature 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and black Alcantara seat trim inserts.

Cost of Ownership

This Grandland Hybrid manages up to 51.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 124g/km of CO2. In Sports Tourer form, the brand's alternative Astra Hybrid can return up to 58.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 108g/km of CO2. To give you some further perspective, an ordinary non-electrified Grandland 1.2 Turbo auto manages up to 44.1mpg and up to 144g/km. But that variant's BiK-rated at 34% - compared with 29% or 30%for this Hybrid. Insurance is between groups 16E and 22E depending on variant. This Grandland Hybrid's petrol engine has been optimised for efficiency and operates in the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamic cycle is enabled by the variable geometry turbocharger, which enhances performance at low rpm, and variable valve timing. A belt-driven starter combines with the e-motor to start the petrol engine from cold. The belt-starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly while driving. As for peace of mind, well there's the usual unremarkable Vauxhall three year 60,000 mile warranty.

Summary

This 48V Hybrid engine is rapidly becoming the powerplant of choice in the many Stellantis Group models in which it's fitted - and it's no different here. The price premium over a conventional 1.2-litre automatic Grandland isn't too great and provided you can justify it, you're getting a far more modern and efficiently powered crossover in return. You could get exactly the same unit in a Peugeot 3008, but it would cost significantly more. But we'd be tempted to consider the cost saving we'd get by opting for the same engine in a Citroen C5 Aircross. If you don't want one of those though (or get a deal from Vauxhall that makes this Grandland look a better bet), there's much to like here. The Grandland has always been an under-estimated contender in the more compact part of the mid-sized SUV C-segment. Now though, it's a lot more difficult to overlook.