Review of the new Vauxhall Grandland PHEV 2022

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By offering a significant degree of electrification, Grandland is relatively refined and will be cheap to run for private buyers and business users. However, despite the effectiveness potential, PHEVs are far from perfect and come with compromises, even with so many sets on offer.

The Petrol Turbo 1.2 liter version of Vauxhallupdated Grandland SUVs may still be the big sellers, but to compete in the extremely crowded lineup Mid-size SUV in 2022, you must provide a mixturealso.

One in six cars sold here last year was an SUV in this class, and electrification is more important than ever to a model’s success. That’s something the British marque knows only too well, which is why this new Grandland is being offered in plug-in Hybrid-e form to cater to corporate car pickers and buyers alike. The private sector is looking for more electrification to reduce their operating costs.

In fact, Vauxhall says that factoring in monthly financial transactions, the amount you spend on gas and charging the Grandland Hybrid-e will yield nearly identical monthly gas costs, despite although this price of PHEV is higher. Of course, plug in more often and cover more local journeys on electric power alone, and the car could prove to be a cheaper option to run when all monthly costs are factored in.

Vauxhall says the Grandland PHEV boasts a 13.2kWh battery pack that powers the electric motor for a zero-emissions range of up to 39 miles. On the cold day of our testing, we were able to get close to 30 miles. The powertrain’s electric element works in conjunction with the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine for a total of 222bhp, enough for a 0-62mph time of 8.9sec.

However, flatness is not the strong point of the Hybrid-e. It is better to leave the car in Hybrid driving mode and let the car use battery power to support the gasoline engine, making the operation process more refined. The extra torque of the e-motor means that moderate acceleration feels easier and more relaxed than you might imagine, and at softer speeds the eight-speed automatic transmission changes. also smoother.

Not only is the hybrid system progressive and fine-tuned, but with fuel economy up to 192mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 31g/km (if you plug it in to its full potential), the electric Vauxhall Gasification would be affordable to run.

It attracts a Benefits-in-Kind tax rate of 12% for the upcoming tax year, so it will also be a cost effective option for business users.

While the electric motor helps with fine-tuning when accelerating, the extra weight of the system affects ride quality. On undulating roads, mass feels fairly restrained, but road humps when cornering, and stronger bumps send a jolt through the chassis, resulting in body movement. sometimes sudden and pounding from the wheels, especially at the rear. Again, it’s better if you take a more relaxed approach.

The steering is light, so the Vauxhall is easy to maneuver and makes quick turns, as there’s also enough grip to provide a solid sense of security. However, it is not a dynamic SUV choice in this segment.

Vauxhall has slimmed down the Grandland range considerably, with the Hybrid-e version available in only two of the three trim levels, GS Line and Ultimate.

Our GS Line test car featured gloss black trim, a contrasting black hood, 19-inch alloy wheels, special sport seats with approved ergonomics and sporty accents. others, such as aluminum pedal covers and tinted windows.

The GS Line specification also includes a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control with lane position assist, as well as the brand’s Pure Panel setup. This boasts a 10-inch color touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Autocombined with a 12-inch digital display.

The first is the familiar, taken from the other brands of the parent company Stellantis (namely Peugeot and Citroen). It works relatively well, although the graphics could be sharper and the touchscreen response is quicker too. However, it is the digital control panel that is more of a problem; it’s not very polished, lacks customization potential, and feels like a missed opportunity with the possibilities this technology has to offer.

Material and build quality is good, while like any other Grandland, there’s plenty of room in the backseat and good visibility. The inclusion of a battery in the hybrid system means that boot space is reduced, from 514 liters in the ICE models to a much less impressive 390 liters. This is only slightly more than a family hatch, but it’s a compromise you can accept given the efficiency and potential running costs this Grandland Hybrid-e offers.