Vauxhall Grandland

Makeover for family SUV includes better-quality materials and technology upgrades inside On sale Now Price from £25,810

- Lawrence Cheung

TALK ABOUT BEING late to the party. By the time the Vauxhall Grandland X sauntered into the family SUV shindig in 2018, the Nissan Qashqai had already quaffed 10 years' worth of champagne and was very much the life and soul. Still, while Vauxhall's largest SUV didn't make the kind of big entrance that steals everyone's attention, its charms have proved enough to gain it a decent following since then.

And, now, the Grandland has been treated to a facelift, losing the 'X' part of its name amid the changes. Outside, the surgery has given it a stronger family resemblance to its smaller Vauxhall Mokka and Crossland SUV sisters, while inside, an injection of technology seeks to bring the Grandland up to date.

Trim levels have been simplified down to three: Design, GS Line, and Ultimate. Each comes with alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, and LED headlights, while GS Line brings a sportier look, with black exterior highlights, and an additional kit, including a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and sat-nav. Vauxhall expects this trim to be the most popular choice.

The engine range is unchanged from before; you still get a choice of 128bhp petrol or diesel engines, or a plug-in hybrid petrol, badged Plug-in Hybrid-e. We've not driven the diesel, but the 1.2-litre petrol engine is our pick so far. It feels punchy enough for most situations, delivering a healthy amount of muscle, even when your foot's not yet on the floor; it feels more eager to get going than its 10.4sec official 0-62mph time suggests.