Test drive Opel Crossland X: international situation

Meeting with the firstborn of the alliance between Opel and PSA

In fact, for the brand Opel Crossland X is much more than a modern urban crossover. Because this is the first car in which the German company borrowed technology created by its new French owners. And it is quite natural to look at this product with special interest.

French equipment in typical Opel design

At first glance, the fact that the Crossland X is almost a 2008% technological twin of the XNUMX Peugeot remains completely hidden from view. What is actually quite an impressive achievement is the real resemblance between the two cars.

In terms of body proportions, the Crossland X demonstrates a very interesting combination of stylistic tricks that we know from the new version of the Astra, with some decisions typical of the cute little Adam. Outwardly, the car clearly manages to capture the audience, which is already objectively the key to market success in the small crossover segment.

Impressively functional

Inside, the visible resemblance to Peugeot is limited to the control of the infotainment system and the presence of a head-up display emerging from the dashboard - all other elements are made in a typical way for current Opel models.

However, thanks to its French counterpart, the Crossland X's interior boasts two main advantages over most competitors: the first is functionality as a van representative, and the second concerns an impressive array of infotainment features, including even the ability to inductively charge your smartphone. .

The "furniture" in the cabin is designed in a typical style for vans - which is a very suitable solution, given the fact that the Crossland X is the formal successor to the Meriva. The rear seats are horizontally adjustable up to 15 cm, while the volume of the cargo compartment varies from 410 to 520 liters, and the backrests are adjustable in tilt. Folding the seats in question frees up 1255 liters of space. The layout of the second row is also impressive for a 4,21 meter long model.

In terms of chassis tuning, Opel was given the opportunity to bet on the brand's traditional priorities, which, to our delight, makes the suspension much stiffer than in 2008, although the tendency to body wobble is also noticeable in the Crossland X. on poorly maintained roads, and road behavior is more conducive to calm than sporty driving.

The 1,2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine is of French origin and with its 110 horsepower and 205 Nm delivers decent character combined with moderate average fuel consumption.

As for the transmission, there is a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox with extremely precise lever travel and a smooth-running six-speed automatic transmission with torque converter.

The same engine is available in a more powerful version with 130 horsepower, which, however, cannot currently be combined with an automatic. An economical diesel engine has a volume of 1,6 liters and a power of 120 hp.

Conclusion

Despite borrowing technology from its French Peugeot 2008 counterpart, the Crossland X is quintessential Opel - with a practical and functional interior, rich infotainment options and a reasonable price tag. Thanks to the successful design of the SUV, the positive car will be received by the public much warmer than its predecessor Meriva.