Vauxhall’s new GSe sub-brand lands with a trio of fashions. The Astra GSe is a peppy hatchback with a particular design, or when you’re after a family-friendly automobile that’s large on house however isn’t an SUV, the Astra Sports activities Tourer GSe property is effectively value a glance. Then there’s this, the Grandland GSe SUV.

Followers of upright, chunkier mid-size SUVs can be conversant in the Grandland, which has been round in numerous types for some time, however the facelifted incarnation seen right here provides it a complete new lease of life. The acquainted ‘Vizor’ entrance grille matches in properly alongside Vauxhall’s newer fashions, and the view from the rear is inviting too.

GSe-specific prospers underline its beefier, EV-inclined credentials, though the powertrain isn’t some efficiency particular; the 1.6-litre petrol and electrical motor pairing is way the identical because the one discovered on different Stellantis group vehicles, which don’t declare to be sporty within the slightest. The distinction right here is there are two motors, delivering four-wheel drive, and a bespoke suspension tune that must be extra entertaining when hustled.

Styling

The Grandland GSe’s black bonnet begins a theme that runs throughout the higher surfaces of the automobile. The look won’t be to all tastes, particularly with contrasting white paint, nevertheless it does give a particular visible edge that differentiates it from the common automobile. The black ‘Visor’ finishes off the impact on the entrance, alongside IntelliLux Pixel Matrix LED headlights.

In the meantime, the specifically crafted 19-inch ‘Monza’ alloy wheels add to the eye-catching design. They’re stated to help aerodynamic effectivity, however we reckon they’ve obtained higher potential to be simply kerbed. The Grandland lettering alongside the tailgate works to good impact, whereas low-key GSe badging hopefully notifies individuals behind you that you simply’re driving one thing just a little extra fascinating than a bog-standard Grandland.

As a mid-size SUV you’d assume house can be beneficiant, however since you’ve obtained the battery and electrical motor packed away within the again, boot house is much less capacious than anticipated at 390 litres, seats up. It’s not sufficient to turn into an issue although, and most common households ought to cope simply sufficient. The inside could be very respectable, with the entrance seats being the excessive level. Completed in Alcantara they’re agency, however provide a comfortable, grippy attraction that works notably effectively when you begin to work the Grandland GSe via these corners.

The drive

The Grandland’s lofty really feel is actually a distinction to the low, broad and properly planted feeling you get from Vauxhall’s Astra hatchback. That stated, the GSe’s journey is extra participating than you anticipate due to specifically tweaked, frequency selective dampers and firmer springs.

You additionally benefit from the four-wheel-drive setup, which works effectively at getting the facility down from the 107bhp entrance and 111bhp rear motors. It’s under no circumstances a rocketship, however copes simply positive with most driving conditions and may crack a smile on the correct street, in any of its three drive modes.

You’ll need to faucet into Sport when you’re trying to squeeze the perfect out of the engine/motor combo, though this comes with artificially stiffened steering. Hybrid works for on a regular basis driving duties whenever you’re attempting to get probably the most out of your gasoline tank, and EV solely is ideal for brief journeys. Partaking B mode provides a good stage of battery regeneration utilizing the brakes if you would like most effectivity.

The know-how

Inside, the Pure Panel digital show provides an expansive view of the devices. The 12in cluster is sensibly sized and handles alls the necessities, whereas the 10in touchscreen infotainment system does just about all you’d anticipate. Which means Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a part of the bundle, though the view of the built-in sat nav isn’t at all times nearly as good because it might be, each when it comes to measurement and readability. The interface is much like different Stellantis fashions, however we desire Vauxhall’s easy method to the overly showy script utilized by Peugeot and DS.

The Grandland is a fairly sizeable SUV, so the Intelli-Imaginative and prescient 360-degree digital camera is a worthwhile inclusion for reversing into tight areas. A supplemental blind spot alert system additionally proves useful in busy freeway conditions.

There’s a Evening Imaginative and prescient choice too, which flags up potential hazards after darkish, comparable to pedestrians or animals with notifications showing within the instrument show. Wi-fi smartphone charging additionally options for added comfort.

Vauxhall Grandland GSe verdict

Vauxhall has performed an incredible job of reinventing the Grandland. These facelifted design touches give the outside a brand new lease of life and whereas the inside doesn’t dazzle (stellar entrance seats apart) it appears completely suited to households who simply desire a purposeful, actually wise all-round resolution.

Efficiency-wise, the GSe supplies all the pieces you want, with whisper-quiet round city EV simplicity and sufficient mixed punch as soon as the petrol engine is introduced into play. Whereas it won’t be probably the most thrilling mini SUV to drive, the stiffer chassis and suspension tweaks ship greater than only a reliable journey. That ought to preserve these within the driver’s seat completely happy, in addition to any little ones susceptible to journey illness within the again.

Vauxhall Grandland GSe technical specs