From £16,5556
The Crossland X is a new compact crossover that offers plenty of practicality and equipment, but rivals are better to drive

What is it?

Sixty-three millimetres. That’s all there is between the lengths of the new Vauxhall Crossland X and the recently updated Vauxhall Mokka X. So, what’s Vauxhall playing at, having two crossovers with barely a cigarette packet to separate them?

Well, it argues that the Mokka is more of a traditional SUV, with big wheels (up to 19in), aggressive looks and the option of four-wheel drive, whereas the Crossland comes with 16 or 17in wheels, majors on practicality and is front-wheel drive only.

It’s based on a platform that will also underpin the next Citroën C4, thanks to a deal with PSA that predates the recently agreed buyout. This original deal will also see Vauxhall launch a bigger, Grandland X model based on the current Peugeot 3008 and is the reason why the Crossland uses PSA engines: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel.

However, it’s safe to assume that there will be a lot more of this platform sharing between the brands going forward, so the Crossland X represents a taste of Vauxhall’s future.

Vxl x 097

What's it like?

We tried the mid-range 1.2, which produces 108bhp and 151lb ft of torque, and is both punchy and happy to rev. Unfortunately, it’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission which has a vague shift action and lets the engine rev quite noisily at motorway speeds.

The transmission isn’t the only thing about the driving experience that disappoints. The Crossland X also provides little steering feedback and suffers from a fair bit of body roll in bends, while scruffy road surfaces send thumps through the cabin.

At least the steering is light, so if you spend most of your time weaving through urban traffic, the Crossland X is an easy car to live with and park; the fact you sit quite high and all-round visibility is superb also helps.

Ultimately, though, it’s practicality that most impresses. There’s plenty of space for four adults inside, you get a 410-litre boot that puts the Nissan Juke’s (and the Mokka’s) to shame, and Vauxhall offers a £300 Versatility Pack that brings exactly that, because it includes rear seats that slide back and forth and fold 40/20/40.

The Crossland X has lots of standard equipment, too, with even the entry-level SE spec getting alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Back to top

Vxl x 098

In fact, the only noticeable omission is autonomous emergency braking; it’s part of an optional safety pack that also includes a driver drowsiness detector.

Most of the plastic in the car are hard, but construction feels solid enough, with the exception of the handbrake. And besides, the Crossland X’s rivals don’t have particularly classy and well-finished interiors, either.

Should I buy one?

Despite being the same size as the Mokka and offering more interior space, the Crossland X is a little cheaper to buy.

True, it has a higher starting price than rivals such as the Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Suzuki Vitara, but this is mainly because the entry-level version is equipped to the same sort of level as those cars are in mid-spec form.

Fuel economy is also competitive, with the diesel engines both averaging more than 70mpg in official tests, while the petrols all manage more than 50mpg. So, it’s really just the driving experience that lets the Crossland X down.

If practicality is your top concern, it’s well worth considering. But if you’re looking for a small SUV that’s fun to drive, the Suzuki Vitara and Mazda CX-3 are better choices, while Renault’s Renault Captur is more comfortable and a quieter cruiser.

Back to top

Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2T 110 Ecotech SE

Price £17,875 Engine 3 cyls, 1199cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 108bhp Torque 151lb ft Gearbox 5-spd manual Kerb weight N/A Top speed 117mph 0-62mph 10.6sec Economy 58.9mpg CO2/tax band 109g/km/20% Rivals Nissan Juke 1.2 DIG-T N-Connecta; Renault Captur TCe 120 Dynamique Nav

Steve Huntingford

Join the debate

Comments
16
Add a comment…
catnip 14 May 2017

This will undoubtedly mean

This will undoubtedly mean the demise of the Mokka. Sounds like Vauxhall themselves are struggling to explain the purpose of the Mokka now, when all they can point to is the availability of big wheels and 4 wheel drive.
Shrub 12 May 2017

Come back Winnie!

This review is just waiting for the Winniethewoo treatment. Sounds like the car deserves it by failing to offer anything much over the better looking Mokka that it will inevitably indirectly replace, whatever they say.
Shrub 12 May 2017

Come back Winnie!

This review is just waiting for the Winniethewoo treatment. Sounds like the car deserves it by failing to offer anything much over the better looking Mokka that it will inevitably indirectly replace, whatever they say.
Spanner 15 May 2017

Shrub wrote:

Shrub wrote:

This review is just waiting for the Winniethewoo treatment. Sounds like the car deserves it by failing to offer anything much over the better looking Mokka that it will inevitably indirectly replace, whatever they say.

Shame isn't it after he (assuming a he) when "pop" in the last Vauxhall review. Agree, come back Winnie! The Vauxhall vitriol was always entertaining.