Vauxhall Crossland – X marks the spot

IF ever there was a clue in the name it comes in the stylish shape of Vauxhall’s latest compact SUV the Crossland X.

Officially categorised as a crossover model and featuring the X badge that will be worn by all future Vauxhall SUV variants, the Crossland is slightly smaller than its stablemate the Mokka X.

And if that vehicle’s sales success is an accurate gauge then the brand – now part of the Peugeot/Citroen group – can expect the Crossland to prove an even bigger hit.

That’s because the Crossland is an altogether more stylish vehicle than its sibling – and thanks to clever packaging has a more spacious – and split-level – boot as well.

Interior space is not compromised either, as the cabin is well proportioned and offers ample space for rear passengers, even when the front seats are fully slid back.

The quality of the fit and fittings and comfort of the seats is top notch, there are plenty of stowage spots, the dash is well designed and easy to use and evryone has good visibility.

But on the down side the swan’s neck handbrake, with its release button on the top, is awkward.

Beneath the bonnet is a choice of petrol and diesel engines from the PSA (Peugeot- Citroen) Group, including the 1.2-litre three cylinder PureTech petrol engines which Vauxhall calls ecoTEC.

The more powerful pair are turbo charged and offer 110 or 130PS of wallop, while there’s also a normally aspirated, and more sedate, 81PS version.

They’re pretty frugal too, though not in the same economy league as the 1.6-litre diesels, the best of which boasts an average 76.3 miles per gallon.

Our tested model, the 130PS turbo petrol, is pretty much ideal for this car, which we loaded with clobber and a full complement aboard for a weekend in Snowdonia.

Acceleration is there when you need it – 0-62 in 9.1 seconds and though we were about 9mpg short of the claimed Combined figure of 55.4 it was a half decent return in the circumstances.

The Crossland X isn’t aimed at enthusiastic motorists, comes only in front-wheel drive and doesn’t have the higher ground clearance or 4×4 of the Mokka, but it fits the bill for families and is well specced up too.

For instance all versions come with Vauxhall’s OnStar emergency and connectivity system plus Wi-Fi hotspots for up to seven devices and full smartphone integration.

There’s also a seven-inch touchscreen, dual zone climate control and safety aids like lane departure warning while higher grade Elite versions also get a chunky leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and an advanced Navi 5.0 Intellilink sat nav.

But you have to pay extra for a rear view camera (£405), keyless entry and start (£405) and even a spare wheel £110.

Prices start from £16,555 for a 1.2-litre petrol model rising to £23,530 for a 120PS 1.6-litre turbp diesel in Ultimate trim.