Wraps Off Vauxhall's New Crossland X SUV

Rugged-looking replacement for Meriva to arrive in summer. Takes fight to smaller Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008

- Sam Naylor

VAUXHALL has revealed its newest SUV, the Crossland X, which will sit below the Mokka X and upcoming Grandland X in the brand’s expanding range. It’s set to arrive in the summer, and we expect prices to start from around £15,000.

Since it’s joining the line-up to replace the ageing Meriva MPV, the Crossland X has been described by Vauxhall bosses as a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) rather than an SUV – and the design reflects that. From the front, the high bonnet, large head lamps, roof rails and rugged-looking front bumper give it a more chunky 4x4 stance.

But move to the side and the high shoulder and roof lines make it resemble a traditional people carrier, although it’s far removed from the outgoing Meriva.

As with the new Renault Scenic MPV (driven on Page 32), a few SUV-like features are used in the design to give the car a wider-ranging appeal – although the Vauxhall is smaller.

It’s 4.21 metres long, which is 160mm shorter than an Astra, but 100mm taller at 1.58m. That means it’s larger than a Nissan Juke or Peugeot 2008, but smaller than a Mokka X or Renault Kadjar. It’s also smaller than the Meriva MPV it replaces.