Grandland puts on new suit

Rüsselsheim's flagship new SUV adopts a new look, dramatically improved power

- Charl Bosch

Stellantis South Africa debuted the all-new second-generation Opel Grandland as not only the Blitz's flagship model, but also what it describes as a milestone vehicle for the local market.

Available initially as a single model, the second modern Opel SUV after the Mokka additionally incorporates the latest version of Rüsselsheim's Bold and Pure styling language, though with subtle difference from its smaller sibling.

Aside from its design involving the newest take on the Opel Vizor grille and Compass in which the Blitz badge becomes the central "directional" focus, the Grandland's switch in platform not only involves a more distinctive appearance, but gains on every dimensional front compared to its predecessor.

At 4 650mm long, 1 655mm tall and 1 905mm wide, the second generation measures 173mm longer, 19mm taller and 64mm wider, with the wheelbase unchanged at 2 784mm. The knock-on effect is an increase in boot space from 514 litres to 550 litres.

Slimmed down to the previous mid-range GS Line trim grade with more derivatives to follow, the Grandland's redesign also introduces Opel's latest Matrix LED IntelliLux headlights in addition to an illuminated LED light bar.

The setup, officially called Pixel Matrix, involves each light cluster comprising 25 600 micro LEDs to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, helped by the forward-facing camera system.