I’ll admit it — I haven’t been this curious about a new Opel in quite some time. The brand has kept a relatively low profile on South African roads lately, so when the opportunity came to test-drive the updated Opel Grandland, I was genuinely excited to see what they’ve been up to. And right from the first glance, it’s clear: Opel is back with a bold, stylish bang.
A Proper Head-Turner
From the moment I rolled up in the Grandland, it was getting noticed – double takes and questions all round.
The new front end, with Opel’s signature Vizor grille and those futuristic pixel headlights, gives it a fresh, confident presence. It doesn’t try too hard. It just looks good. And paired with that two-tone roof and sleek alloy wheels, it’s honestly one of the better-looking mid-size SUVs I’ve seen on the road lately.
Comfort That Doesn’t Shout
Inside, the Grandland surprised me again. The interior is clean and modern — no clutter, no flashy nonsense. Just well-designed, tactile finishes that feel more premium than I expected. The dashboard is streamlined and the digital displays are crisp and easy to use, angled just enough toward the driver to feel considered.
What I particularly loved is how calm the space feels. Opel clearly focused on making this SUV comfortable — not just functional. The seats, for example, are AGR-certified for ergonomic support. They’re comfortable on long drives, even in traffic. And yes, they come with a massage function — which I personally didn’t use much while driving (I find it a bit distracting), but my passenger absolutely loved it. At one point, he refused to get out.
Smooth on the Road
Driving the Grandland is an easy, relaxed experience. Under the hood is a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which feels responsive and refined — it’s not about blistering speed, but it’s more than capable for everyday driving, highway cruising, and those unexpected overtakes.
The steering is light but precise, the ride is beautifully smooth, and it absorbs our less-than-perfect roads without complaint.
I took it on a short weekend trip up the coast, and it handled open roads just as comfortably as it did the tight turns and gravel patches. Fuel consumption was decent — hovering around 8L/100km with mixed driving — not groundbreaking, but fair for the size and power.
Tech, Safety, and Everyday Use
Opel’s equipped the Grandland with a full spread of smart features. There’s adaptive cruise control, lane assist, traffic sign recognition, a 360° camera (which I found especially handy in tight parking spots), and wireless phone charging.
It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are a must for me — and work seamlessly. The infotainment screen is large and easy to navigate, though I will say it could be a touch faster in response. Still, nothing that would make me roll my eyes.
Boot space is generous, and rear legroom is fine for most adults — though if you’re on the taller side, it might feel a bit snug on longer trips.
The Verdict
The new Opel Grandland is, quite honestly, a lovely surprise. It’s stylish, comfortable, well-specced, and drives with a level of quiet confidence that’s really appealing. It may not have the badge snobbery of some German rivals, but it offers real substance — and a whole lot of visual appeal.
For me, it ticks the boxes of what a modern SUV should be: bold without being brash, smart without being complicated, and comfortable in all the ways that matter. It’s not just a car — it’s a bit of a statement. And I’m here for it.
Starting from R599,900 (GS Line priced at R789,900).
Includes 5-year/100,000km warranty & 5-year/90,000km service plan.