2021-2024 Vauxhall Grandland (facelift ) 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp)

The Vauxhall Grandland (facelift 2021) 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp) represents a significant refresh of Vauxhall’s popular compact SUV, designed to maintain its competitive edge in the fiercely contested European C-segment. Unveiled in July 2021 and produced through March 2024, this iteration of the Grandland, known simply as Grandland (dropping the ‘X’ from its predecessor), showcased Vauxhall’s commitment to modern design, efficient powertrains, and enhanced technology. As a key model for the British marque, which operates as a sister brand to Opel within the Stellantis group, the Grandland is not available in the United States. Its primary mission is to offer a compelling package of practicality, style, and economical performance to European consumers seeking a versatile family vehicle that can handle both urban commutes and longer journeys with competence. The 1.2 Turbo variant, specifically, highlights a trend towards smaller, highly efficient turbocharged gasoline engines that deliver surprising performance while adhering to stringent European emission standards.

The Vauxhall Grandland: A European SUV

The Grandland occupies a crucial position within Vauxhall’s lineup, serving as their entry into the highly competitive C-segment SUV market. This segment, dominated by vehicles like the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, and Hyundai Tucson, demands a balance of practicality, affordability, and style. The Grandland aims to deliver on all fronts, offering a spacious interior, a modern aesthetic, and a range of efficient engine options. The 2021 facelift was a pivotal moment for the model, bringing it in line with Vauxhall’s latest design language and incorporating updated technology to enhance its appeal. It’s important to note that Vauxhall, and its sister brand Opel, are primarily focused on the European market, and the Grandland was specifically engineered to meet the demands and regulations of that region.

Engine & Performance: The 1.2 Turbo Powertrain

Under the hood of the Vauxhall Grandland (facelift 2021) 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp) lies a sophisticated 1.2-liter (1199 cm³, 73.17 cu. in.) inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, designated F12XHT. This compact yet potent powerplant is a testament to modern engine engineering, delivering a robust 130 horsepower at 5500 rpm. What truly distinguishes this engine, however, is its impressive torque output: 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) available from a remarkably low 1750 rpm. This low-end torque is crucial for a vehicle of the Grandland’s size and intended use, providing responsive acceleration and comfortable cruising without constantly needing to downshift.

The engine’s efficiency is largely attributable to its advanced features, including a turbocharger with an intercooler, which forces more air into the cylinders for increased power, and direct fuel injection for precise fuel delivery and combustion. A DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) further optimizes engine breathing across the rev range, contributing to both power and fuel economy. Mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, the powertrain architecture ensures that power is delivered efficiently to the front wheels. While all-wheel drive was available on other Grandland variants, the 1.2 Turbo was primarily offered as a front-wheel-drive model, prioritizing fuel efficiency.

Performance figures for the 1.2 Turbo Grandland are respectable for its class, with an acceleration time of 0 to 60 mph in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 121.79 mph (196 km/h). These numbers underscore its capability as a comfortable daily driver rather than a performance-oriented SUV, perfectly suiting the needs of its target audience. Fuel economy is a strong suit, with a combined WLTP rating of 37.9 – 37.3 US mpg (6.2-6.3 l/100 km), demonstrating its economical operation. Furthermore, with CO2 emissions ranging from 140-142 g/km and compliance with the Euro 6d emission standard, the Grandland aligns with Europe’s stringent environmental regulations, making it an environmentally conscious choice in its segment. The inclusion of a Start & Stop System and a Particulate filter further enhances its eco-credentials.

Design & Features: A Bold Statement for the Modern Family

The 2021 facelift brought a significant visual update to the Grandland, most notably with the adoption of Vauxhall’s “Vizor” front fascia. This bold design element, characterized by a prominent black panel that integrates the headlights and grille, gives the Grandland a more assertive and modern appearance. The headlights themselves were upgraded to IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, offering improved visibility and safety. The interior also received attention, with updated materials, a redesigned dashboard, and an upgraded infotainment system.

The Grandland’s interior prioritizes practicality and comfort. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and headroom, making it suitable for family use. The boot offers a generous 514 liters (18.16 cubic feet) of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,652 liters (58.3 cubic feet) when folded down. Standard features typically included a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, climate control, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trim levels added features like adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery. Safety was a key focus, with the Grandland achieving high scores in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Technical Specifications