The Vauxhall Grandland X 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp) represents a significant entry by the British marque into the highly competitive compact crossover SUV segment in the European market. Introduced in October 2017, the Grandland X was Vauxhall’s answer to the burgeoning demand for family-friendly SUVs, sharing its platform and core technologies with its French stablemates under the then-new PSA Group (now Stellantis) ownership, namely the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. This particular variant, powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, offered a compelling blend of efficiency, practicality, and modern features, positioning it as a sensible choice for consumers seeking versatility without excessive running costs. Though not sold in the United States, the Grandland X played a crucial role in Vauxhall’s product strategy, offering a contemporary design and a comfortable driving experience tailored to European tastes and regulations, including adherence to strict Euro 6 emission standards.
Vauxhall Grandland X 1.2 Turbo: A European Compact Crossover
The Grandland X was designed to appeal to European buyers prioritizing practicality and fuel efficiency. It filled a gap in Vauxhall’s lineup, offering a more affordable and accessible SUV option compared to larger, more premium offerings. The vehicle’s development was heavily influenced by the collaborative efforts within the PSA Group, resulting in a shared platform and components that reduced development costs and improved economies of scale. This allowed Vauxhall to offer a competitive price point while still delivering a modern and well-equipped vehicle.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of this Grandland X model is a 1.2-liter (1199 cm3 or 73.17 cu. in.) three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, internally designated B12XHT. Despite its relatively small displacement, this engine delivers a robust 130 horsepower at 5500 revolutions per minute (rpm). It generates 169.64 lb.-ft. of torque from a low 1750 rpm, providing excellent responsiveness and tractability for everyday driving. The power delivery is smooth and linear, a characteristic of well-engineered turbocharged units.
Power is channeled to the front wheels via a precise 6-speed manual transmission, a popular choice in European markets for its engaging driving experience and fuel efficiency. This powertrain architecture ensures the vehicle feels agile and capable, whether navigating urban environments or cruising on highways. The Grandland X 1.2 Turbo achieves a maximum speed of 116.82 mph, adequate for typical European highway speeds.
Fuel economy is a strong suit, reflecting its design for efficiency. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers, translating to an impressive 43.6 US miles per gallon. Urban driving yields approximately 36.8 US mpg, while extra-urban conditions can see figures as high as 48 US mpg. These figures, coupled with CO2 emissions of 124 g/km, underscore its compliance with Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Grandland X adopts a conventional five-door, five-seat SUV body type, prioritizing practicality and passenger comfort. Its exterior design is contemporary, featuring Vauxhall’s design language with a prominent grille, sleek headlights, and robust body cladding. The overall stance is confident, with relatively high ground clearance and a muscular profile, enhanced by the standard 19-inch wheels and 235/50 R19 tires.
The vehicle’s dimensions—176.26 inches in length, 73.07 inches in width (82.6 inches including mirrors), and 63.35 inches in height—place it squarely in the compact SUV category, balancing interior space with maneuverability. Inside, the cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with ergonomically placed controls for ease of use.
The five-seat layout provides ample headroom and legroom for adults. A key highlight is its cargo capacity: a generous minimum trunk space of 18.15 cubic feet, expanding to an impressive 58.34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This flexibility makes the Grandland X a versatile vehicle, capable of accommodating everything from weekly groceries to larger luggage. Modern features include a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Bluetooth connectivity, and potentially satellite navigation. Standard safety equipment includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, and electric power steering.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Grandland |
| Generation | Grandland X |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp) |
| Start of Production | October, 2017 |
| End of Production | July, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Consumption (Urban) | 36.8 US mpg (6.4 l/100 km) |
| Fuel Consumption (Extra Urban) | 48 US mpg (4.9 l/100 km) |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 43.6 US mpg (5.4 l/100 km) |
| CO2 Emissions | 124 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Maximum Speed | 116.82 mph (188 km/h) |
| Emission Standard | Euro 6 |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per Liter | 108.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm (230 Nm) |
| Engine Layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B12XHT |
| Engine Displacement | 73.17 cu. in. (1199 cm3) |
| Number of Cylinders | 3 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Number of Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel Injection System | Direct Injection |
| Engine Aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3.7 US qt (3.5 l) |
| Trunk Space (Minimum) | 18.15 cu. ft. (514 l) |
| Trunk Space (Maximum) | 58.34 cu. ft. (1652 l) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 US gal (53 l) |
| Length | 176.26 in. (4477 mm) |
| Width | 73.07 in. (1856 mm) |
| Width including Mirrors | 82.6 in. (2098 mm) |
| Height | 63.35 in. (1609 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 105.31 in. (2675 mm) |
| Drive Wheel | Front-wheel drive |
| Number of Gears and Type of Gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Assisting Systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering Type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power Steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires Size | 235/50 R19 |
| Wheel Rims Size | 19 inches |
The Vauxhall Grandland X, particularly with its efficient 1.2 Turbo engine, entered the market during a period of intense growth and competition within the compact SUV segment across Europe. It faced rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Karoq, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and the Peugeot 3008. The Grandland X carved out its niche by offering a compelling package of practicality, modern design, and competitive pricing, coupled with Vauxhall’s brand recognition in the UK.
Its introduction marked a strategic shift for Vauxhall, moving away from General Motors platforms to leverage the efficiencies and technologies of the PSA Group. This allowed Vauxhall to offer a product that was fresh, technologically up-to-date, and aligned with European market trends. The 1.2 Turbo (130 Hp) variant was an attractive option, balancing performance with excellent fuel economy and lower running costs.
The Grandland X established a reputation as a sensible and reliable family crossover. Its spacious interior, generous trunk space, and comfortable ride quality made it a popular choice. While not the most dynamically thrilling option, its focus on comfort, safety, and practicality resonated with its target demographic. It contributed significantly to Vauxhall’s sales volumes, solidifying the brand’s presence in a dominant segment.
The Grandland X’s legacy is one of successful adaptation and strategic positioning. It demonstrated Vauxhall’s ability to evolve under new ownership and deliver a competitive product. The “X” suffix was later dropped as part of a brand refresh, becoming the Grandland, reflecting its ongoing evolution. Its efficient 1.2-liter turbo engine proved that a smaller displacement unit could power a family SUV effectively, setting a trend for efficiency in the segment.
