Opel Crossland SRI (2021) Review
Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert.
Opel are most definitely back in the game these days with a new model line up that is certainly turning heads on Irish roads. The brand has been more proactive than ever and is no doubt determined to claw back some of that market share it enjoyed in years past. This week we have had the pleasure of living with the stylish new Opel Crossland. It might look narrow and compact from the exterior but ample space awaits you inside.
This becomes the first Opel to adopt the brand’s unmistakable new Vizor front face signature. This hallmark signature nose to feature on all Opel models of the the future is joined by a strong rear visual look that features a new, high gloss black tailgate panel housing the Opel logo and book-ended with stylish rear lights. This is a replacement vehicle to the popular Crossland X, which we tested and enjoyed last year. That vehicle won legions of new fans Europe-wide and created the perfect platform for this new Crossland to exploit further gains brought on by extra comfort, tech and features to improve the chassis.
Available in seven different body colours and in SC, SRI and a range-topping Elite trim, the new Crossland is far from complicated. Pick a trim, engine and price point that suits you, and off you go! Our test vehicle was in SRI trim and we thought the black over silver with red accents looked particularly good.
Features
Standard equipment from level one SC is very impressive and includes hill start assist, cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning, enhanced traffic sign recognition, 6 airbags, leather steering wheel, manual air conditioning, rain sensing windscreen, automatic lights, 7-inch touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, DAB radio, USB connectivity and 12-volt socket.
We have tested vehicles wearing premium badges that do not offer this level of spec on entry! The SRI trim, which once again we had the pleasure of living with, came with even more features over the SC trim. Expect park assist front and rear, rear view camera, AGR driver’s seat, 8-way driver seat adjustment with driver seat cushion extension and lumbar support, ambient white LED cabin lighting, driver’s armrest, half-leather effect upholstery trim, a painted two-tone roof, tinted rear privacy windows, silver skid plates, 16-inch alloy wheels and LED front fog lamps.
The range topping Elite trim is the ultimate in luxury but yet again it won’t break the bank. Standard equipment over the SRI trim, includes leather upholstery, AGR driver’s seat and passenger seat, 8-way passenger seat adjustment with seat cushion extension and lumbar support, heated front seats, heated leather steering wheel, electronic dual zone climate control, an upgraded central console with lidded storage, sliding split folding rear seats with armrest, a colour driver instrument display, a rear 12-volt socket and 16-inch alloy wheels.
You really wont be left looking for much regardless of which model you choose.
Power
The new Opel Crossland is powered by a choice of a 1.2 83bhp stop start petrol 5-speed manual, a 1.2 130bhp turbo stop start petrol 6-speed automatic, a 1.5 110bhp turbo stop start diesel and a 1.5 120bhp turbo stop start diesel.
Our test vehicle had the 83hp 1.2 petrol and it was more than adequate around town but felt slightly strained on the motorway. If you have a larger family perhaps the 130hp petrol or diesel would be a better buy for your needs but Opel’s various engine offerings are very impressive at present.
Safety
Opel fits all cars with the expected mandatory systems such as anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control and a front camera system. This includes effective traffic-sign recognition, which scans for speed-limit signs and displays them on the dashboard as you pass. This system also brings in lane-departure warning, which beeps if you cross lane markings without indicating. The good news is if you are on a challenging twisty back-road it can be switched off by using a button conveniently mounted in the centre console rather than endlessly scrolling through menus. Cruise control is standard and this works in conjunction with the speed limiter, helping to protect your license. Our test car also had autonomous emergency braking (AEB) but this is only offered as part of a safety pack, which can be specified on all trims except SE. Although it has yet to be tested, it is expected to score a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating considering it shares so much with the Peugeot 2008 and Citron C3 Aircross.
Opel Crossland SRI Prices
The Opel Crossland retails here in Ireland from €22,395, plus dealer delivery related charges for the SE specification. SRI models can be swiped up from €23,895 and the range topping Elite trim starts off at €25,395.
All are subject to delivery and related charges and like every other car on the Irish market you can avail of additional spec that will no doubt drive the price further north. Various finance and PCP offerings are also available through the trusted dealer network.
Summary
In the ultra competitive compact family crossover segment Opel have brought a decent offering to the table. Yes there are others in this sector that drive better or have more space but its marginal and the competitive pricing Opel are offering means you just have to take a test-drive. We averaged about 5.9 litres per 100km of fuel during our week long test drive, which was made up of a little city, motorway and one trip to the beach during the fine weather. Space in the boot swallows 520 litres, which can further grow to 1,255 litres by dropping the rear seats.
It’s practical, easy to live with and offers plenty of bang for the buck. The only problem we see for Opel is the sister offering coming in the shape of the Mokka is marginally less practical but significantly more stylish on the road. The price walk up to Mokka takes you up about €500 but it’s a different proposition and one that we look forward to reviewing in the coming weeks!
Opel Crossland SRI Pros
Practicality
Comfort
Price
Opel Crossland SRI Cons
Slightly strained in 83hp form.
To see our YouTube video review of the Opel Crossland please click here.
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