Vauxhall Crossland X review 2020

Model review

The Vauxhall Crossland X first went on sale in 2017 as a replacement for the Vauxhall Meriva. This latter car was a small MPV brought out by the firm in 2003 when the small people carrier market accounted for a large chunk of all new car sales.

A second-generation variant reached showrooms in 2010, and had grownin size. It was a rather forgettable car both in terms of design and to drive, with the only thing worth remembering about it being its rear 'suicide doors' – effectively doors hinged the opposite way to ordinary cars, similar to those on Rolls-Royces. Although that is where the similarities end.

As sales dwindled because of the rise of the crossover segment, Vauxhall rapidly decided to launch several new small SUVs. The Mokka - already on sale - was renamed to the Mokka X and was joined by the Grandland X and this, the Crossland X, as the indirect replacement for the Meriva.

Current model

The Crossland X was an entirely new model for Vauxhall, and was the first car to be built using parts raided from the PSA Group (who also own Peugeot and Citroen) bin, albeit heavily altered.

Its key selling point has always been its flexibility. In a market full of crossovers that are hardly any more practical than standard hatches, the Crossland X has a key advantage in terms of is ‘tardis-like’ feel.

As it hasn’t been on sale for too long, few changes have been implemented. One of the few differences is the introduction of a new top-spec Ultimate grade – introducing additional equipment such as leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof. Though this trim was quite short-lived, and is no longer available on new Crossland X models.

Value for money

The Crossland X is one of the best value small crossovers on sale, largely down to its practicality, but also the generous list of standard equipment that comes with it.

Prices start from £19,040, and for that it comes very well-equipped – including LED headlights, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a seven-inch touchscreen to name but a few features.

As Vauxhalls are not renowned for their ability to hold their value, and the Crossland X is no exception to this rule - it means there are significant savings to be had on used Crossland X versions. Prices for used models start from as little as £9,000, which will buy a low-spec 2018 version, with around 20,000 miles on the clock. Expect to only spend an additional £500 for a higher-spec version, though. However, the Crossland X versions that make the most sense are nearly-new versions. For example, six-month-old versions are available from just £12,000, which is a massive £7,000 off the list price.

Looks and image

The crossover market has had swathes of appeal, largely down to the 'lifestyle' image surrounding these cars and also for their increased ride height.

Unfortunately, the Crossland X doesn't have the same appeal as others. Despite its plastic cladding ­– a trend adopted by nearly every small SUV – the Crossland X looks noticeably still like an MPV, though that does allow for extra practicality. Smart LED daytime running lights do help to improve its look, but it's still noticeably bland with its design. That said, two-tone styling is available on selected versions, which looks especially striking on cars painted white with a black roof.

If you're wanting your crossover to be fun to drive, the Crossland X probably is not the choice to go for. Its top-heavy stance makes it roll in the corners in anything faster than leisurely driving, although the increased ride height does a reasonable job of absorbing bumps and potholes. There's lots of wind noise produced at speed, too. Thankfully there is a good mix of petrol and diesel engines, while it's impressively comfortable at most speeds.

Vauxhall hasn't gone mad on the inside - instead favouring functionality over design. Lots of dark plastics litter the dash, albeit with a few lashings of colourful stitching here and there, and the modern seven-inch touchscreen brings flair to an otherwise lacklustre design.

The plus point is that everything is simple and easy to use.

Space and practicality

This is where the Crossland X really comes into its own, as there is very little to complain about.

It's based on the same PSA platform as that fitted to the previous-generation Peugeot 2008 crossover, but manages to be far more practical than that car, despite it actually being smaller in dimensions than Vauxhall's popular Astra hatch.

Everything is well-placed, with all buttons easy to reach, with plenty of space in storage areas and door bins dotted around the cabin – making it feel well-suited to family duties.

But where it really impresses is passenger space. There's more interior space inside than some cars in the class above. Rear knee room and headroom is generous, with plenty of space for two adults, although three would be a squeeze. Boot space is not quite as impressive, with 410 litres on offer - the exact same as the Peugeot 2008. That said, despite its boot not being class-leading, there is plenty of space on offer for most families.

Engines

A broad range of petrol and diesel engines are available on the Crossland X.

The range starts with an 82bhp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. This is really best suited to town driving, as lacklustre performance makes it flawed elsewhere.

Instead, the turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engines make most sense, with these available with outputs of either 108bhp or 128bhp. The latter is the quickest engine in the range, as it’s able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 125mph. Both come as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic gearbox on the more powerful 128bhp version.

If you’d prefer a diesel engine, there is a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit available with outputs of either 101bhp or 118bhp. The less powerful version is just available with a manual gearbox, and the more powerful one is fitted with an automatic.

As is commonplace in the compact crossover class, all Crossland X versions are front-wheel-drive, with no all-wheel-drive variant available.

Running costs

Regardless of which engine you choose, all Crosslands will be affordable to run. That said, it’s the diesel variants that are the most efficient – specifically the 101bhp 1.5-litre, which returns up to a claimed 61.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 124g/km. It’s also cheaper to tax in the first year by £40 (costing £175) and will also be the cheapest in company car tax, with its BIK of 27 per cent.

Things to look out for

The Crossland X is still quite a new model, so there’s still a certain level that’s unknown about reliability. That said, its part sharing with the Peugeot 2008, which has proven to be a dependable choice, should work in this Vauxhall’s favour.

Rivals

The number of crossovers that have joined the market have grown exponentially in recent years, though it’s the popular models, such as the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur that remain some of the closest competitors to the Vauxhall. You could also look at the Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq and Citroen C3 Aircross as well – all of which are worthy competitors. While you’re at a Vauxhall dealership, you could also have a sit inside the similarly priced Astra. Sure, it lacks the crossover looks, but it’s much better to drive and also arguably better to look at.

Depreciation

Vauxhalls aren’t known for holding their value well, and the Crossland X is no exception. With huge savings off nearly-new versions, though, we’d advise trying to find a used version, rather than buying new. It could save you quite a lot of money.