The big Opel model offensive “7 in 17” with seven new models in 2017 is in full swing. After the Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer, the new Ampera-e, Opel adds a newcomer to the crossover segment now with the Crossland X. It is the second member of the Opel X family, joining the bestseller Mokka X.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We saw it today “in the flesh” at a static presentation, and it looks very stylish indeed, continuing elegantly the now well established and distinct styling language Opel has adopted since the first generation Insignia.

We talked at this presentation with Marc Van Der Haegen – Chief Designer Exterior/Interior Design and Thibaut Doneux – Assistant Chief Designer Exterior of the Crossland X, and we will soon insert the films of these interviews here.

An outstanding crossover interpretation within the Opel design language…

The designers have created a unique crossover interpretation of Opel’s design philosophy – “Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision” – that reflects the stylish yet functional character of the Crossland X.

Characteristic  signature cues of the Rüsselsheim brand include the bold grille and the winglets that  embrace the Opel lightning flash emblem; the characteristic wing graphics of the headlights; and the blade along each side of the body. The surfaces are fluid and sculptural, while the chrome trimmed, two-tone floating roof allows you to personalize the car.

There are the high-tech full LED headlamps, while the horizontal lines that flow around the body combine with the raised taillights to make the Crossland X look wider.

The influence of the new Insignia and the Astra is clearly visible in the sculptural, driver-focused instrument panel. Chrome finishes around the cluster and air vents, in combination with the soft finishes of the instrument panel and doors, add that touch of quality and craftsmanship.

The large, easy to reach touchscreen and the 60/40-split rear seats make the interior of the Crossland X a perfect environment for families. Optionally available are rear seats that slide 150 millimeters to create more legroom or up to 520 liters of trunk volume (which increases to 1,255 liters by folding down the rear seats).

Active family lifestyles and functionality are characterized by several rugged SUV cues, such as the protective lower side moldings and the skid plates at the front and rear. Inside the Crossland X, the driver and passengers enjoy the high seating positions of a typical SUV, in a body that is 16 centimeters shorter but 10 centimeters taller than that of the Astra.

Five engines…

The zesty looking Opel Crossland X comes to market with a choice of five engines. All three-cylinder gasoline and four-cylinder diesel units are ultra-modern, all-aluminum engines with top fuel efficiency.

Just some further info on the engines:

The entry-level gasoline unit is the 1.2-liter engine with 60 kW/81 hp (NEDC cycle fuel consumption: urban 6,4 l/100 km, extra-urban 4,4 l/100 km, combined 5,1 l/100 km; 114 g/km CO₂). Next is the 1.2 Turbo with gasoline direct injection in three different drive variants. The especially economical ECOTEC version comes with a friction-optimized five-speed transmission (NEDC cycle fuel consumption: urban 5,6 l/100 km, extra-urban 4,2 l/100 km, combined 4,8 l/100 km; 109 g/km CO₂) and delivers 81 kW/110 hp. Just as powerful is the three-cylinder 1.2‑liter Turbo combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox (NEDC cycle fuel consumption: urban 6,3 l/100 km, extra-urban 4,8 l/100 km, combined 5,3 l/100 km; 121 g/km CO₂). Both engines already deliver their peak torque of 205 Nm at 1,500 rpm, with 95 percent of that available across the most often used plateau up to 3,500 rpm.

The top-of-the-line gasoline engine is the 1.2 Turbo with 96 kW/130 hp, maximum torque of 230 Nm from 1,750 rpm (NEDC cycle fuel consumption: urban 5,7 l/100 km, extra-urban 4,6 l/100 km, combined 5,0 l/100 km; 114 g/km CO₂) and six-speed manual transmission. This takes the Opel Crossland X from zero to 100 in 9.1 seconds and to a maximum speed of 206 km/h.

The lineup also includes three turbo-charged diesel engines. The 1.6 diesel has 73 kW/99 hp and offers maximum torque of 254 Nm at 1,750 rpm (NEDC cycle fuel consumption: urban 4,5 l/100 km, extra-urban 3,4 l/100 km, combined 3,8 l/100 km; 99 g/km CO₂). There is also an even more economical ECOTEC variant of this engine with Start/Stop that emits just 93 g/km CO₂ (NEDC cycle fuel consumption: urban 4,1 l/100 km, extra-urban 3,3 l/100 km, combined 3,6 l/100 km). The most powerful diesel is the 1.6 with 88 kW/120 hp (NEDC cycle fuel consumption: urban 4,6 l/100 km, extra-urban 3,6 l/100 km, combined 4,0 l/100 km; 103 g/km CO₂) and maximum torque of 300 Nm for strong pulling power in all situations. Together with the six-speed manual transmission, the Opel Crossland X 1.6 diesel completes mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, which is especially important for overtaking maneuvers, in 10.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 186 km/h.

Opel Onstar is on board…

Opel OnStar is standard in the Crossland X beginning at the Edition trim level. In addition to the familiar telematics services such as 24-hour Emergency Call Service and remote control operation of door locks, the horn and lights, OnStar now offers even more services. The new Crossland X also marks the introduction of a new personal service that enables passengers to simply contact the Opel OnStar advisor to, for example, choose a hotel and reserve a room through Booking.com or find a parking space (via Parkopedia). And the system’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot gives all Crossland X occupants fast internet connectivity with their mobile devices. The state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment technology includes an up to 8-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible smartphone integration. And to keep the mobile phone charged up, a fixture in the center console for wireless inductive charging can be ordered for the Crossland X. Need we say more? As said, soon we will complete this report with a film interview of the designers of this new Opel…

Hans Knol ten Bensel