Opel launches the Crossland X SUV, which, despite its SUV character, is no SUV. If you want to go more off-road, Opel offers the Mokka X as an alternative. The Crossland X is perhaps more of a minivan, suitable for both city and highway driving.

The Crossland X is in the same B-segment as the Mokka X, but is slightly shorter. It is not available with four-wheel drive like the Mokka X.

The Opel Crossland X is 4,212 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,590 mm high.

Opel is now part of the PSA group and the Crossland X is the result of a collaboration that started earlier. French models with the same chassis will follow at a later stage. The Crossland X already has the PSA chassis, engine and powertrain.

The Crossland X is easy to sit in thanks to its height. The ergonomic AGR seats in the test car were very ergonomic and there was little to complain about. The seat and steering wheel adjustments are well adjusted. The instrument cluster is well visible and all the necessary switches and controls are easily accessible.

Convertible rear seats

The standard rear seat is split 60:40. Rear seats are also available that can be moved 15 cm lengthways. These seats are split 40:20:40.

Moving the rear seats either provides more legroom for rear passengers or more luggage space.

The luggage compartment has an adjustable floor. The upper position provides a slightly flatter floor when the rear seat backrest is folded down. There is no spare wheel, but in principle there is room for one.

The boot capacity is 410 litres without folding the seats. With the rear seat in the forward position, the boot capacity is 520 litres. When the rear seats are fully folded down, the boot capacity increases to 1 255 litres.

The test car was equipped with the Innovation trim level, a 1.2-litre 110 hp turbo engine and an automatic gearbox.

There was a wealth of optional equipment, including front and rear parking sensors, a 180-degree reversing camera, AGR seats, a panoramic sunroof and a windscreen display. The total price of the car with these features is just over €28,000.

The car was stable and comfortable to drive. The windscreen display showed the most important information. The engine noise was not very audible inside, but on Finnish roads the road noise does, of course, carry into the cabin.

The automatic transmission worked well and shifted smoothly. The engine had enough power to carry two people, but with a full load a slightly more powerful model might be in order. A 130-horsepower petrol engine and a 120-horsepower diesel are available.

Special handbrake handle

The Crossland X’s parking brake handle is rather odd looking. When you first pulled it, you were quite surprised. Of course, you get used to it over time. The driver’s elbow makes it a little difficult to use the handbrake, but fortunately the elbow can be easily swung back.

Like the Opel Adam, the Crossland X is available with a roof in a different body colour. There are three colour options.

The infotainment system is compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The touchscreen is 8-inch.

The car comes with adaptive LED headlights. They include cornering lights, high beam assist and automatic range adjustment.

The car has speed limit sign recognition and lane departure warning. If the system detects an unintentional lane departure, it alerts the driver with audible and warning signals.

Five engine options

The engines are familiar from small Peugeot and Citroën models. The smallest engine is the 1.2-litre (81 hp) engine with a combined fuel consumption of 5.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 115 g/km.

The second option is the turbocharged 1.2-litre version, with three variants to choose from. The Ecotec version has a friction-optimised five-speed gearbox (combined consumption 4.8 l, CO2 109 g/km) and 110 hp.

When the 1.2-litre turbo engine is combined with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, combined consumption is 5.3 l/100 km and CO2 emissions 121 g/km.

The most powerful version of the petrol engine range is the 130 hp 1.2 T (combined consumption 5.0 l/100 km and CO2 114 g/km). The version with a six-speed manual gearbox accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 206 km/h.

The engine range also includes two diesel options. The 1.6 Ecotec with Startstop has 99 hp and combined fuel consumption of 3.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 93 g/km. The more powerful diesel model is the 1.6-litre, 120 hp version (combined consumption 4.0 l/100 km and CO2 103g/km).

For those looking for versatility

The Crossland X is well suited to those looking for a higher car, such as an elderly person. The car offers good visibility and easy ingress and egress. If you get the version with movable rear seats, you can get a little extra space for your belongings or even a pet.

Add all the accessories and you have a very well-equipped car. If you need more off-road capability and four-wheel drive, look towards the Mokka X. It costs a bit more, but it comes with more powerful engines, among other things.