When the Crossland X model came to market in 2017, it was actually the first model built on the platform of the French concern PSA. Now in the offer of the Opel brand we can find only two remaining models of purely German origin – Astra and Insignia.
Four years later, we have the Crossland facelift, which, given the primarily cosmetic changes, suggests that major modifications were not even necessary. The pre-facelift model Crossland X , which actually replaced the Meriva in the hierarchy, was the second best-selling vehicle of the Opel brand. So let's delete the letter X from the name and let's see what the changes bring…
The Crossland has been given a completely new face in the form of what is referred to as the Opel Vizor, which marks the launch of the brand's new visual identity for the Mokka. Also, depending on the equipment and version, the new model can boast chrome exterior accessories, in combination with the black glossy decor of the fifth door and darkened taillights. Even if the proportions were not too magical, it is quite a significant facelift and changes the identity of the model quite significantly. As part of the sporty GS Line+ equipment, you also get 17-inch wheels in black, or top-notch ergonomic seats with the AGR certificate, which Opel is famous for. There is a black painted roof and several other design elements.
Crossland is still a small crossover for the city with everything that goes with it. Installation is easy thanks to the higher position of the seats. The view of the dashboard will please the old-fashioned driver, in a good way. You will find real buttons and controls for various functions here, so you don't have to hunt for anything important somewhere in the depths of the menu via the touch screen or the display in the instrument panel.
The temperature control and air conditioning controls also have a classic format with rotary dials, and when they are easy to operate, you can only sigh at the current fashion of various glossy touch surfaces and the transfer of such essential functions to the infotainment display. Controlling the on-board system via the 8-inch touch screen is just as easy. Like other Opels, it is integrated into the dashboard, it does not stick out anywhere and does not obstruct the driver's view. Below it, we again find real buttons for selecting individual functions of the audio system, navigation, telephone, and the like. It is easy to navigate in the simple graphics of the infotainment and since the system also supports Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, you only need to set it once and you won't even look at it anymore…
You can connect your phone here via one of the two USB connectors in the front part of the central tunnel. There is also an induction charger, available in two higher trim levels for an additional fee. Before ordering it, we would recommend checking whether your phone will fit here, as its area is simply not enough for larger "bricks".
The front seats have decent lateral guides, both in the upper part and in terms of thigh support. The driver and passenger have a lot of headroom, and due to the dimensions of the Crossland, you can't complain about the cramped space even in the back. Seats in the second row are located at a reasonable height above the floor. There is plenty of legroom, but the fact that you won't get a flat floor when folded down is a shame. However, what really surprised us was the impossibility of folding the passenger seat to a horizontal position, for possible transportation of a longer box. The seat can be folded down very little and it is not better even towards the front. Here variability deserves more space…
You can conjure up to 520 liters from the basic trunk volume of 410 liters, which is an excellent number for a vehicle of this size, but only if you move the seats all the way forward. So you will have very little legroom. However, the seat adjustment is also at an additional cost and you do not get it in the basic equipment. When the rear seats are fully folded down, a cargo space of 1,255 liters is created.
As for technology – the three-cylinder supercharged engine from the PSA workshop, with a volume of 1.2 liters, is offered in a power version of 81 kW (110 hp) or 96 kW (130 hp). We tested its more powerful version, combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. The three-cylinder with 130 supercharged horses and 230 Nm gives a lively impression, and even if it is not an asphalt ripper, the Crossland will pull with crew and cargo without any problems.
At 130 km/h on the highway, the six-speed engine spins at less than three thousand revolutions and thus has enough power for safe overtaking without downshifting. It can be heard, but it is such a pleasant growl – something like half a 6-cylinder… However, at a higher speed, aerodynamic noise is already heard from the front of the vehicle, and due to its higher structure, the Crossland requires occasional steering wheel corrections in crosswinds. Consumption is quite dependent on driving style and if you want to achieve the claimed consumption of 5.7-6.0 liters (WLTP), you have to work more carefully with the gas. The real average is around 6.5-7.0 liters and in the city possibly even a liter more.
Another of the more significant changes here are new springs and shock absorbers on the front axle type and adjustments to the rear suspension with a torsion bar. The Crossland does not lean in any significant way, and the understeer comes quite predictably and smoothly. On seventeen-inch discs, with 215/50 tires, it has no problems with the pitfalls of Slovak roads and remains comfortable even on larger bumps. Occasional banging from the rear wheels is, given the design and price tag, normal.
The facelift of the Crossland clearly benefited. Functional and stylistic changes have moved it forward, leaving it logical and easy to control all important functions that will please more conservative drivers. Despite the new face and even with the French platform, the Crossland remains more Opel than some newer models. Moving and positioning the seats and backrests would be a basic feature, but otherwise we have nothing to complain about.
The tested GS LINE equipment is offered at a price starting at €15,490 and will basically provide equipment such as: 16″ alloy wheels – glossy black, DAB+ receiver, 2 connectors with USB and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, silver front and rear bumpers, two-tone roof, mood lighting, etc. For great money, you get a lot of music in a pleasantly conservative style, plus a five-year warranty included in the price.
