The new Vauxhall Grandland will get three powertrains and Experimental Concept-inspired looks

Hurrah! Vauxhall has unveiled its all-new Grandland, which carries over many of the design cues from the Experimental Concept - barring the sporty physique - and will sit at the helm of the marque’s lineup as its flagship SUV. Please avoid the temptation to call it ‘Greenland’ too, as we definitely don't do.

Three powertrains are offered from launch, including the range-topping all-electric version with a claimed WLTP range of 435 miles courtesy of a 98kWh battery. Vauxhall says 80 per cent of this can be reclaimed in a 26-minute pit stop for tea and crumpets.

Alternatively you can have the mild hybrid, which combines a 28bhp electric motor with a 136bhp three-cylinder engine, or opt for the mid-level PHEV which offers 53 miles of zero emission driving. 

All three will sit atop STLA’s medium-size platform, with three levels of regenerative braking and a heat pump for more, er, heat. You’ll also get frequency selective damping technology to help adapt the car to various terrains, be it the M25 in rush hour or the Brecon Beacons in the height of winter.

Let’s go back to the Experimental Vehicle for a minute to discuss the exterior, which benefits from a flat battery pack philosophy, so the designers were allowed to have some fun with it.

Upfront you’ll spot Vauxhall’s new three-dimensional ‘visor’, which is a two-stage illuminated headlight bar that’s separated by the griffin logo. These headlights also have something called an 'Intelli-Lux' pixel HD lighting system with over 25,000 elements per corner, so it should be good at… illuminating the road ahead.

There’s plenty of lower body cladding right across the car, with a blistered panel on either flank adopting a similar slit design to the 20in alloys.

It’s much the same story at the rear, where the griffin-wing-like taillight cluster is parted by Vauxhall lettering and a sharp rear wing above. It actually looks a bit Range Rover, no? The model name has also been repositioned in big bold font to the lower tip of the boot lid.

Finally, the roof will take a two-tone approach, which on most models should contrast with the lower body cladding to create a smooth look across. It’s generally quite fuss-free, with fissures and indentations used sparingly throughout and straighter lines preferred.

This horizontal approach continues inside, with several clean strokes along the cabin’s main sections, including the front seats. Those seats come equipped with powered bolsters, ventilation and massage functions. Nice.

The new Grandland is also 17cm longer than the outgoing model, which opens up more passenger legroom and 36 extra litres of storage capacity over its predecessor (new total of 550). This increases to 1,641 litres with the rear seats folded down, which should be plentiful for a weekend enjoying the highs of the M25 at standstill.

In terms of tech, you get a digitalised driver display and a 16in infotainment unit, beneath which you’ll find the various switchgears. Complementing these are trickles of ambient lighting across the instrument panel and door inserts to add a bit more life to the cockpit.

Final bits worth mentioning here include a funky translucent storage box along the centre console and a wireless smartphone charger just behind.

Last but not least is the safety technology; the new Grandland has a respectable suite consisting of extended traffic sign recognition, lane change assist and emergency braking among others. And yes, you do get parking assist for those evenings with you just can’t seem to squeeze into a three-metre spot.

Managing director of Vauxhall, James Taylor, said: “The all-new Grandland is a milestone for Vauxhall. With it, every Vauxhall model will be available with the choice of a fully electric powertrain – a decade ahead of UK Government requirements. This is a big step in our electric offensive.”

You’ll be able to order the new Vauxhall Grandland from July, with deliveries expected to commence in the Autumn months. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but we’d put the mild hybrid version around the £30,000 ballpark and £40,000 for the… Greenland?