Opel takes a lot of effort to present us their X-line, the X-models.
Earlier this month, the Grandland X was presented.
That'll get on the roads near the autumn, because it's the turn of the Crossland X.
This one. It has just arrived at the dealers.
Just like the Grandland X, it's a car which has been developed together with PSA.
A joint-venture of which we now know is going to be definitive.
That means this car has been developed together with the Peugeot 2008.
But still Opel managed to give the car a whole new Opel-face.
That own face doesn't mean it doesn't go with the flow of compact SUV's. On the contrary!
It's high on its wheels, it's got black wheel arches,
to increase tough appearance. It's nice and curvy,
and they've been creative with the C-style.
At Opel, that means exactly the same we've already seen on the Astra Wagon...
I think it looks like a hearse ornament. I wouldn't buy this car in black,
but then again; There's no accounting for taste.
But with what car do you compare a Crossland X then?
There's lots of choice in the segment, but I think I'm not the only one if I say the Renault Captur is still the benchmark.
It's also just been facelifted, so that's another reason to put this car opposite the Crossland X.
Well, the facelift isn't too radical. You can choose some new colors and equipment levels,
but the biggest change is in the nose. The grille has become wider at the bottom,
and it's got a new motive. The headlights are new as well,
and to keep in touch with the design language; daytime LED-lighting in a C-shape.
In here, Opel keeps it incredibly down-to-business,
it's almost boring. That does mean it's all very accessible.
You can read every dial, and everything is where you expect it to be.
You really feel welcome aboard.
And, I have to say; the way it's been put together is very good.
When it comes to multimedia, it's all done properly.
You just plug your smartphone to this system here, and that's it.
There's one downside though, Opel has cut the AUX-cord.
That means when the system fails, which it did this morning,
you'll have to whistle yourself.
The seats are neat. They offer a lot of support.
This more expensive version has got electrically adjustable seats as well, if you want that.
You're nice and high up, just like you expect from a car like this.
It's very nice.
It's very spacious in the back, and I think you can see that.
It's one of the better cars in its class.
Just like with the Grandland X. This is the same story.
It's very spacious in the back, it's got lots of legroom as well.
The headroom isn't too wonderful, but that's because of the optional panoramic roof.
Then, the engine. It's a 3-cylinder producing 130 horsepower.
I have to say, it's a nice, smooth engine.
The power kicks in low and it keeps on going.
It's one of the better 3-cylinders at this time.
When you drive it though, you can feel it's been developed together with the 2008.
It's neat and tight, just the right amount of comfort.
There isn't a lot of sportivity in here, but who needs sportivity in cars like this.
When it comes to the total package; the comfort is all alright in here.
Usually, if it's spacious in the back,
it's spacious in the boot. And this is not an exception;
410 litres. In this version, you can move the seats as well,
which means you can create even more luggage space. If you need it, that is.
When you get in the Renault right after you get out of the Opel, you immediately notice it's a lot more flamboyant.
That's partly because of the optional two-tone colorization.
Nevertheless, it's a tad unusual,
but fun in a same way. You love it or you hate it,
but it's part of the segment.
It isn't too ergonomical unfortunately.
Take the dashboard for example, it's much clearer in the Opel.
In here, you've got a digital speedometer.
Something you like or hate as well.
Or these vents. They look very nice,
but if I want to adjust them by hand, I can't because I have to use the small wheel.
It's all nice and fun, but it isn't really logical.
What they did think through properly, is the storage in the car.
The glove box isn't behind a hatch anymore, instead you have a sort of drawer.
That means it can be bigger.
There's a downside to it though; if there's someone next to you,
you're bound to hit their knees. And that's not really handy.
The seating position is very good. You're quite high up.
It's a little bit SUV-/MPV-like. Crossover, as you please.
But that's why you buy a car like this of course.
In the back, it's not as spacious as the Opel,
but it's very close.
The boot is a little smaller as well; 377 litre, but you can adjust the rear seats in here as well.
The only difference however, is that you can only put all of the seats forward,
so you can't adjust them separately like in the Opel.
Another advantage: you can adjust the seats when you're at the bootlid with a separate handle.
That's something the Opel doesn't have. But then again: every car has its ups and downs.
Another advantage in this car is the engine. No matter how good the 3-cylinder in the Opel may be,
this is a 4-cylinder. That just feels a little more grown up,
it also sounds more grown up. It's a little down on power,
only 120 horsepower, but you don't really notice any lack of power.
Then, the chassis. In the base it's still a Clio,
a very nice driving car. The same goes for the Captur.
It's a tad less comfortable than the Opel, but it's more communicative.
It's sportier and sharper as well.
They're really close, these two cars.
If you ask me, the newcomer Opel Crossland X should consider that as a big compliment.
That Captur still is a very nice car.
One of them is a little bit more comfortable, whilst the other is a little bit more sporty.
The Opel is just a tad more practical, and it feels qualitatively better.
If you listen closely, you could hear some small rattles in the Renault,
and that's not supposed to happen in a new car.
I think it's completely up to your own taste, you're the one that has to make the final decision.
The full test with all the numbers will be in AutoWeek 31, and to make it extra interesting,
we've put a third car next to them. The newly facelifted Mazda CX-3.
So who knows? It may be the third that comes first.