RARE FOR THE WRONG REASONS (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_vauxhallgrandlandgse_2024

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 39

An AWD Plug-in Hybrid powertrain returned in Vauxhall's Grandland in 2023 in this supposedly sporty GSe model. There's no shortage of technology or ambition here, but you'll need an eye-catching value proposition to make the acquisition sums add up.

Modelsword count: 5

5dr SUV (1.6 petrol Hybrid)

Historyword count: 169

If you're old enough to remember when Vauxhall cars were very much about bread-and-butter basics, then the specs of this one, the Grandland GSe, might rather stop you in your tracks: AWD, 300PS and a 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine paired with two electric motors that are energised by a 14.2kWh battery with an EV range of up to 35 miles. Someone more familiar with modern Vauxhalls though, might dismiss this recipe as yesterday's news. It's the same powertrain that was fitted to the top version of the old pre-facelift Grandland X, a flagship variant that didn't sell and was quietly dropped when the Grandland model got its 2021 model year update and lost its 'X' designation. With the 2023 introduction of this Grandland GSe though, that AWD PHEV powertrain (shared with Stellantis Group cousin the DS 7 E-TENSE) made a return, but this time with a package of sporty GSe handling tweaks. It didn't sell and was quietly dropped when the MK2 Grandland model was launched in late 2024.

What You Getword count: 219

As you'd expect, the Grandland GSe gets sportier styling to differentiate it from lesser models. There's a GSe-specific front bumper with a gloss black protective front skid plate. And at the rear, there's a gloss black rear protective skid plate with a 3-fin diffuser. Plus you get some big, eye-catching 19-inch wheels that presumably don't do much for the EV driving range. Otherwise, apart from the yellow GSe badging, it's much like any other Grandland Plug-in Hybrid. Inside, similar token efforts at sporty differentiation feature: GSe-branded alcantara-upholstered sports seats, metal-look trimming, alloy-effect sports pedals and a bespoke perforated leather steering wheel are the highlights. As usual with a Grandland, you get two big digital displays for instruments and infotainment. Ahead of the driver is a display up to 12-inches in size, offering up essential information, while the central 10-inch display controls all infotainment via a touchscreen. You survey all of this from a seating position that isn't especially commanding, though that suits this sporty model quite well. Two adults will fit quite comfortably in the back; three would be a squash. Boot space is compromised by the PHEV drivetrain, restricted to a hatchback-like 390-litres. If that's priority for you in a sporty Vauxhall of this size, you'd be better off with an Astra Sports Tourer GSe, which offers 516-litres.

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