Opel Crossland X - the wind has changed

Opel has been undergoing major product changes in recent months. The second generation of the flagship Insignia will be launched in Geneva, and the Ampera-e electric vehicle will make its European debut here. And other products are already ready, such as the Opel Crossland X, which follows in the footsteps of the Meriva compact van and - contrary to earlier statements - will be on display in Geneva after all.

While the Meriva was born in the era of booming minivans, its successor is an SUV child. This change of direction is not only manifested in the model name, but also technically: The door concept (portal doors like in the Rolls-Royce Phantom) has given way to conventional doors. In addition, the Opel Crossland X offers the more robust look expected from an SUV, more ground clearance, and an interior that is variable by today's standards.

The 4.21-meter-long car is based on a new platform developed jointly with PSA four years ago, which is used for the first time in the Crossland X. The interior and body shape are not obvious. The cooperation with PSA is not evident in the interior or the body shape. The floating roof with the bold curve in the rear pillar is familiar from the Opel Adam. The rear seat back can also optionally be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio and the seats can then be moved individually longitudinally by up to 150 mm. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine from PSA is available as a naturally aspirated unit with 81 hp and as a turbo with 110 and 130 hp, while the 1.6-liter PSA diesel is available with 99 and 120 hp. Despite its SUV look, the new model comes without all-wheel drive.

The Crossland X rolls off the production line at the Spanish Opel plant in Zaragoza and will be available at dealerships from June.

www.opel.ch