Playing it straight: the conservative half of Opel’s SUV double act

The most successful football teams have at least two players vying for the one position. It means there is always competition to keep the incumbent on his feet and the team is covered in the event of one getting injured.

Opel seem to have a similar policy when it comes to their compact SUVs, the Crossland and the Mokka. Each is of much the same size and proportions and, on the face of it, is doubling up representation in a sector of the market that has registered inexorable growth.

But there are differences and each has its share of what soccer gurus call ‘fine margins’. For starters, the Crossland, reviewed this week, has undergone heavy revision while the Mokka is mostly brand new. The Crossland is less edgy, more conservative in looks and demeanour compared with the Mokka, which is quite striking visually.

That means Opel can ‘cover’ buyers who prefer the understated and those who like a heavy accent on styling and hi-tech spec. If ever there was ‘fine margin’ distinction, this must surely be a prime example.

I was by no means a fan of the previous Crossland X (the ‘X’ has been dropped for the latest model). It was, to put it bluntly, a bit watery in itself and lacked any outstanding element.

I’m not saying the latest incarnation is a world beater, but it has a lot more going for it. Not least of which is the distinction of being the first of the new-era Opels to carry the brand’s new Vizor front face signature. That most certainly sharpens the front end and brings a badly needed freshness.

But be aware that it is not a radical departure in terms of looks and dynamics, though it is considerably better.

Restraint was exercised because of the need to appeal to the more conservative buyer. Isn’t it funny how too much flair would render it or the Mokka surplus to requirements?

There are those who would argue it is too much of a double act anyway. I might have agreed before seeing them in the flesh, outside and in, but there are striking differences and, for what it is worth, there is justification for Opel’s claim of differentiation.

I had a higher-trim version of the Crossland (SRI) and can tell you that items such as half-leather effect upholstery do elevate one’s perception of a car. I often argue about how shallow such matters can appear in an overall assessment but, time and again, I come back to the fact that people want that sort of spec.

I’d go so far as to say that you risk not getting as much of a trade-in if you are trying to sell a bog-standard model. That goes against my innate sense of meanness when it comes to decking out a car, but the reality is people are used to comfort and are prepared to pay for it. They are not prepared to pay less for less.

The Crossland had a nice driver’s seat view, which is why so many people buy cars like this. The inside has been lifted significantly; the previous was dull and predictable. I felt much more at ease. The seats are worth a mention; they were sturdy and looked durable — and they need to be with young families bounding in and out in many cases.

On the face of it, the 1.2-litre petrol, which develops 83bhp, didn’t appear to be up to much. Nor would I expect it to have been, given that its clientele are, largely, not performance-minded.

But it was pleasingly alert and quite smooth, in particular around town, where I found rear visibility to be quite good. Compact SUV design often works against a decent-size rear window, and visibility can be poor, especially if it’s raining or you traverse muddy roads.

I don’t know if you notice, but some weeks I barely mention how a car handles. There are two reasons for that: it is rare that the chassis/suspension is so good or bad that it warrants mention and secondly, most of the people who buy a middle-of-the-road car (figuratively speaking) are not really concerned about it.

The Crossland isn’t a prime example of handling and ride; it is moderately equipped to deliver you safely and comfortably, not in a cloud of smoking tyres.

So would I buy it? I’m not so sure, especially with the Mokka as a direct option. Sure, the Crossland is roomy and comfortable and a well-improved proposition. But the Mokka is a thoroughly modern motor with a lot going for it. The great thing is, I suppose, that there is a choice between the two.

My advice is to drive both, and then, like the soccer manager, take your pick.

Facts & figures

Opel Crossland compact SUV
1.2-litre petrol, 83bhp, SRI trim. From €23,895 plus delivery, tax €280. Standard spec includes 2 Isofix seat fixings, cruise control, park assist front/rear; rear view camera, driver’s ergonomic seat; air con, auto headlights/wipers, half-leather effect trim, 7in touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, two-tone roof, skid plates, 16in alloys.