New Opel’s power is thrilling but its fuel efficiency figures seem a stretch
One thing I've learned about taking a bit of exercise while cooped up in lockdown is the influence food can have on how long I take to jog-walk around the park. So I have a routine of sorts; I eat a little while in advance and usually include a banana for its slow-release of energy. Oh, all right I have a milk-choc Goldgrain or two with a nice cup of tea as well.
When I don't have one or the other, it's just not the same; I struggle to get the distance into 50 minutes even with a favourable wind.
But when I have the full energy armoury at my disposal, it's a different matter. It's not just psychological; it's physiological. I can feel the difference. Either that or I've gone lockdown loco.
Now, I never thought I'd risk public ridicule on it, but my park experience reminds me of how variable a plug-in-electric hybrid (PHEV) system can be with different inputs.
A plug-in hybrid comprises a battery pack, motor(s) and fossil-fuel engine. In addition to a conventional hybrid system, you get a larger battery pack that can also be charged independently of the engine at home or at a public point. It means the engine doesn't need to work at all for the first 50km or so (35km/40km realistically). That saves a lot in fuel consumption because getting a car moving to normal speeds uses a lot more petrol than cruising.
I love the concept and so do our political leaders, because there are still generous incentives for private purchasers.
But if you don't pre-fuel on electric power before you take to the road, you're going to have to rely on the engine working a lot harder to get you there. You will notice - I did initially with this week's test car - how much shorter a distance you'll drive on a given amount of fuel. Just like me in the park, it's all about having the energy into the system before take off.
All of this came to me as I was driving the new Opel Grandland X hybrid compact crossover.
It comes with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, a battery pack, and an electric motor driving each axle (110hp front, 113hp rear), in effect making it all-wheel-drive (AWD).
That sets it apart from many rivals because between the electric and petrol sources, the system develops a combined 300hp. We're talking 0-100kmh in about six seconds and a powerful pick-up punch in mid-range. It's mad power, brilliantly delivered, enjoyable; thrilling even.
Most of us don't need all that so there is a less powerful (still 225hp) version with front-wheel-drive, which makes more financial sense.
I enjoyed my test car. It looked good in an azure blue tone but the interior, even in Elite trim, was quite dull compared with many rivals, the Peugeot 3008 in particular. Setting aside the aesthetics, however, this PHEV pleasantly surprised me. It had a dollop of driving verve and vim lacking in some rivals and Opel stablemates. That's hardly surprising: 300bhp is a lot of power in a car of this size.
They claim it can drive up to 50km on electric power only. A standard charger will fill it in 3.5 hours. Now someone was mighty busy doing that (charging) every chance they got because Opel claim extraordinarily low consumption figures. On the basis of official data, this week's car is capable of travelling 100km on just 1.4 litres of petrol. However, I calculated about 5.7l/100km on my less-disciplined drives.
I've seen outrageous figures quoted by other marques too. I take them with a pinch of salt, of course, but they come with an official stamp so someone diligently worked on proving to the authorities that under ideal conditions such milestones can be reached.
I'm sure it meant replenishing the battery at every opportunity, driving smoothly, steadily (in a 300hp machine?), using regenerative braking and so on. It would be a bit like me doing my laps of the park and having a banana/biscuit stop every 500 metres.
I liked the driving mode options. Hybrid is the default, AWD mode gives you extra grip; Sport combines engine and motor for that kick down sensation and Electric uses battery power only (for as long as it can).
I'm glad to report the two-level boot largely escapes the ravages of underfloor battery-pack intrusion, but you have no spare wheel. A pity.
Would I buy it? Yes for the power and drive; No for the €47,000 price. Maybe for the 225hp version. Like my lark in the park, charging is everything to making the most of a plug-in.
Facts & Figures
Opel plug-in Grandland X:
300bhp 8-spd auto, 31g/km. Elite trim from €47,415 (AWD); 225hp (29g/km) front-wheel drive from €36,645; tax €170. Spec includes: Navi 5.0 IntelliLink system, 8in t/screen, voice control, iPod control, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather seat facings, cruise control, Flex Floor, 19in alloys, panoramic roof, switchable electronic stability programme.
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