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By Jonathan Crouch

Vauxhall includes self-charging Hybrid power in its Grandland compact family SUV to make certain it stays relevant to buyers in this crowded market. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 46

Vauxhall's Grandland is at its most affordable with non-plug-in 48V full-Hybrid tech - an engine that arguably hits the sweet spot in the range. Here's an ideal interim step for a customer in search of compact C-segment family crossover who isn't quite ready for a full-EV.

Backgroundword count: 135

If you're looking for a new electrified mid-sized family SUV from Vauxhall, the brand wants you to consider its Grandland Electric. Before you sign for one of those though, we'd also counsel you to consider the car we're going to look at here, the company's entry-level Grandland 1.2 Hybrid e-DCT6. No, it's not a full-EV, but it can function much like that for a lot of the time in urban traffic. And it's much more affordable than a full-EV Grandland would be; and has none of the reliance the bigger-battery model would have on an under-funded public charging network. There's scope for confusion here because the Grandland is also available as a Plug-in Hybrid. This more affordable 48V Grandland Turbo Hybrid e-DCT6 model can't be plugged in, but it could be all you really need.

Driving Experienceword count: 226

Like the Astra, this Grandland gets the 136hp version of this Hybrid powertrain; a de-tuned 100hp variant of this unit can powers the smaller Frontera Hybrid SUV. Either way this is a 48V mild hybrid set-up based around the familiar 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine that sustained sales of the previous generation Grandland model. With the e-DCT6 package, it's mated to a bespoke 6-speed dual clutch auto transmission. Bespoke because that gearbox's casing houses the DC inverter, the Engine Control Unit and a little 28hp electric motor powered by a tiny battery secreted beneath the front passenger seat. On the move, the petrol engine and the electric motor can operate together - or separately. And, unlike with a mild hybrid system like that fitted to say, a Volkswagen Tiguan eTSI, here the car can be driven for short urban distances (under 18mph) on electric power alone. The motor also assists the engine under acceleration - such as from standstill to 62mph, which (helped by 230Nm of torque) takes 10.2s en route to 126mph. In day-to-day use, this engine struggles a bit to propel 1,600kg of mid-sized SUV, but it'd be fine for commuting duties. During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the Hybrid system's 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recuperated by the regenerative braking system.

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