The headlines are perhaps the worst headline of the decade so far, but for the Vauxhall these are truly exciting times. Vauxhall is modernising the Grandland X, no not with a more expressive and exciting name, but with hybrid technology. Thanks to its relationship with Peugeot the Grandland X is benefiting from shared technologies. The new Grandland X Hybrid4 all-wheel-drive is Vauxhall’s first-ever plug-in hybrid and features state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology. The car’s powertrain comprises a 200hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric drive system with two electric motors (combined output 109hp), all-wheel drive and a 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery.
The Grandland X Hybrid4 produces up to 300hp, and offers combined fuel consumption of 51.2 mpg (WLTP), emitting just 34g/km CO2. The Grandland X Hybrid4 achieves 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The front electric motor is coupled to an electrified eight-speed automatic transmission, while the second motor and differential are integrated into the electrically-powered rear axle, providing all-wheel traction on demand.
The Grandland X Hybrid4 offers four driving modes – electric, hybrid, AWD and Sport. In pure electric mode, the car has a claimed range of 35 miles. In hybrid mode, the car automatically selects the most efficient method of propulsion. When traveling at low speeds, for example, the system switches to electric mode for zero-emission driving.
Vauxhall will also offer devices for fast charging at public stations, as well as wallboxes at home. With a 7.0kW wallbox, customers can fully charge the battery in less than two hours. The Grandland X Hybrid4 allows the driver to save six or 12 miles of range, or reserve all of the battery energy.
In addition, regenerative braking captures kinetic energy during deceleration that would otherwise be dissipated as heat. The customer can choose from two recuperation modes that turn the electric motors into generators, allowing electrical energy to be returned to the battery and stored.
The Grandland x Hybrid4 will be offered with the latest driver assist systems and technology packs. Pricing is yet to be revealed but it is sure to be another convenient press release away. Which means we don’t know just yet.
