Vauxhall Crossland X 1.2T 110 Ecotec SE first drive

Sixty-three millimetres. That’s all there is between the lengths of the new Vauxhall Crossland X and the recently updated Vauxhall Mokka X. So, what’s Vauxhall playing at, having two crossovers with barely a cigarette packet to separate them?

Well, it argues that the Mokka is more of a traditional SUV, with big wheels (up to 19in), aggressive looks and the option of four-wheel drive, whereas the Crossland comes with 16 or 17in wheels, majors on practicality and is front-wheel drive only.

It’s based on a platform that will also underpin the next Citroën C4, thanks to a deal with PSA that predates the recently agreed buyout. This original deal will also see Vauxhall launch a bigger, Grandland X model based on the current Peugeot 3008 and is the reason why the Crossland uses PSA engines: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel.

However, it’s safe to assume that there will be a lot more of this platform sharing between the brands going forward, so the Crossland X represents a taste of Vauxhall’s future.

We tried the mid-range 1.2, which produces 108bhp and 151lb ft of torque, and is both punchy and happy to rev. Unfortunately, it’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission which has a vague shift action and lets the engine rev quite noisily at motorway speeds.

The transmission isn’t the only thing about the driving experience that disappoints. The Crossland X also provides little steering feedback and suffers from a fair bit of body roll in bends, while scruffy road surfaces send thumps through the cabin.

At least the steering is light, so if you spend most of your time weaving through urban traffic, the Crossland X is an easy car to live with and park; the fact you sit quite high and all-round visibility is superb also helps.

Ultimately, though, it’s practicality that most impresses. There’s plenty of space for four adults inside, you get a 410-litre boot that puts the Nissan Juke’s (and the Mokka’s) to shame, and Vauxhall offers a £300 Versatility Pack that brings exactly that, because it includes rear seats that slide back and forth and fold 40/20/40.

The Crossland X has lots of standard equipment, too, with even the entry-level SE spec getting alloy wheels, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.