Opel/Vauxhall Grandland Mk2 v Peugeot 5008 III

The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 5008 are very different vehicles. But they both have the same electrified heart. That's something you might expect from Stellantis' mad inventions.

2025 Opel Grandland

2025 Vauxhall Grandland

2025 Peugeot 5008

First, let's get to know the prices of the twin midsize crossovers. The second-generation Grandland starts at 36,000 Euros or 34,700 Pounds while the third-generation 5008 starts at 38,200 Euros plus additional costs. On paper, they're slotted below the 40-grand mark, which is reasonably priced for these midsize crossovers from the Stellantis fleet.

2025 Opel Grandland

2025 Vauxhall Grandland

2025 Peugeot 5008

Despite their similar sizes, the Grandland and the 5008 have distinct appearances. The Grandland features the new Vizor design that first appeared on the second-generation Mokka, while the 5008 is essentially a larger version of the 3008.

2025 Opel Grandland interior

2025 Peugeot 5008 interior

The all-new Grandland features a 16-inch HD touchscreen with smartphone connectivity that controls almost the entire vehicle as well as the 10-inch driver information cluster and an optional HUD. 

The all-new 5008, meanwhile, is jammed with Peugeot's i-Cockpit setup consisting of dual 10-inch screens on the Allure or the 21-inch Panoramic i-Cockpit with i-Connect Advanced, voice recognition, ChatGPT, and others.

Space-wise, it's the 5008 that is the most spacious of the two because while the Grandland has 550 to 1645 liters of boot space, the 5008 has 758 to 1815 liters. Surprising.

As told earlier, they both have the same electrified heart. They are offered a choice of a 136PS 1.2L Hybrid mated to an e-DSC6, a 1.6L PHEV with 195PS of power while mated to an e-DSC7, and the range-topping electric with a choice of a 73kWh and 82kWh battery packs.

The Grandland Electric has up to 213PS of power with a 0-100kph time of nine seconds and a driving range of 582km while the e-5008 has up to 230PS of power with a 0-100kph of over nine-and-a-half seconds and a driving range of 664km so, on paper, it's another win for the 5008.

Both the Grandland and the 5008 are now running on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform and as a result, they're both driving better than their predecessors, although they're still front-wheel-drive only so the only paths they're good at are just roads. Not off-roads. Contrasting, isn't it?

The all-new Grandland comes standard with a variety of safety features, including automatic cruise control with stop-and-go function, advanced traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed adjustment, and post-collision braking. For an additional fee, you can add the Intelli-Drive 2.0 system. The all-new 5008 comes standard with Drive Assist Plus 2.0 and Peugeot VisioPark 360.

The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 5008 are very different vehicles. But they both have the same electrified heart. That's something you might expect but in the end, out of the two, it's the all-new 5008 that takes the share.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Peugeot

Opel/Vauxhall Grandland GSe

The first-ever Opel/Vauxhall Grandland GSe is the first crossover of the GSe electrified performance sub-brand and the first AWD vehicle in the GSe range. Curious? Let's get to know about the most powerful GSe vehicle in the range.

2023 Vauxhall Grandland GSe

2023 Opel Grandland GSe

Starting at 57,600 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Grandland GSe is the most expensive Grandland in the range, and because this is the most powerful vehicle in the GSe range, there's something upsetting about this electrified performance crossover that serves as the replacement for the standard Grandland's Hybrid4 variant.

While it was based on the recently facelifted Grandland, which was formerly known as the Grandland X when it was first launched in 2017, the GSe adds more buff to the Grandland crossover such as the specially-made rear diffusor in high-gloss black, 19-inch two-tone diamond cut alloy wheels, and on the inside, jet-black Alcantara sports seats. Along with the added GSe touches, the Grandland GSe features the same capabilities as its normal counterpart, meaning it's about as convenient and technologically advanced as the normal Grandland.

Because the Grandland GSe is the evolved form of the standard Grandland's now-defunct Hybrid4 variant, you can still expect the same 1.6L TURBO engine as the said variant and with two electric motors added, this 4WD crossover produces 300PS of power and 520Nm of torque. Mated to an electrified 8-speed AT, it has a 0-100kph time of 6.1 seconds, a top speed of 235kph, and 1.2L/100km of fuel economy. 

Running on electric power, you can hatch up to five 12km eggs in an AR game that makes you GO with such distance. As for charging times, it will take about two hours to reach 100% in a 7.4kW outlet.

Like the Astra GSe, the four-wheel-drive Grandland GSe is all about dynamics, and with that, it features a unique sport-tuned suspension setup, Koni FSD dampers, and a special ESP setting with a higher activation threshold. With such setups made exclusively for the GSe, driving one of these feels mild and tangy in every way, and with the AWD capability, it feels like it's ready to take on all comers, even while talking about the weather or anything.

It's hard to accept the Grandland GSe as the team leader of the GSe despite being the most powerful GSe vehicle in the range, but hey, with such performance and driving delight, you can't really turn down what's known to be the most enjoyable Grandland you can drive.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Opel/Vauxhall Astra L GSe

The first-ever Opel/Vauxhall Astra GSe range signals the birth of a new electrified performance sub-brand. GSe stands for Grand Sport electric and although they're not the successors to the defunct OPC/VXR hot hatches speedo boys are hoping for, the dynamics are worth unorthodox for electrified cars like these.

2023 Vauxhall Astra GSe

With prices starting at around 45,510 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Astra GSe is the first of the new GSe range of electrified vehicles that delivers sporty performance and ecology that shows you can never have too much science because if you enjoyed its electrified performance, science works.

2023 Opel Astra GSe

2023 Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe

Before talking through the science abuse stuff the GSe delivers, let's observe the difference between this and the normal Astras. To differentiate the GSe from the normal Astra, which is now based on today's Peugeot 308, the GSe range features a unique lower grille insert, lightweight 18-inch two-tone diamond cut alloy wheels, and on the inside, jet black Alcantara front seats, not to mention the GSe badge slapped on the back. Unique GSe features aside, the electrified performance variants offer the same conveniences as the normal Astra L range, in hatchback and Sports Tourer variants.

The Astra GSe range is basically a rehash of the plug-in hybrid variants of the current Peugeot 308, meaning you can expect the same turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine connected to an 81kW electric motor. It produces a system power output of 225PS of power, has a 0-100kph of 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 235kph. Mated to an electrified 8-speed AT, it has 1.1L/100km combined fuel economy based on WLTP standards.

Because dynamics are the main focus of the GSe, it features a unique sport-tuned suspension setup that drops 10mm of height, Koni FSD dampers, and a special ESP setting with a higher activation threshold. With such setups made exclusively for the GSe, driving one of these feels mild and tangy in every way. Although not as wild as a hot hatch, it feels easier to drive as such.

Although they're not the successors to the defunct OPC/VXR hot hatches speedo boys are hoping for, the dynamics are worth unorthodox for electrified cars like these. What a way to kick off the GSe brand in a big way.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Opel/Vauxhall Astra L Sports Tourer

The all-new Astra may be more of a Germanized version of the new Peugeot 308 with a squarish front face that looks abstract and pixelated but it's shaping up to be a proper European hatchback for the masses. With the arrival of the Sports Tourer variant, you can get the same treatment as expected in the hatchback equivalent but with the bigger boot for your everyday needs.

2022 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2022 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

With prices starting at 27,750 Euros or 25,515 Pounds plus additional costs, the Sports Tourer variant of the all-new Opel/Vauxhall Astra L delivers the same stuff from its hatchback equivalent but with the added boot space for your bare necessities.

Like its hatchback equivalent, the Astra L Sports Tourer dons the Vizor front face first seen in the second-generation Mokka crossover, giving the new model some cyberpunk looks, which is rather impressive but its squarish looks made the new Astra feel as abstract as a fancy abstract painting you saw in the art gallery. Inside, the all-new Astra comes with a footlong-sized monitor with two screens on it, one for the speedo and the other one for the touch-screen sat-nav with smartphone connectivity on it.

Although roomier than the previous model, the Sports Tourer has 608 liters of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1634 liters with the rear seats folded down, similar to its Peugeot 308 SW equivalent.

The Sports Tourer carries the same powertrain choices as its hatchback equivalent ranging from a 1.2L turbo petrol, 1.5 diesel, and the range-topping 1.6L turbo-hybrid powerplant similar to the one used on the new Peugeot 308 SW. The latter produces a high-performance 180PS of power output, 360Nm of torque output, and because it's mated to an 8-speed automatic, it does 0-100kph in 7.7 seconds and flat-out in 225kph.

The all-new Astra Sports Tourer is armed with numerous advanced driver assistance systems courtesy of its Intelli-Drive 2.0, adaptive cruise control, Intelli-Vision, and many others.

As expected, the all-new Astra Sports Tourer offers the same stuff as its hatchback equivalent but with the added boot space for your everyday needs.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

My FH5 Log: Getting Away With It

The final playlist of the FH5 Series 3 update features two high-performance favorites up for grabs. There's the hardcore finale of the Jaguar XK, the XKR-S GT, and the favorite car of the Russian mob from a certain action game from a long time ago, the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton. Score enough points from the last playlist of the series and you'll get away with these two, fast and clean.

Having got away from this playlist with fast cars and clean hands, it's time to come clean with the two exclusive cars I've won from this playlist before the juice is loose.

The XKR-S GT represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's ultimate grand tourer and it has become a hardcore, track-focused version of the said model. In the North American market, only 30 units are made. The GT features enhanced aerodynamic components and suspension development for better downforce and handling. It is the first Jaguar to use carbon-ceramic brakes. Like the base XKR-S, it comes with the 5.0L V8 petrol Supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R engine producing 550PS of power and 680Nm of torque. It will do 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 186mph.

The Lotus Carlton was a modified version of the Vauxhall Carlton (Great Britain equivalent of the Opel Omega) 3.0 Si 20V and since its arrival as a 1990 model, it was a huge sensation because this was the fastest super sedan ever made with the collaboration of Vauxhall and Lotus. It uses a modified 3.6L 6-cylinder C36GET engine with twin turbos and a 6-speed manual ZF transmission sourced from the old Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, capable of hitting over 280kph of top speed, causing a major scandal for health and safety as well as the German rivals limiting their vehicles to 250kph.

With their quick introduction done, it's time to give these two monsters a quick getaway they will never forget. Roll the tape.

Fast cars, clean hands. Just the way I like.

Enjoy your new rides!

Opel/Vauxhall Astra L

It's the beginning of the new era for the Opel/Vauxhall Astra as this latest generation is the first all-new Astra under the Stellantis arm and it no longer bears the bits and bobs from The General since they migrated to Peugeot. We know that moving to its French masters is a difficult thing to do for the new Astra but it's for its own good. Let's investigate.

2022 Opel Astra

2022 Vauxhall Astra

Priced at 22,456 Euros (23,805 Pounds) plus additional costs, the all-new Astra L departed itself from being a foundation for the now-defunct Chevrolet Cruze during its GM years to a German equivalent to the third-generation Peugeot 308, which is a good thing for this new model because it's now expressing the joys of being fully European inside and out, thanks to its French connection. Anyway, no time to express optimism over the new car's French connection. Let's begin with the design.

Starting with the design, the Astra L dons the Vizor front face first seen in the second-generation Mokka crossover, giving the new model some cyberpunk looks, which is rather impressive but its squarish looks made the new Astra feel as abstract as a fancy abstract painting you saw in the art gallery.

2022 Opel Astra interior

2022 Vauxhall Astra interior

While the new exterior is less stylish compared to its Peugeot 308 equivalent, the minimalist-themed interior holds a different story. Like the new Mokka, the all-new Astra comes with a footlong-sized monitor with two screens on it, one for the speedo and the other one for the touch-screen sat-nav with smartphone connectivity on it. Of course, there are buttons on it but adjusting the air-conditioning can be a real challenge for the driver. On the plus side, at least the steering wheel is positioned at the dashboard, unlike the 308 where the steering wheel is positioned below.

In terms of comfort, the new Astra is surprisingly bigger compared to its Cruze-derived predecessor. Not only that, it's slightly roomier than the new 308 it was based on, which is more of a win-win for this new model. 

2022 Opel Astra

2022 Vauxhall Astra

Because it now dons on the same platform used by the Peugeot 308, the all-new Astra almost fully behaves like a proper European car. Moderate but easy to live with. This is how this new model rolls on a typical European setting like Berlin or London. Although it's not as enjoyable as proper European hatchbacks, probably because of the rear torsion bar setting used on it rather than multilink or independent, it feels so good to drive on a daily basis. It's all about enjoying life through good driving and this new Astra appeals rather well.

Under the bonnet, the new Astra offers a choice of all-new powertrains such as the 1.2L turbo petrol, 1.5 diesel, and the range-topping 1.6L turbo-hybrid powerplant similar to the one used on the new Peugeot 308. 

The latter produces a high-performance 180PS of power output, 360Nm of torque output, and because it's mated to an 8-speed automatic, it does 0-100kph in 7.6 seconds and flat-out in 225kph. With the electric mode engaged, it's good for 73km.

With safety the new normal, the all-new Astra is armed with numerous advanced driver assistance systems courtesy of its Intelli-Drive 2.0, adaptive cruise control, Intelli-Vision, and many others.

The all-new Astra may be more of a Germanized version of the new Peugeot 308 with a squarish front face that looks abstract and pixelated but it's shaping up to be a proper European hatchback for the masses. Migrating to its French masters is a hard thing to do but as it turns out, it feels good for the new Astra and looks like it's on a roll.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Opel/Vauxhall Mokka B

The Mokka, the hit crossover from Opel/Vauxhall, has undergone a full model change and the newest generation shares nothing in common with the previous generation because everything around it is all new from scratch. It's time to take a look at this all new Mokka.

Priced at 19,990 Euros/20,735 Pounds plus additional costs, the second-generation Mokka marks the new chapter for Opel/Vauxhall ever since the Peugeot folks took control of them. Although German in spirit, the new Mokka is as French as the latest Peugeot 2008 it was based on and the design that dons it serves as the blueprint for future Opels everywhere.

They called it the Vizor and the Mokka is the first to don its new signature face that will be applied on future Opels/Vauxhalls soon. It was heavily inspired from the GT X Experimental Concept as seen on a certain motor show back in 2018 and while some are appreciated over the concept-turned-reality approach, others find it a bit more like the 80's cyberpunk stuff.

Cyberpunk aside, have you guys checked out the interior? On the driver's side, he or she will be greeted with two long screens, one for the speedos and other for touch screen nonsense. Don't worry, speedo boys, there are buttons preset. On the comfort side, the new Mokka is surprisingly more spacious and more comfortable compared to the old one and it's slightly even more spacious as well, meaning it's a do-all machine that is all work and all play, thank you very much.

Because it runs on the same underpinnings as the Peugeot 2008, the new Mokka feels more energetic and more lively to drive compared to the old one which is basically based on the Chevrolet Trax. Weirdly, you couldn't find any Grip Control magic on it, which is a bit of a shame really. Under the hood, a normal Mokka can be fitted with either a 1.2L petrol turbo that can be mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed AT and a diesel engine you must avoid. For the first-ever Mokka-e, the 100kW electric motor has a range of 322km in one full charge by WLTP standards. That's about over 13 trips from your house in Muntinlupa to a church in Pasay and back. Nice stuff.

There are numerous safety stuff in the new Mokka such as IntelliLux lights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, 180-degree Rear View Camera, Advanced Park Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Like ir or not, the new Mokka will generate strong sales for Opel/Vauxhall like most crossovers do and while it makes a new beginning for them, some people will have a lot of questions about this French-fried crossover. Thoughts? Who knows? You might just get yourself noticed by one.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Opel/Vauxhall Corsa F vs. Peugeot 208 II

The little city car from Opel/Vauxhall, the Corsa, underwent a full model change and gone are the days when every bits and bobs of the Corsa uses parts from the General Motors dustbin because with Groupe PSA now under the control of Opel/Vauxhall, the all-new Corsa is now matured with new looks, features, and performance fit for city-dwelling Europeans.

2020 Opel Corsa

2020 Vauxhall Corsa

The new Corsa, starting at 13,990 Euros (15,750 Pounds) plus on road costs, marks a bold departure from past General Motors-era generations because with the new model running on every bits and bobs from the PSA dustbin, it's now the biggest Corsa ever made and despite its enlarged size, it still delivers its city-class car charms customers enjoyed.

2020 Opel Corsa

2020 Vauxhall Corsa

Starting with the design, the new Corsa looks very matured compared to the previous model it replaces. From start to finish, top to bottom, you can really tell how much of an adult contemporary the new Corsa is and despite its serious character, there is a little spark of playfulness this little car can give but more with that later on because it's time to observe the new interior.

2020 Opel Corsa interior

2020 Vauxhall Corsa interior

Like the outside story, the interior is surprisingly matured and with all of the high-tech stuff implored in the dashboard, speedo boys will be having a hard time toying around with the irreplaceable touch screen and if by irreplaceable, it is and speedo boys are running scared right now. At the hands of a yuppie, the new interior feels like a bedroom desk on wheels and whether if its for business and for pleasure, rest assured that such size results to more room for five people as well as its decent boot space fit enough for today's thrift store trip. Give credit for the French owners as they did a good job recreated the Corsa from scratch and it's about as European as any European city class cars can get. What about the playful character underneath its skin?

2020 Opel Corsa

2020 Vauxhall Corsa

Because it now runs on every bits and bobs from the Groupe PSA storage bin instead of General Motors', the new Corsa, despite its big size, still as playful as any other city cars on the road today and it feels just right to twist and turn. You can really unwind anywhere you want when you need it most and such dynamics really made the new Corsa something to toy around but for going home after a long day at work, rest assured that the wide range of safety tech keeps the new Corsa at bay and they can be either surprising or annoying, depending on who's behind the wheel.

Powering the Corsa is a choice of a 1.2L petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine, the one to avoid for today's Europeans. The most powerful version is the one bearing 130PS of power, 230Nm of torque, and with the 8-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 208kph.

For anti-diesel and anti-petrol Europeans, there's the first-ever Corsa-e with the 100kw electric motor bolted to a Li-ion battery capable of a 0-100kph time of 8.1 seconds and a limited top speed of 150kph. Not only it's the most powerful Corsa offered, it's also the fastest accelerating Corsa and the cleanest. Only downside though that it's slower than the diesel-powered Corsa and bulky to drive but such weight didn't matter a bit for the Corsa-e because it still behaves just like city cars on the road.

The new Corsa no longer behaves like the Corsas of yesteryears because despite its matured looks, tech, and features, its city car performance shows that it has a spark of playfulness lurking beneath its skin. In fact, so playful, this new model reminds us of its blood relative...only French.

2020 Peugeot 208

2020 Peugeot 208

This is the second-generation Peugeot 208. Costing 15,500 Euros plus OTR, this new model offers the same stuff that you get from the new Corsa but with a more serious styling that is all work and all play for the drivers looking for the ideal city-class car.

2020 Peugeot 208

2020 Peugeot 208 interior

Just like the Corsa, the new 208 offers a choice of a 1.2L petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine, the one to avoid of course. There's even an e-208 with the 100kw electric motor bolted to a Li-ion battery capable of a 0-100kph time of 8.1 seconds and a limited top speed of 150kph.

In terms of dynamics, the new 208 behaves just like the new Corsa so there is a slight difference between the two, making things complicated for those looking for a city-class car that is matured but playful on the inside.

In short, these two models are nothing but a stalemate to some because although they look different, they share the same mechanical stuff and they're like the left and the right Twix all over again. So, it's your choice, really. Would you rather go German or French? The choice is yours.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Groupe PSA

Citroen Berlingo III - Peugeot Rifter - Opel (Vauxhall) Combo E

Although the world has succumbed to the crossover craze, there are some multipurpose vehicles that are defiant in today's era of motoring dominated by crossovers. While they are as practical as crossovers, these new-generation leisure activity vans from Groupe PSA are made to cater to family weekend trips with everything they have to show the crossover world that these vans still have a place in today's motoring. That is why Groupe PSA showcased these new-generation leisure activity vans. From Citroen, there's the third-generation Berlingo. From Peugeot, there's the all-new Rifter that replaces the Partner, and for the first time, from Opel and Vauxhall, there's the new Combo E Life.

2019 Citroen Berlingo

2019 Peugeot Rifter

2019 Opel Combo Life

2019 Vauxhall Combo Life

Although these new generation leisure activity vehicles look different to each other as well as the pricing that sets them apart, all of these vans are running in the same PSA EMP2 platform and a choice of two engine outputs and two transmission types. More on that later but anyway, let's start with their visual differences while these vans aren't exactly what they called a head turner, it's hard to decide which one of these vans looked good but for now, let's give credit to the Rifter.

2019 Citroen Berlingo interior

2019 Peugeot Rifter interior

2019 Opel Combo Life interior

2019 Vauxhall Combo Life interior

While these cars boast different steering wheel designs, whereas the new Berlingo has the best-looking steering wheel of the rest, the new interior blends practicality, functionality, and technology into one unique packaging. They may be as small as a Toyota Sienta but in larger variants, they seat up to seven people and have up to 850 liters of luggage volume, which is big enough for stuff to bring for life's precious moments such as your grandma's birthday, your baby's baptism, camping trips, so on, so forth, meaning that it works rather well for family use as long as those little tykes don't occupy your sweet spot. Otherwise, it's off to the third row for you, which is still unpleasant to live with despite its new form and shape.

Under the hood, these new generation vans are powered by a choice of 1.2L PureTech petrol engine and the 1.5L BlueHDi diesel engine. I was going to say that the diesel variant is mated with a choice of two manual gearboxes and an 8-speed automatic as well as the specs that have 130PS of power, 300Nm of torque, 184kph top speed, 4.3L/100km of fuel economy, and 112g/km of CO2 emissions but because Europe has a hatred affair over diesel, they should make do with the petrol one which has lesser specs compared to the diesel but it's a fair choice unless Groupe PSA is making an electrified version of those. Things can wait but if you want to get a shot on these vans, better go for the petrol one in the event that you're European and you're starting to show disdain over diesel. They may not deliver the gusto you deserve but for a family mover, it's above average and your family will certainly catch some attention to it.

Although the handling is too much to bear for these vans, they function like it means it, and when things get messy, these vans are fitted with a similar traction control system fitted to its SUV range, adapting torque distribution to the front wheels. It sure works in the rain but it can be a tad old-fashioned for a van like this. Still, it's a good match for vans like these.

Safety-wise, the vans are fitted with a wide array of safety features that will keep the kids sleeping while staying aware of the surroundings. You have forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Driver Drowsiness Alert, and many other features that will keep the journey home safe and secure.

In France, the all-new Berlingo starts at 21,850 Euros while the Rifter starts at 23,150 Euros TTC. In Germany, the Combo E Life starts at 19,995 Euros, and in Britain, that costs 19,610 Euros. It's a fair price for vans like these but the new Berlingo, the Rifter, and the new Combo vans still have businesses to do in a world infested by crossovers that don't go anywhere. These people movers may not be as fast or can go anywhere but by getting the most out of these vans in the event of family weekends, these vans are decent enough to be the newest members of the family.

Photo: Groupe PSA