• The Grandland X is ready to roll. All photos courtesy Opel
    The Grandland X is ready to roll. All photos courtesy Opel
  • Inside the cabin.
    Inside the cabin.
  • The terrain adjustment control.
    The terrain adjustment control.
  • There's that panoramic sunroof.
    There's that panoramic sunroof.
  • Reverse parking camera on the Grandland X dashboard.
    Reverse parking camera on the Grandland X dashboard.
  • Opel's new showroom in Dubai.
    Opel's new showroom in Dubai.
  • The Grandland X's gearstick arrangement.
    The Grandland X's gearstick arrangement.
  • Getting some speed up on city streets.
    Getting some speed up on city streets.

Road test: Why the Opel Grandland X Innovation delivers plenty of bang for your buck


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • English
  • Arabic

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.6-litre turbo

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Power: 165hp

Torque: 240Nm

Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)

On sale: Now

When it comes to cars, cheap and cheerful aren’t always two things that go together. In the main, you tend to get what you pay for in matters of motoring (unless, of course, we’re talking high-end brands that know they can charge a premium for their offerings – and happily do so).

Bargains on new cars are still be had, though, particularly when a manufacturer is a newbie in the market.

So it is with German manufacturer Opel, which, despite being a long-established brand, has just nudged the bumpers of a trio of its latest vehicles into the UAE. The carmaker opened its first showroom in the Emirates just a couple of months ago, so it really is a fresh face here.

There is also some much-trumpeted ergonomic seating, which should save your back a little when you're off on a proper trip

Of the three new arrivals, the Grandland X Innovation, a compact SUV, is the model we’re putting under the spotlight. There are two versions available, the other of which is called the Enjoy, and they’re being marketed as “ready for any adventure”. It certainly wasn’t a rush job, either, as the car has apparently been in development since 2013.

Looks-wise, the design on this new offering is not revolutionary, but it’s a smart-looking little ride that’s not as small within its five doors as you might think. There are some nice aesthetic tweaks on the outside, too, not least the black diamond roof option on the top-of-the-range Innovation+ model.

You get a lot of kit inside the soft-contoured cabin, much of it standard. There is a wireless charging dock, a decent satnav, parking sensors, with driver aides including emergency braking and a lane-departure warning system. There is also some much-trumpeted ergonomic seating, which should save your back a little when you’re off on a proper trip, as opposed to popping to the supermarket (though it’ll probably benefit you there, too).

When it comes to power, both the Enjoy and Innovation are fitted with 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, delivering 165 horsepower, which is sufficient to make both urban jaunts and motorway cruising comfortable.

So, the price, then. The Grandland X Enjoy starts at Dh89,000, which is very respectable for a car of this kind, while the more upmarket Innovation is priced from Dh99,900. You do get a few tidy add-ons on the more expensive vehicle, not least an improved sound system and a panoramic sunroof.

It should be noted that, despite the grip settings, the Grandland X won't be suitable for the kind of off-roading that the world's most hardcore 4x4s are capable of. However, it should also be noted that it is still more competent in this arena than many of its pricier competitors. In short, as long as you're not tackling overly extreme terrain, you should be fine.

Driving the Grandland X is a happy experience, as well. Other cars may offer more, but Opel’s SUV is a solid performer in all areas. As we said, you get a lot for your money. And, let’s face it, that’s not something anyone should be turning their noses up at in this current climate.

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Tips for taking the metro

- set out well ahead of time

- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines

- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on

- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers

SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
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How to become a Boglehead

Bogleheads follow simple investing philosophies to build their wealth and live better lives. Just follow these steps.

•   Spend less than you earn and save the rest. You can do this by earning more, or being frugal. Better still, do both.

•   Invest early, invest often. It takes time to grow your wealth on the stock market. The sooner you begin, the better.

•   Choose the right level of risk. Don't gamble by investing in get-rich-quick schemes or high-risk plays. Don't play it too safe, either, by leaving long-term savings in cash.

•   Diversify. Do not keep all your eggs in one basket. Spread your money between different companies, sectors, markets and asset classes such as bonds and property.

•   Keep charges low. The biggest drag on investment performance is all the charges you pay to advisers and active fund managers.

•   Keep it simple. Complexity is your enemy. You can build a balanced, diversified portfolio with just a handful of ETFs.

•   Forget timing the market. Nobody knows where share prices will go next, so don't try to second-guess them.

•   Stick with it. Do not sell up in a market crash. Use the opportunity to invest more at the lower price.

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How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.6-litre turbo

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Power: 165hp

Torque: 240Nm

Price: From Dh89,000 (Enjoy), Dh99,900 (Innovation)

On sale: Now