As we enter 2026, Bloemfontein households are juggling budgets, goals, and New Year’s resolutions. If buying a new vehicle is part of those resolutions, then here’s one to be on the lookout for: the 2nd-generation Grandland.
The Opel Grandland GS Line hit the South African shores in July 2025, and as January commences, it brings change, new routines, school runs, and resolutions. Could the Grandland be the solution?
The Grandland definitely fits the 2026 mood. It is practical, safe, stylish, and has more than enough tech.
When you see the new Grandland for the first time, you are met with a bold and distinctive new look. The beautiful Opel Vizor grille is complemented with Matrix LED headlights, which automatically brighten or dim when needed, perfect for those night drives when Bloemfontein’s streetlights aren’t working.
The Grandland offers top-notch ride quality, delivering a smooth and comfortable drive. It handles corners with ease, making daily commutes and school runs far more enjoyable.
The new Grandland has also grown in size. It is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. Inside, there’s noticeably more space, with ample legroom in the rear. Mothers will be pleased to know the boot has expanded too. Opel claims an impressive 550 litres of luggage capacity, easily accommodating school bags, grocery trips, and even dad’s golf kit.
The Grandland also shines when it comes to technology and safety. It comes fully loaded with safety features. The ADAS (advanced driving assistance systems) package includes several advanced features, such as lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Parked in tight spot? Not to worry, the Grandland’s front and rear sensors, together with its 360-degree camera, have you covered. And speaking of cameras, it even boasts a self-cleaning rear camera. This more than enough to set your mind at ease.
On the tech side, the Grandland has a responsive infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Opel has also gone back to basics by including conventional buttons for air-conditioning control. Dual-zone climate control means fewer arguments between the “always cold” mom and the dad who is always overheating. Something else that won’t overheat is your drink. The central console is air-conditioned, keeping drinks cool like a built-in mini fridge.
The list of standard features in the GS Line is also endless. From heated and ventilated seats to wireless charging, and not to mention the panoramic sunroof. Something you also won’t see too often is the heated seats in the rear, so the parents will benefit as well as the kids. Perfect for those cold winter morning school runs.
And, now imagine this: you’ve just knocked off after a stressful day at work. You need some TLC. No need to book into your local massage parlour – the Grandland GS Line comes standard with massaging front seats. So, I don’t think anyone will mind too much being stuck in traffic.
There are also USB Type-C charging ports in the front and rear, ensuring the whole family stays fully charged. The voice-control system in the Grandland can also give Siri a run for its money.
Opel claims a combined fuel consumption of 7.0L/100 km. When hitting the open road, the figure drops to 5.3L/100 km. The fuel capacity is 55L, and Opel claims this will give you a range of 786 km.
The Grandland also comes standard with a five-year/100 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan.
As we step into a brand-new year, the Opel Grandland GS Line feels like a smart, stylish and genuinely family-friendly companion for whatever 2026 brings. It ticks all the boxes that matter to Bloem moms – safety, comfort, space, value, and just enough luxury to make the everyday feel a little more special.
If you’re looking for an SUV that can keep up with school runs, long trips, and busy routines without compromising on looks or tech, the new Grandland may very well be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
If you would like to experience the Grandland for yourself, book a test drive at Stellantis Bloemfontein, corner of Zastron Street and West Burger Street.
Pricing starts at R789 900.
Text: DALE NEETHLING
