The four-cylinder turbocharged unit replaces the old 1.6-litre diesel engine, and is both more powerful and more economical than it, thanks to the use of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and an innovative oxidation catalyst/NOx absorber.
Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 130hp/300Nm 1.5-litre diesel delivers up to 4.1 litres/100km (68.9mpg) fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as low as 108g/km (depending on the size of alloy wheel fitted). That compares to the old 120hp 1.6-litre's numbers of 4.3 litres/100km (65.7mpg) and 111g/km CO2, enough to allow Opel to claim the new diesel is four per cent more efficient than its predecessor.
Further fuel-saving detail changes to the 1.5 include - alongside its smaller displacement - reduced friction, an optimised combustion system with patented piston geometry and increased exhaust gas recirculation, enabled by a high-efficiency heat exchanger.
Opel is keen to stress that all the above means the 1.5-litre diesel meets strict Euro 6d-TEMP regulations for NOx emissions, so the Grandland X 1.5d should be exempt from any potential urban diesel bans.
Aside from that, the 1.5-litre can be fitted with an optional new eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 177hp 2.0-litre Grandland X continues above the newcomer in the range to cater for those who need a bit more poke. The Grandland X line-up starts at €27,995 for the petrol model or €28,995 for the base variant of the new 1.5-litre diesel.
Anything else?
Christian Müller, managing director of Engineering at Opel GmbH, said: "The high-tech design of the new 1.5-litre diesel in the Opel Grandland X enables customers to combine the fun of a compact sports utility vehicle with the powerful performance, strong climate friendliness and high environmental compatibility of an advanced diesel engine."
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