Opel is getting ready to roll out an all-new second-generation Crossland SUV for 2024, and it’ll be the first one to be offered with EV and hybrid powertrains, something the automaker is happy to publicize via prominent ‘energy’ graphics on the prototype our spy photographers spotted in Germany.
It’s less keen on letting us see how the small SUV will look underneath all that camouflage, but that’s fine because we’ve already got a pretty good idea. Imagine Citroen’s new C3 Aircross with Opel’s trademark Vizor front end and you’ll be on the right lines.
So far Citroen has only shown the emerging-markets version of the second-gen Aircross, but we’re expecting the European model to be very similar. The original C3 Aircross and Mk1 Crossland shared the same PSA PF1 platform, but both will switch to the newer Stellantis CMP architecture.
Related: 2024 Opel Crossland EV Spied Sending Strong Citroen Vibes
They’ll grow in size in the process. We’re expecting the new Crossland to measure around 4.32 m (170.1 inches) from bumper to bumper, compared with 4.21 m (165.8 inches) for the current car. And if the wheelbase matches the 2,67 m (105.2 in) of the new C3 Aircross, the updated Crossland will have an additional 66 mm (2.7 inches) of metal separating its two axles, which would give it a massive legroom boost for rear passengers. But that much extra room for toes would mean treading on the toes of the more expensive Grandland, so our gut says the Euro Crossland might not grow quite that big.
What will grow is its powertrain lineup. Opel has already confirmed that the new Crossland will be available as an EV, and the hardware most likely to be deployed to make that happen is the single-motor electric powertrain already used in countless Stellantis products, including Opel’s own Corsa. That would give the Crossland up to 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) when equipped with a 54 kWh battery, though mild-hybrid powertrains will also be on the menu, despite Opel promising to go EV-only in 2028. Those ICE variants will be the 1.2-liter Stellantis engines that generate 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) or 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) depending on tune.
