• Twin-screen dashboard layout
• User-friendly physical controls remain
• Not the plushest or flashiest car in the class

How is the quality and layout?

You’ll find an expanse of squishy plastic on the top of the dash and doors and reasonable materials on the areas you touch regularly. However, even though there are a few trim pieces designed to lift the interior, it’s a little drab especially compared to the Peugeot 3008, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

Those cars also do a better job of disguising the inevitable harder plastics expected at this price point, although it’s hard to fault the Grandland for useability. Physical heater and stereo controls are much easier to use than fashionable touch sensitive ones, especially on the move.

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Infotainment and tech

The 12.0-inch instrument panel fitted to GS Line and up is very legible and easily configurable, while the infotainment system features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. It’s relatively simple to use once you’ve got your head around the menu structure, but not as responsive or intuitive as systems from Kia and Hyundai.

GS Line and up gets a 10.0in screen with navigation, although it’s not quite as big as it sounds in reality. Despite having physical heater controls, the screen can also be used instead and always shows the temperature it’s blowing at on either side of the screen. Design models come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and driver’s display we’re yet to sample, with Ultimate adding a wireless charging pad.

Comfort

• AGR-approved seats on GS Line and up
• Good driving position
• Heated seats and steering wheel on Ultimate only

All Grandlands get a moveable centre armrest up front for the driver and front seat passenger, with GS Line and up getting an armrest for rear seat passengers and an AGR-approved driver’s seat. This is an organisation that campaigns for healthier backs in Germany, and we can see why they approve.

There’s plenty of adjustment including for lumbar support, so a wide range of shapes and sizes will be able to get comfortable and stay that way, aided by a good driving position. Ultimate models also add an AGR seat for the front passenger and heats both front chairs along with the steering wheel.

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