Trail capable hardtail for <£1500…

Long time since I posted here, so I’ll start with hello!

Anyway, as the title suggests, I’m in the market for a new MTB. I’ve got a budget of £1500 (absolute max), and for that I’m looking for a trail capable hardtail, but that wouldn’t be completely out of place when putting the miles in on tarmac or light gravel paths.

I’ve looked around a bit, and the new Canyon Grand Canyon 8 seems to fit the bill quite well…good spec, good value, appropriate geometry (previous gens being much more XC focussed, but seems they’ve adjusted some angles on this model). Just wanted to get some feedback from the forum on this choice, or perhaps some other suggestions…Vitus Sentier 29 VR, for example.

Be grateful of some advice.

Thanks