10/02/2021 Opel’s Mokka compact SUV takes a leap forward thanks to its new shared platform, multi-fuel option and dramatic styling. Launched in September 2020 we’ve been behind the wheel of a LHD German example in Ireland prior to its Ireland launch in April. While petrol and diesel models will sell well, we opted to test the Mokka-e electric powered version for our first drive review.
The new, lighter Opel Mokka is built on PSA’s CMP platform – so most of its bits and pieces are shared with other car brands in the now enlarged ’Stellantis’ group. The Mokka gets all the benefits of being a sister car of the impressive multi-fuel Peugeot 2008. The new Mokka follows the recent launch of the similar sized Opel Crossland. The Crossland is slightly more SUV-ish in styling and very slightly cheaper too. So why have two cars in the range so close in size? Opel Ireland’s James Brooks says the B-SUV sector is growing rapidly and both cars are quite different in many respects. The Crossland is more SUV-like whereas the Mokka offers a crossover with the addition of multi fuel options, more technology and cutting edge crossover styling designed “to turn heads”.
The Mokka’s exterior features distinctive, attractive exterior styling that really helps rejuvenate the brand’s image. The new ‘Vizor’ grille has a premium look to it. The car is an SUV crossover and is broad gaining +10mm bringing it to 1791mm and features a slightly longer wheelbase (+2mm). New Mokka is relatively low set with nicely shortened overhangs front and rear also that help deliver a solid, chunky look. The body length is shortened by 124mm over the old Mokka and is now 4151mm. A Crossland is 4212mm and a Peugeot 2008 is 4300mm. One niggle that annoys me with the CMP platform is the high sill height. You have to raise your feet quite high to get in and over the tall sill and this may be tricky for older drivers or those with restricted movement.
Inside the cabin has been drastically overhauled and is now as stylish as any in its class. Opel’s ‘Pure Panel’ cockpit is impressive and far from the conservative and sometimes dull Opel offerings. Classic Opel dna is present with a separate rotary dial for the lights and family steering wheel and other switchgear but the flush screens and dash layout is not only fresh but also interesting – yes, Opel has delivered an interesting Opel interior with the new Mokka. The split floor boot holds a useful 350 litres and rear seats down there is up to 1,200 litres of cargo space.
The petrol range features units with power outputs of 100hp/205nm and 130hp/230nm. The diesel offering is a 1.5 with 110hp/250nm. A six-speed manual is standard with an 8-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic with paddle shifters optional on the 130hp petrol. The Mokka-e is of course a single gear automatic. The front wheel drive Mokka-e EV uses a 50kWh battery to power is 136hp/260nm electric motor. The WLTP quoted maximum range is 324 kilometres. A CCS ‘Combo’ (AC/DC) charge socket sits behind a fuel flap on the nearside. A 30 minute charge at a 100kWh charger delivers an 80% charge. The driving modes of Eco and Sport do exactly what they say to the power delivery. 0-100km/h takes as little as 9 second with a 0-50km/h time of 3.7 seconds. The Mokka-e feels lively and nimble from behind the wheel. Top speed is electronically limited to 150km/h (93mph). Opel offers an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the battery. Our test car delivered a composed and assured ride despite being shod with winter tyres, and as you can see from the frosty ground we were glad to have them.
Lots of toys and gadgets are available with a few highlights being: adaptive ‘IntelliLux’ LED matrix lights, auto air conditioning, keyless open & start, Wireless charging, six-way adjustable seats (available heated leather with massage function). Other goodies include: ACC (adaptive cruise control) with stop & go function (automatic transmission), active lane keep assist, blind spot warning, ‘Flank’ guard, automatic parking assistant, 180 degree panoramic rear view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Navi Pro infotainment with Europe navigation in 3D view and additional apps for easy Mokka-e operation. On the safety side there is good amount of standard fit kit: front collision warning with automatic city emergency braking and pedestrian detection, cruise control and speed limiter, drowsiness detection and traffic sign recognition.
First launched in 2012 and revised in 2016, the Mokka has sold just shy of 6,000 units in Ireland and over 1m overall. The segment (B-SUV) is huge in Europe and still growing. This year it is expected to make up 18% of the European car market. Last year in Ireland it accounted for 17% of new car sales. Pricing is being finalised but expect the 1.2 litre SC to cost from circa €23,500 and the Mokka-e (SRi) from circa €33,000 (net of grants). Opel Ireland has no plans for a lower grade Mokka-e at the minute and is confident that its ‘SRi’ grade specification is the one buyers would truly want. Its worth noting that there is a handy feature on www.opel.ie that allows you see what amount of range you can expect to get depending on how you use the Mokka-e.
In 2022 circa 800-1,000 Mokkas should be sold in Ireland. 2021 will continue to be a remarkable year and we have already lost the big selling periods of January and February. On March 1st VAT goes up from 21 to 23% in Ireland and this will impact new car pricing. The Opel Mokka will do relatively well – despite the dreadful times we’re in. The electric version is expected to make up circa 15-20% of Mokka sales. Opel is also offering a ‘Take Charge’ buy back offer with the electric Mokka to allow buyers to swap back to an ICE if they’re not happy. Our first impression of the new Mokka is very good. The exterior styling, dash layout and cabin styling has made the car both desirable and fashionable. The new Opel Mokka is a lovely thing and the Mokka-e is an EV that is right on the pulse. Michael Sheridan
