Opel has recently launched the New Mokka, the first Opel SUV launched here in SA after the Opel was sold to the PSA Group.
The new Mokka and the new Peugeot 2008 basically shares the same platform and engines, but if you drive them back to back they still feel and look totally different.
For one the Mokka’s styling is in my opinion more aggressive and modern looking and follows the same family DNA as the new Opel Corsa. It is packed with tech and drivers as well as passengers will be pleased for sure.
The new Mokka is powered by the same award winning 1.2 turbo three cylinder petrol engine (96kW & 230Nm) that Peugeot has been utilizing for years. Opel claims around 6.1l/100km on a combined cycle which is great considering the hefty fuel prices we are faced with.
Two variants of the Mokka are available, the entry level Elegance and the top of the range GS Line, both mated to an 8-speed auto box.
As for safety, the Mokka has an abundance of safety features which includes: front collision warning & automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian warning detection, lane keeping assist, ABS with EBD, LED lighting, Surround lighting for when reversing just to name a few.
Opel’s Eco LED headlamps are standard on the Elegance model. The GS Line gets the Full-LED Matrix headlamps which are very bright, but does not distract oncoming traffic.
The interior is super modern and a comfortable place to be in. There are two large screens that does most of the work, giving the interior a minimalist look. However, there are still buttons for the main functions for ease of use, which prevents unnecessary distractions whilst driving. Other manufactures should learn from this as some new high-end vehicles only uses touch screens nowadays, this is very distracting if you want to, for example, set the air conditioner speed and climate controls.
To top it all, the driving dynamics are superb. It handles well, the steering feel is great and responsive. The engine delivers the power well and the gearbox shifts smoothly and precise.
Overall a nice comfortable drive.
The Mokka starts at around R470k and tops out at around R520k for the GT line. (Pricing as at June 2022)
Before I forget, it comes with a three-year/120 000km warranty and a four-year/60 000km service plan.
Overall the New Mokka is a well-rounded compact SUV, definitely one to consider.
