Opel Mokka 1.2T GS Line AT

striking exterior design; punchy turbo-triple engine

we would like exterior and interior customisation options

The new-generation Mokka is a significant departure from its forebear in all aspects. It’s arguably the Opel product that has piqued the most interest in the brand in recent years.

Words: Marius Boonzaier mariusboonzaier

The box-fresh Mokka signifies a significant departure from the previous generation and an exciting new design direction for the German automaker. In an everexpanding segment, the latest version is perhaps what the company needed to stay up to date with its already established compact-crossover competitors. Has Opel managed to pique new interest in its brand with the new Mokka? Let’s find out… The Mokka’s exterior styling is remarkable, especially when dressed in the vibrant Matcha green body hue with a (standard-fitment) black contrast roof. Chrome detailing adds sophistication. The all-new iteration is one of the first Opels sporting the firm’s new Vizor design. The visor incorporates slim LED matrix headlamps that house striking LED daytime-running lights. The tapered taillamps look good. It’s probably one of the best-looking small crossovers in the segment. We hope the new design language filters through to its hatchback sibling, the Corsa, and other Opel vehicles in the future.

We would have liked the option of the top-tier model tested here with a black contrast bonnet, as seen on the variants available overseas, and more personalisation preferences. The GS Line model is further equipped with black 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 60-profile tyres. The Mokka is underpinned by the same architecture as the commendable Peugeot 2008, 2021’s South African Car of the Year, although it is more compact and lower than its French crossover cousin in the Stellantis stable. For comparison, the all-new Mokka’s bodywork measures 149 mm shorter from nose to tail. However, lending it a purposeful stance, it measures an extra 20 mm in width. The Peugeot rides 50 mm higher and is 15 mm taller. The Mokka’s attractive bodywork dimensions have translated to a compact cabin. Despite this and thanks to the Mokka’s heightadjustable front pews, my 1.7-metre frame comfortably

fitted behind the rake and reach-adjustable tiller. The rear legroom was not so accommodating for taller passengers. The luggage capacity is 310 litres and extends to 1 105 litres once the 60:40-split rear pews are folded down. The cabin feels typically German. The soft-touch and hard plastic materials used for the interior are finished in dark hues and gloss black trim. We reckon the Mokka could do with more vibrant touches.

DEEP DATA

OPEL MOKKA 1.2T GS LINE AT

Price: R519 900 Engine: 1.2 L, 3-cyl, turbopetrol Transmission: 8-spd AT Driven wheels: F

Power: 96 kW @ 5 500 r/min Torque: 230 Nm @ 1 750 r/min 0-100 km/h: 9.2 seconds Top speed: 200 km/h Fuel consumption: 6.1 L/100 km CO2: 139 g/km

Length: 4 151 mm Height: 1 535 mm Width: 1 790 mm Wheelbase: 2 557 mm Weight: 1 295 kg Luggage capacity: 310 L Fuel tank: 44 L Warranty: 3 years/120 000 km Service plan: 4 years/60 000 km

Top: Infotainment display tilted towards the driver for ease of use. Bottom: Boot space is modest at 310 litres, though 1 105 litres are available for utility purposes.

Those seated in the rangetopping Mokka are treated to various standard features. Opel’s Pure Panel cockpit arrangement incorporates a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. Yet, accessing some of the features on the former item’s software wasn’t as userfriendly as we’d hoped. It’s not a significant setback for those preferring to use the standard Apple CarPlay or Android Auto screen mirroring. Wireless smartphone charging is included. The range-topping Mokka gains automatic climate control, heating functionality for the front pews, and a 180-degree camera set-up supplemented by parking sensors. Safety items include six airbags, Isofix child-seat anchorages, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. This feature is a welcome addition as the seemingly sloping roofline restricts visibility. However, visibility from the driver’s seat is spot-on and there’s a clear view of the road ahead. The sculpted vertical line spanning the otherwise flat bonnet is also within sight. It looks excellent and is a design cue that adds to the Mokka’s bold looks. Like its architecture, the Mokka is equipped with the same 96 kW/230 Nm 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder

engine powering the 2008. It’s an engine we’ve come to love. It did hesitate on start up when pressing the engine start/stop button but once running, with its endearing three-cylinder drone ever so slightly permeating the cabin, it’s spirited. Whereas the Peugeot’s automatic transmission features six cogs, the Mokka gains an additional two. The eight-speed self-shifter was slick in tra c and out on the open road. It’s arguably the better transmission of the two. Coupled with the eightspeeder, the petrol motor also sips 0.4 L/100 km less at 6.1 L/100 km. It’s worth noting this is achieved despite the Opel weighing 70 kg more than the 2008. Matching its claimed figure provides an average fuel range of 721 km from the 44-litre fuel tank. The Mokka returned an average figure of around 8.0 L/100 km during the test period. That said, we were making liberal use of the throttle on the long road. Peak torque is available from 1 750 r/min, so, overtaking was a cinch thanks to this and the gearbox’s smooth workings. The Mokka’s low ground clearance (160 mm) and taut chassis set-up meant body roll was minimal around bends. Consumers may want a crossover that sits higher o the tarmac but the low centre of gravity lent the Mokka a car-like driving feel. However, more feedback from the front axle to the steering wheel would have been appreciated. The independent MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension arrangement was on the firmer side.

Coupled with an eight-speed automatic, the turbo-triple engine felt su ciently spirited on the long road.

THE VERDICT

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The Rüsselheim-based brand’s boutique crossover has set new standards for the manufacturer. It has raised the bar for other Opel cars and, hopefully, the firm can maintain it with future models. The new-generation Mokka is arguably the bestlooking Opel we’ve seen in recent years, outside and in. The dynamics, too, have been significantly enhanced. In addition, the top-spec model ships with a generous amount of convenience and safety features.

With the new Mokka, the Opel has piqued the most interest in its brand in recent years. The latest iteration of the firm’s small crossover is worth looking at and, considering its bold styling, taking a second glance, and another.