Car Review: Opel Mokka X
It’s been a big few years for Opel and it isn’t slowing down. Next year we will see seven new models hit the range overseas. We will have to wait and see what makes it to South Africa’s shores, but in the meantime, we attended the launch of the facelifted Opel Mokka X this past week and the first thing we want to say is, we love how it looks!
Since it was introduced in 2014, the Mokka has sold 60 000 units worldwide. This is the first of Opel’s ‘X’ vehicles. If you’re confused, don’t worry, it’s simple. This is the Mokka, but the ‘X’ is now being added to all of Opel’s crossovers and SUVs.
Speaking at the launch of the new Opel Mokka X, Ian Nicholls, President and Managing Director, GM Sub-Saharan Africa, said “Opel is on its way to achieving its vision of becoming the second largest passenger car brand in Europe by 2022. Part of this success is a renewed focus on bringing competitive new products to market – in fact, the Mokka X is the 13th new or refreshed Opel to be launched in South Africa since 2012.”
Changes are slight, the biggest being the new headlight clusters that combine daytime running lamps and LED technology. The mechanicals remain unchanged along with the four model lineup of Enjoy and Cosmo trim levels. You can still opt for manual or automatic transmissions and all four derivatives are powered by a 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It produces 103 kW of power and 200 N.m of torque. Fuel consumption is claimed between 5,9l/100 km and 6,6l/100km.
This engine is impressive. It is certainly powerful enough and I found the automatic transmission to be particularly impressive. It’s a comfortable drive and we did a fair amount of driving at the launch and not once did I feel like my back would break or my backside would fall asleep. The ride is smooth enough. If you aren’t keen on the automatic transmission, the manual is equally impressive, but I think I would still opt for the auto…if just for convenience sake.
Opel says this vehicle is aimed at people who are looking for a safe, family orientated and powerful vehicle. It has a luggage capacity of 356-litres which isn’t massive by any means, so pack lightly! But if you fold the rear seats down you will get a huge 1 372-litres, this would mean the kids are staying home of course!
The Cosmo now boasts a high-end infotainment system with R4.0 IntelliLink and a driver display – this connectivity package is compatible with a wide range of media platforms via a USB input and is offered as an option on the Enjoy. Optional on the Cosmo is Navi 900 IntelliLink, which includes a full colour display.
Although only a slight upgrade, I believe the Mokka will remain popular, if just of its looks. It’s an unassuming product. I am not sure people consider it enough and I believe that if they did they would be very pleasantly surprised.
PRICING OF THE OPEL MOKKA X
Enjoy 6MT: R317 500
Enjoy 6AT: R328 400
Cosmo 6MT: R357 400
Cosmo 6AT: R368 100