One of the newest members to the Opel range is an SUV called Mokka. This is brand new to Ireland and is proving to be a bit of a hit in Europe. It is among the 3 biggest selling SUV’s in several European markets. This SUV is a big deal for Opel and they really are putting their money where their mouth is by preparing to spend $80 million (USD) on their plant in Spain, securing 5,800 jobs to produce the Mokka where it sells, in Europe.
This month I drove the Mokka and immediately I was impressed yet again by Opel’s styling. The question now is if it’s all about style and lacking in substance? Well, I’m glad to report that to drive this Opel is good. I like it for the most part, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its problems.
Traditionally when motor journalists get to test drive they get a car from a manufacturer for a week. This time around however I really got to know the Mokka. I had it for ten days, and I really put it through its paces. I brought the Mokka on a holiday in Ireland. I packed the boot, put the two kids in the back, my wife set up camp in the passenger seat and we brought it on the road.
Inside the Mokka
What I like most about the Mokka is its drive position, which in fairness is something that I like about most SUVs. I like driving in a raised position, it’s good for seeing what’s in front of you, but it also gives you a feeling of distinction from the rest. What helps the drive position is the fact that the Mokka has an incredibly comfortable and spacious cabin with everything controllable with the push of a button. One thing Opel does well is their infotainment system, and like the Insignia, Astra, etc; this is no exception.
A host of features come as standard with the Mokka including; air conditioning, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, daytime running lights, descent control system and multi-function trip computer.
With regard to space this is certainly not the most ideal family SUV, especially not for those of you with buggies and long journeys. The Mokka should offer more in terms of boot space. I had difficulty getting 2 suitcases and a buggy into this Opel, and sadly I still didn’t have enough room for other items necessary for a young family on a road trip. This however is a mini-SUV, it’s quiet narrow, it doesn’t have sliding rear seats and perhaps young families are not the audience for this car.
To drive
I was driving the SE 1.7CDTi (130PS) FWD S/S and to be honest at first I thought it sounded and drove much like a van. The diesel engine is a bit noisy. It could be the way I drive but I found myself initially cutting out and I occassionally felt an urge to ride the clutch in slow moving traffic. I got used to this however and it wasn’t an issue after the first couple of days. The steering of the Mokka is very responsive. It moves through roundabouts with a slightly unexpected agility. It has good control and feels safe on the road. In terms of power there is nothing too special about this car. Don’t get me wrong, it is adequate, but it’s not going to stun or shock potential buyers. The maximum power of the Opel Mokka is PS130. According to Opel the maximum speed of the vehicle I was driving is 184 kph and if tested it should bring you from 0-100kph in 10.5 seconds.
Fuel economy, road tax and price
There is a range of Opel Mokka available with a choice of 4x4 and front wheel drives with engines ranging between 1.4i and 1.7CDTi. Tax bands for these models are from A4 to C. The model I was driving is in tax band B1 which means at today’s tax rates you will be paying €270, which in fairness is not too bad. If you are considering the Opel Mokka you should expect to pay between an attractive €19,995 and €28,495.
The CBG.ie verdict
The Opel Mokka is a nice, small, SUV. To be fair it probably didn’t have a young family in mind when it was being designed. I can say that when it was driven without an abundance of luggage the Mokka was a very nice experience. It’s a comfortable SUV that drives well and offers superb comfort.
0 comments