Opel Mokka-e
Green for go for the second-generation Mokka
Opel has unveiled its all-new Mokka, giving the compact crossover a radical redesign, and a bold new look. The Mokka’s new look was actually previewed by the 2018 GT X Experimental concept car, which itself drew further inspiration from the 2016 Opel GT concept sports car.
The front of the new Mokka is one of many talking points and is reminiscent of the 70s Opel Manta. It features something called an ‘Opel Visor’ which replaces a traditional grille and shields the Opel badge, cameras, and sensors behind a tinted Plexiglas panel. The front end is further punctuated by the wing-shaped LED running lights and the optional adaptive-beam matrix IntelliLux headlights. The C-pillar however features the traditional Opel floating-roof design trait we first saw on the Adam.
The Mokka is based on PSA’s new CMP modular architecture, which also underpins the Peugeot 2008, the new Opel Corsa, and the Peugeot 208. Opel claims that shifting to the new platform, and greater use of high-strength steels, not only improves the Mokka’s body rigidity by 30% over its predecessor but also helps it shed some 120kgs, making it far more agile and light on its feet. Opel reworked the overall shape of the Mokka, reducing overhands (by 61mm at the front and 66mm at the rear), giving it a fuller look. Despite that, it is some 125mm shorter than the model it replaces, but being 10mm wider, and boasting a 2mm longer wheelbase, means that interior space is actually improved.
Like the exterior, the interior is thoroughly reworked. Mokka gets a massive Mercedes-MBUX like digital instrument display and infotainment touchscreen, which Opel dubs ‘Pure Panel’. Entry-level variants get a 7-inch touchscreen, whilst higher-specced models get a 10-inch, which further compliments the 12-inch instrument cluster display. As you would expect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice control features.
While other engine variants will be offered later, Opel has chosen to unveil the Mokka in a single variant – the Mokka-e. This electric variant produces 100kw and 260nm and features a 50kwh battery and Opel claims it has a 323km WLTP range. Opel also says that it is compatible with single-phase and three-phase charging, and can recharge up to 80% in just 30 minutes of 100kw DC rapid charging. In terms of performance, it has three driving modes offered; Eco, Normal, and Sport, and has an electronically-limited maximum speed of 150kph; whilst the battery pack comes with an 8-year warranty.
While the Mokka is said to go on sale in Europe early next year, Opel South Africa cannot confirm if and when the model will reach our shore.
