DEEP DRIVE: Opel Mokka 1.2T GS Line AT

The new-generation Opel 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.

+ striking exterior design; punchy turbo-triple engine

– We would like exterior and interior customisation options 

The box-fresh Opel Mokka signifies a significant departure from the previous generation and an “exciting” new design direction for the German automaker. In an ever-expanding segment, the latest version is arguably 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 striking, 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 arguably 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, however, have liked the option of having the top-tier model tested here with a black contrast bonnet, as seen on the variants available overseas. More personalisation options would also have been welcomed. 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. However, it’s more compact and lower than its French crossover cousin from the Stellantis stable. For comparison, the all-new Mokka’s striking bodywork measures 149 mm shorter from nose to tail. However, lending it a more purposeful stance, it measures 20 mm more in width. The Peugeot rides 50 mm higher from the ground and is 15 mm taller.  

The Mokka’s striking bodywork dimensions have translated to a more compact cabin. However, thanks to the Mokka’s height-adjustable front pews, my 1.7-metre tall frame sat comfortably behind the rake and reach-adjustable tiller. The rear legroom was not so accommodating for those taller in stature. The luggage capacity is 310 litres and extends to 1 105 litres when folding down the 60:40-split rear pews.

The cabin feels typically German. The soft-touch and hard plastic materials used for the interior are finished in dark hues. Gloss black trim is also present. We think the Mokka could do with more vibrant touches, however.

Those seated in the range-topping 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. However, accessing some of the features on the former item’s software wasn’t as user-friendly as we would have wanted. But that’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 further 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 somewhat restricts visibility. 

However, outward visibility from the driver’s seat is spot-on. 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, however, have a hesitancy for starting 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 traffic and on the open road. It’s arguably the better transmission of the two. Coupled with the eight-speeder, the petrol motor also sips 0.4 L/100 km less at 6.1 L/100 km. It’s worth noting that this is achieved although the Opel weighs 70 kg more than the 2008. Matching Opel’s claimed figure provides an average fuel range of 721 km from the 44-litre fuel tank. However, 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. Overtaking was a cinch thanks to this and the gearbox’s smooth workings. Thanks to the Mokka’s low ground clearance (160 mm) and seemingly taut chassis set-up, body roll was all but present around bends. Although most consumers arguably want a crossover that sits higher up from the tarmac, the low centre of gravity lent the Mokka a more 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.  

The verdict

4/5

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 Opel Mokka is arguably the best-looking Opel we’ve seen in recent years, outside and in. The dynamics, too, have been significantly enhanced from its forebear. In addition, the top-spec model ships with a generous amount of convenience and safety features. 

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

Deep data

Opel Mokka 1.2T GS Line AT