Opel MOKKA X: In tune with it’s siblings.

To be honest, I was not the biggest fan of the previous Opel Mokka. There was nothing particularly wrong with the car; it just felt much older than the current offering by Opel, which is very technology driven. Opel’s recent rebranding has completely changed the face of the brand. Cars which were beginning to become irrelevant have all of a sudden become the some of the smartest and best looking in each segment they operate in. The Adam, for instance, is a car that rivals more premium products and offers even more features than its competitors. That is why when I first drove a Mokka a year ago, I felt underwhelmed because I had already sampled the new Opel’s.

Upping the standard:

The updated MOKKA X looks similar to the first model regarding body shape, but the front end has been completely redesigned. The design language used in the current Opel Astra can be clearly seen on the car. Edgy lines make the exterior modern and more in tune with its siblings. The interior has also been revamped, adding optional nifty touch screen infotainment systems that can be integrated with an Apple or Android device with ease.  The seating position in the MOKKA X is perfect for a family orientated car, which it is. It also offers plenty of space bags, groceries and of course, babies. The rear 60/40 split also make it easy to load larger objects in the car, so it makes a great deal of sense from a practicality perspective.  As much as the car looks more like an MPV, Opel claims the car to be a compact SUV. The “X” in MOKKA X will be seen more in the future in other SUV models to be launched by Opel.

Tech it out:

Opel has become famous for packing premium technology in cars aimed at the masses. Again this was seen in cars like the Opel Adam and Corsa. The MOKKA X now joins the team. Like the current Opel Astra, lighting technology is one of the most prominent changes in the car. The optional system features full LED beams that are adaptive and 30% brighter than the halogen system. The system is similar to that used in premium SUV’s, whereby it can selectively illuminate specific things. It also features eight different modes for whatever driving scenario you’re in. Features such as Tourist Mode, Country light and Town light make for a versatile system for long distance trips and city driving. When it comes to media, the top of the range IntelliLink system, available on the Cosmo derivative features navigation and Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto integration.

Same engine, different models:

Throughout the entire range, the MOKKA X features the 1.4 turbocharged engine that’s been doing the rounds in some of the newer Opel’s. It features 103kW and 200Nm which can be selected in either manual or automatic for both the Enjoy and Cosmo models. The average claimed combined fuel economy of the range sits around the 5.9l-6.5l range between the manual and automatic. The responsiveness of the engine is more than adequate for the target market of this car. I personally preferred the automatic over the manual, something I didn’t enjoy about the previous Mokka. The power delivery is smooth and gear changes are clean and quick. Comfort levels remain very similar to the lower specification Enjoy with smaller wheels, versus the higher specification Cosmo with its 19-inch wheels. The Cosmo is definitely the more visually appealing model, but the Enjoy can also hold its own.

As a whole, the refreshed Opel MOKKA X is a welcome improvement. The car is sharper concerning look and feel, and it offers great features that are functional for drivers and passengers. At a starting price of R317 500, it’s also great value for money. For that price, you get a five year 90 000km service plan as standard throughout the range. Well done Opel, your nose powdering should go a long way to impress current Opel customers, as well as attract new ones.

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