Test Opel Mokka 1.2 Turbo - Just as fast as the Mokka-e, but much cheaper

The new Mokka is an important model for Opel. It is in a segment that has been experiencing strong growth for years, and it is also the first Opel to combine the Vizor nose with the new digital dashboard. In the coming years, both will become the calling cards with which Opel wants to distinguish itself from other brands.

Equally important, the Mokka is the only Opel SUV that you can buy with both a fully electric powertrain and a traditional combustion engine. For the Dutch market, the diesel versions are hardly interesting anymore, which is why we opt for a petrol version for our second driving impression with the Opel Mokka. We immediately go for the thickest, with 130 hp and eight-speed automatic transmission in the sporty GS Line version.

Opel Mokka GS Line with red accents

The GS Line can be recognized from the outside by the roof painted in a contrasting color and the red or black accents. We think that Opel has chosen to spray the edge around the grille and the brand logo black in the GS-Line. As a result, the design statement of the car, the grille inspired by the Opel Manta A, does not stand out well. It is also not the case that the Mocha turns into a wallflower because of this; the sleek design still stands out. If you opt for the white paint, you get red roof moldings and 18-inch light metal with partly red rim edges. Give the seller an extra 199 euros and he has the hood also painted black - neat white, so VAT is paid on it.

The indoor climate is enhanced by automatic air conditioning and an infotainment system with a 7-inch screen, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the larger 10-inch screen with navigation, Opel charges 1099 euros extra. However, a reversing camera, an adaptive speed controller, an emergency braking assistant that recognizes both pedestrians and cyclists, lane assistance and traffic sign recognition are standard.

Especially with the large 10-inch screen, the interior of the Mokka looks sleek and modern, but we think it is a bit of a shame that the right part still protrudes with an edge above the dashboard; that can be even tighter. On the other hand, we are again happy with the physical buttons for controlling the temperature and volume of the audio, among other things.

A hundred sprint in 9 counts is easily enough

The 1.2-liter three-cylinder under the black bonnet is now an old acquaintance, which is also available in many Opel, Peugeot and Citroën models. It does not hide its odd number of cylinders, but we do not find the engine roll unpleasant, although the Mokka-e driver will probably turn his nose at it.

And while he is busy with his sense of smell, he can immediately stick two fingers in it during a sprint duel with the fastest petrol-Mokka. Because although the 1.2 with automatic transmission only yields 6 hp on the Mokka-e and at the same time weighs 300 kilos less, it can barely keep up with it. That is not a shame, because an EV immediately has all its power available when driving away, while a combustion engine has to get going. Moreover, we find a hundred sprint of 9.1 counts easy. If you want to, you can continue on the autobahn to double speed, while the Mokka-e shoots into the limiter at 150 km / h - and its rider in the range stress ...

Of course, the range of the petrol engine also decreases when your reptile brain controls your right foot, but if you obey the speed signs, you can reasonably get close to the stated consumption of 5.9 l / 100 km (1: 16.9). The eight-speed automatic transmission usually runs through the gears smoothly and without jerking, but if you want to hurry up, it occasionally lags a bit behind the facts.

Due to its sturdy, 'square' design with a substantial wheelbase and track width, the Mokka sets high expectations in terms of road holding and stability. They are not ashamed; the compact suv can be steered smoothly and with a reasonable amount of feeling around the corner and does not lean too far. The downside of the coin is that short bumps and holes can be felt very well. Waves in the road surface and wide thresholds, on the other hand, are taken quite smoothly.

Which is the Largest: Mocha vs. Crossland

The question remains: why would you, as an avid Opel fan, prefer a Mokka to a Crossland? They roughly fall in the same segment, but although the Mokka is the more expensive of the two, the Crossland turns out to be slightly larger and more spacious. It is 6.6 inches longer, 7.1 inches higher and the wheelbase is 4.7 inches longer. This makes especially the knee and headroom in the back better for each other. The Crossland also beats its younger brother with its luggage space: 410 against 350 liters.

Still, the Mokka is the better holiday car for people with a trailer tent or caravan. 1200 kg braked weight is allowed on the Mokka hook. With the Crossland this is only 840 (petrol versions) to 870 kg (diesel). Regardless of the practical advantages and disadvantages compared to the Crossland, we would go for the Mokka anyway. Simply because we think it looks much tougher and younger, especially as GS Line or Ultimate.

Conclusion

With the Opel Mokka, the compact SUV segment is a flashy model richer. Unlike the models of the Volkswagen group, the Mokka has its own look and it drives fine too. With the 130 hp engine and automatic transmission, it is on the expensive side. If you are satisfied with 100 hp and a manual six-speed gearbox, you keep 4000 euros in your pocket. You could use part of that to spice up the car with a navigation system (1099 euros), seat and steering wheel heating (399 euros) or smart headlights (899 euros).