Test: The new Opel Mokka is fun! But what if you look more critically?

The first Opel Mokka appeared in 2012. It was not a great success, because no more than 190,000 units were built in eight years. Nevertheless, Opel's new owner Stellantis dares to give the name Mokka a second life. Technically, the new Mokka is based on the Peugeot 2008, the DS 3 Crossback and the new Citroën C4. In appearance, the new Mokka with its Vizor nose harks back to the classic Opel Manta A from 1970.

In Auto Review 8, we extensively tested the new Opel Mokka 1.2 Turbo and compared it with four of its main competitors: the Hyundai Kona, the Mazda CX-3, the Nissan Juke and the Volkswagen T-Cross, each with a power output of up to 110 to 121 hp. We take a close look at the cars on five test items. For example, which compact SUV scores best when you consider the ease of use of the dashboard, or the available space for the occupants and their luggage?

You are very comfortable in the Opel Mokka

No matter how nice the Opel Mokka looks, you want to sit comfortably. That is unfortunate: Opel can now call itself a seat specialist. You can also sit comfortably in the Mokka, and at an additional cost you can even order a massage function. The finish of the interior is exemplary, the materials used make a luxurious impression. Volkswagen has always scored highly on this part, but the T-Cross mainly uses hard plastic. Mazda takes the crown in terms of finish in a positive way, with beautiful materials and white stitching for the upholstery of the seats and the dashboard.

Digital dashboard of the Mokka raises many questions

Behind the wheel of the Opel Mokka you have a lot of space at your disposal. This way you can easily scratch your head if you can't figure it out with the partly digital control of the dashboard. Opel has made the confusing choice to control the temperature control with traditional rotary knobs (fine!), but to let the rotation speed of the fan run via the selection menu on the central screen (how?).

And if you have already ended up in the right menu, you will also be confronted with the painfully slow response speed of the touchscreen. Digital control of the dashboard is completely hip and trending, but then it has to work. The Mazda CX-3 and the Volkswagen T-Cross are still largely old-fashioned analog, and do not raise any questions.

The VW T-Cross is ideal for people and luggage

In the back of the Opel Mokka it is quite tight. If you regularly take several adult passengers with you, you have a much better car with the Hyundai Kona or Volkswagen T-Cross. If the size of the luggage compartment is important to you, then you'd better put the Opel Mokka out of your mind. 350 to 1105 litres, but will not fit. All four other SUVs in our test have a (much) larger trunk.

Conclusion: at Opel, design came before functionality

The Nissan Juke has proven that a compact SUV doesn't necessarily have to be functional to appeal to the general public. With the new Mokka, Opel opts for the same approach. It looks great, and the design may well come at the expense of luggage space or the clarity of the body. If you do find the load volume or the seating space in the back seat important, then you should opt for the Hyundai Kona or the Volkswagen T-Cross.

Curious whether the Opel Mokka can compete with all the good qualities of the Kona, CX-3, Juke and T-Cross? Read the full test in Auto Review 8! Buy the magazine now in the store or order Auto Review 8 in our webshop.