The boldly-styled 2022 Opel Mokka has arrived in South Africa and we’ve driven the new small crossover. In an already congested segment, what does it bring to the table?
In an era of pretty generic-looking crossovers and SUVs, along comes the new Mokka from Opel. While design is subjective (it comes down to personal taste), there’s no denying this is one bold and interesting vehicle on the eye.
The Opel Mokka is another product from the Stellantis Group that has undergone a complete metamorphosis. The previous-generation model was developed when Opel was still owned by General Motors, and with the massive parts bin at Stellantis’ disposal, the new model has taken more than a few elements from existing products, such as the Peugeot 2008.
Under the skin is the PSA EMP1 platform, which also serves as the basis for the Opel Corsa, and Peugeot 208/2008. The Puretch engine is also shared with a few Stellantis products.
This all-new 2nd-generation Opel Mokka has a lot to live up to, with its predecessor tallying up over 1 000 000 units sold around the world.
What’s on Offer?
Opel is offering its stylish Mokka in 2 trim levels, with one powertrain shared across the range. The engine of choice is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which produces healthy outputs of 96 kW and 230 Nm. Opel has fitted its 8-speed automatic transmission, replete with shift paddles located on the steering wheel. As far as fuel economy is concerned, Opel says that its new Mokka has an average fuel consumption of 6.1 L/100 km and a 44-litre tank.
Standard fare is generous, across both the Elegance and the top-spec GS Line. The entry-level derivative features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, cruise control, cloth upholstery and automatic climate control.
The higher-spec Mokka GS Line adds features such as a larger (10-inch) touchscreen infotainment system and (12.0-inch) digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery and a massage function for the front seats. Incidentally, both the Elegance and GS Line derivatives are equipped with heated seats. The tech in the GS Line is impressive with Matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, active lane-keep assist and forward-collision avoidance.
This segment is jammed with quality rivals, and at around the R500k mark, there are some excellent options available. Models such as the Volkswagen T-Roc, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Toyota Corolla Cross and the Haval Jolion are all good cars. Mind you, for R500 grand, you could get into something like a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro or Haval H6…
What’s the new Opel Mokka like to drive?
Given the excellent pairing of a Peugeot-based platform and powertrain, we were expecting punchy performance allied with good levels of refinement from the Mokka – and we weren’t disappointed. The 8-speed automatic transmission is excellent – it shifts up/down with minimal fuss and interruption. We used the steering-wheel-mounted paddles to actuate manual shifts and found they work fine, but don’t feel particularly great and appropriate, given the price tag of the vehicle.
The engine is a good one. It delivers shove in a smooth manner, with that typical grumble we’ve come to know (and like) from a 3-cylinder inline engine. Our test route took us up the N1 and then we drove north, via some fantastic open roads towards the towns of Riebeeck Kasteel and Malmesbury. We were pressing on a bit, which would explain why the indicated fuel consumption hovered in the 8s…
There are 3 drive modes: Sport, Normal, Eco and these do precisely what you’d expect them to. We really liked the neat transmission selector, which substitutes a conventional lever, as well.
Ride quality is acceptable but does border on the firm side, which we’ll ascribe (at least partly) to the sporty-looking 17-inch alloy wheels. The steering feel is light, but not particularly engaging, which is a shame because the car certainly looks sporty enough. We’re not yet convinced about the Opel’s dynamism, so we’re keen to put the Mokka through its paces on some of our favourite roads and report back.
The cabin really looks fashionable and futuristic, plus it appears to be reasonably well assembled. Gripes? At first impression, the rear legroom looks tight, which we think is a bit of an issue, given most compact crossovers/small SUVs are aimed at family-car buyers. Our next gripe came in the form of the complex digital dashboard, which is a bit unorthodox. Its layout can be customised, but it took us a few minutes to find out how to adjust it to our preference.
2022 Opel Mokka pricing & after-sales support
There are 2 Mokka derivatives on offer: Elegance and GS Line. The vehicle is sold with a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and a 3-year/120 000 km warranty. Customers can choose from 6 colours, including this insane Matcha Green.
| Mokka Elegance | R469 900 |
| Mokka GS Line | R519 900 |
Summary
This new Opel Mokka is striking to look at, both inside and out. It’s quite a revolutionary departure from the so-so previous-generation model and, by virtue of utilising the excellent platforms and powertrains from its Peugeot and Citroen Stellantis siblings, the newcomer is a far more resolved product than its predecessor. It’s better in every respect, in fact.
However, to succeed in this ultra-competitive segment, a vehicle needs to be more than good. Our initial impressions suggest the Opel Mokka is a competent, well-equipped and fashionable product that’s likely to apply to upwardly mobile young adults. We look forward to spending more time with the newcomer in the coming weeks.
Related content:
Opel Mokka in SA (2022) Specs & Price
