Opel Mokka review

Opel’s mid-size SUV is now available with a new range of “whisper” diesel engines which improve economy and power…

Sales of SUV-style cars are booming in Ireland this year, and the Mokka is Opel’s contender in the segment, rivalling popular models such as the Mitsubishi ASX and the Renault Captur. With rugged looks, a spacious interior, lots of standard equipment and a frugal range of new diesel engines, the Mokka is certainly an enticing proposition. Competition in this space is hotter than ever before however, which means many buyers will forgo the Mokka in favour of more stylish and established alternatives. All in, we were impressed with the Mokka’s all-rounding capabilities as an every-day family car.

What is it like?

The Mokka doesn’t stand out as much as its rivals in terms of styling, but it’s high ground clearance, black plastic-moulded bumpers and roof bars do lend it an off-road look. Inside, it’s quite similar to the latest Opel Astra with a quality feel to the plastics and a spacious driver’s area. There is a lot of buttons to navigate in the centre console which can be confusing, but this will appeal to those who don’t like touch screen systems. In the rear there is plenty of head and leg room, while the seats up front are supportive with an optional high arm rest for the driver. At 362 litres, the Mokka’s boot is one of the best in its class and the rear seats can be easily folded forward for carrying bulkier loads.

Like the rest of the Opel range, the Mokka is available with a large choice of petrol and diesel engines. Our test car is fitted with the most appealing engine for Irish buyers, a new 1.6-litre “Whisper diesel” which serves up 134bhp and 320Nm of torque. Performance isn’t the main selling point of this engine, as 0-100km/h takes over 9 seconds, but economy certainly is strong for an SUV; we covered 100 kilometres on less than four litres of diesel and annual motor tax is low-cost at €200 per year. Stop/start is standard across the Mokka range too helping to keep running costs lower around town and in heavy traffic.

There are four different specifications to choose from in the new Mokka range; S, SC, SE and a range-topping SRi version which is the one we drove. It adds extras such as a gloss black roof and 19-inch alloy wheels for a sportier look, along with Opel’s OnStar system that includes Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic crash response and smartphone app connectivity. It’s also possible to choose between two-wheel drive and 4x4 models in the Mokka, the latter coming at an additional cost, but the regular two-wheel-drive model should suffice for most buyers.

Carzone verdict: 4/5

Although the Mokka lacks the desirability of some of its rivals, it is nonetheless a strong all-round performer, particularly when it comes to economy and equipment. Most buyers will be pleased with just how adaptable it is as a daily driver, with enough comfort and spec for daily commuting and plenty of luggage space for longer weekend journeys. Handling and performance are not the Mokka’s strongest points, but most family buyers don’t need it to be. If you are considering a Mokka, we’d strongly favour one with a diesel engine.

Test Car Details:

Model driven: Opel Mokka SRI 1.6 DCTI

Prices from: €20,995

Price as tested: €28,245

Annual Road Tax: €200

Engine: 1598cc four-cylinder diesel

Power/Torque: 134bhp, 320Nm

Top Speed: 179 km/h

0-100km/h: 9.3 seconds

Transmission: Six Speed Manual

Body style: 5-Door Hatchback

Boot Space: 362 litres

Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 Stars

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