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This is Opel’s new compact electric crossover, the Mokka-e. The Mokka-e sits above the Corsa-e in Opel’s electric vehicle lineup and it offers up to 322 kilometres of range from a single charge with 100kW DC fast charging as standard. In Ireland, prices for the Mokka-e start from around €33,000 including grants, and it goes up against other electric models like the Peugeot e-2008, MG ZS EV, Mazda MX-30 and Nissan LEAF. But is the Mokka-e a good option for first-time EV buyers? Carzone spent a week with it recently to find out.
Styling:
The Mokka-e shares its platform with the Peugeot e-2008, but it is unmistakeably Opel from the outside with lots of distinctive styling features. This includes Opel's new enclosed front vizor grille with sharp ECO-LED headlights and striking LED lights at the rear. In base SRi specification, the Mokka-e gets 17-inch alloy wheels, ECO-LED headlamps and a two tone roof colour scheme. There are six colour choices, but this Matcha Green Metallic option is the one to go for if you rwant to stand out from the crowd. The Mokka-e has a 50kwh battery and this gets you a claimed range of up to 322 kilometres, while it also gets 100 kW DC charging as standard.
Inside:
Stepping inside, first impressions are good and there is good space and quality around the driver’s area. As standard, the Mokka-e has a 10-inch touch screen infotainment system with navigation, while Apple Car Play and Android Auto is included as standard. Elsewhere there is a 12-inch digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel, and it is easy to use and less complicated that what you get in the Peugeot e-2008. Space is good up front with plenty of adjustment available through the seats and the steering wheel and visibility out of the cabin is good too. It is nice to see that Opel has retained physical buttons for controlling the air conditioning, infotainment system and driving modes and safety systems.
The centre console is finished in gloss black material which can attract finger prints, but it has a simple drive selector which slides backwards for drive and forward reverse, a drive mode button and there is a useful storage area with a wireless smartphone charger. There is also a 12-volt charge point and a single USB charge point, although there are no USB-C charge points included. There is a small storage area underneath the driver’s armrest which slides forwards and backwards, two large cupholders and sizeable door pockets which can hold large water bottles.
In the rear, there is enough space for children, although legroom is limited for taller passengers. There is two USB charge points in the rear for charging devices, and two sets of ISOFIX mounts for family buyers. The Mokka-e has reasonable boot space for a small crossover with 310 litres of room, but you will get more space in the MG ZS EV (470 litres) and Peugeot e-2008 (434 litres).
Driving:
The Mokka-e gets a 50 kwh battery, 324 kilometre range and a single electric motor that sends 136 brake horsepower to the front wheels. As with most electric cars, it is responsive at lower speeds and feels lively to drive around town, with ECO, Normal and Sport driving modes to choose from. The Mokka-e can sprint from 0-100km/h in around nine seconds which is faster than the petrol and diesel versions of the car. Performance is more than good enough for mixed driving, it gets up to speed quickly at lower speeds and it cruises well at motorway speeds.
The Mokka-e offers a claimed range of up to 324 kilometres from a single charge, but this will vary depending on driving style and conditions. During our test in the depths of winter and in near freezing temperatures, we found the range was significantly reduced. At lower speeds we managed 17kWh/100km in efficiency, but this increased to 22kWh/100km at motorway speeds, which is to be expected. It is possible to adjust regenerative braking with a ‘B’ button on the centre console. In terms of charging, the Mokka-e can charge at a fast charge station at up to 100 kilowatts, so it is possible to geet up to 80% of range in 30 minutes with a high-speed rapid charger. We tested this at an IONITY charging station in Athlone when driving from Dublin to Galway. At home, the Mokka-e will take around seven and a half hours to fully charge with a standard home wall box charger overnight.
Models:
The Mokka-e is available in two grades of specification in Ireland, Sri and Elite. Prices for the entry Sri start from €33,600 including the SEAI Grant and applicable VRT relief, and it is very well equipped with electric and heated mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, LED headlights, a reversing camera and parking sensors and lots more. The higher specification Elite model starts from €35,006 and it adds leather upholstery, chrome detailing, upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, grey roof headlining inside and lots of other details. The Mokka-e is also equipped with an impressive list of standard safety equipment including Enhanced Traffic Sign recognition, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Avoidance sensors with Brake Assist, Pedestrian and Cyclist detection alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and lots more.
Verdict:
So should you buy the Opel Mokka-e? If you are looking for a compact electric model that has lots of standard equipment, standout styling, good range and charging times, then it could be one to consider. That said, some of its rivals offer better practicality and range, while the interior materials are low rent in certain areas. Overall however, the Mokka-e is a well-rounded EV package and one to consider in the €35k price bracket.
Model: Opel Mokka-e Elite BEV
Prices from: €33,600 including SEAI grant and VRT relief
Price as tested: €35,006 including SEAI grant and VRT relief
Battery and drive: 50kWh battery, single electric motor, front-wheel-drive
Max charge speed: 100kW
Max range: 324 kilometres (WLTP)
Power and torque: 136hp and 260Nm
0-100km/h: 8.7 seconds
Top speed: 150km/h