First Drive – Opel Mokka

The Mokka will enter the growing sub-compact SUV market

We drive the Mokka, Opel’s first venture into the compact SUV segment

What is it?   Due here in December, the unusually named Mokka  is Opel’s first ever compact Sports Utility Vehicle and will compete with rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti.

First impressions of the new Opel Mokka.  From young families to active outdoor types, the chunky Mokka supermini-sized SUV should appeal to a broad base of customers. While the FlexFix bike carrier which can hold three bicycles, will certainly interest the keen cyclist.

What about the interior. Inside there is plenty of head and legroom and a good commanding view from behind the wheel. The dash and instrument panel is all very familiar Opel territory and it is spacious throughout.  With more than 19 storage spaces and up to 1,372 litres of luggage space, the Mokka has been clearly designed with active families in mind.

And on the road? At the launch in Hamburg we had the opportunity to drive both the 1.7 CDTI turbodiesel and the turbocharged 1.4 petrol.
Opel Mokka and the city:  Easy to maunoueve the Mokka  is light and responsive around the city.
Opel Mokka and the open road:  Both engines proved noisy on the motorway but the Mokka is comfortable and handles well. While the 1.4 turbo petrol is punchy and lively, the 1.7 diesel, most likely to be the bigger seller in Ireland, benefits from its sheer pulling power.

How Much? Prices for the new Opel Mokka start at €19,995 for the 1.6 5 Speed, rising to €27,995 for the 1.7 CDTi 6 Speed AWD

How Safe? Safety features include anti-lock brakes, eight airbags as standard, electronic stability programme, hill start assist, traction control and hill descent control. In addition there is front camera fitted that picks up road signs and warns of speed restrictions up to 60km away.

What are my Options?  Apart from front-wheel drive (FWD), the Mokka can be fitted with an all-wheel drive (AWD) technology for better traction and handling. The engine range in Ireland comprises of a 1.6-litre petrol, a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.7-litre diesel

3 words to describe the Opel Mokka;  Rugged;  Flexible;  Practical

For more information check out the Opel Ireland

26th October, 2012

Author: Geraldine Herbert

Motoring Editor and Columnist for the Sunday Independent and editor of wheelsforwomen. Geraldine is also a regular contributor to Good Housekeeping (UK), EuroNews and to RTÉ, Newstalk, TodayFM, BBC Radio and Vigin Media. You can follow Geraldine on Twitter at @GerHerbert1

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