New Opel Mokka: electric and aesthetically innovative

While the new Corsa still seems to colour well within the PSA lines, the new Mokka gets to introduce a brand new design language for Opel. The compact crossover is also available as an electric car - just like its technical twin, the Peugeot 2008.

The eye-catcher is undeniably the so-called Vizor front. The slim LED headlights - which can be equipped with IntelliLux LED Matrix technology – are connected by a black glossy panel with a subtle chrome edge, the underside of which forms an extended wing and carries the Opel-Blitz in the centre. The black bonnet accentuates the muscular lines of the wheel arches, which accommodate aluminium rims up to 18 inches.

The new Mokka is 12.5cm shorter than its predecessor but has a slightly longer wheelbase (+2mm) and is 10mm wider. The car offers five seats and 350 litres of luggage space – which is similar to that of its bulkier predecessor. With a length of 4.15 metres it should feel like a fish in water when you hit the urban jungle.

i-Cockpit the Opel way

If you're not a fan of Peugeot's i-Cockpit, don't worry: Opel did not adopt the dashboard as such from the Peugeot 2008, although the kinship cannot be denied. Opel calls its fully digital dashboard 'Pure Panel', to underline the lack of analogue dials and useless decorative animations. The horizontally stretched instrument panel integrates two widescreen displays, of which the driver's display is up to 12 inches in size. For intuitive use and minimal operator distraction, essential functions can be operated with physical buttons nonetheless.

Electric, petrol and diesel

The new Mokka is the first model in Opel's history to be available with electric drive at market launch. The Mokka-e has a power output of 100 kW (136 hp) and maximum torque of 260 Nm, just like the Peugeot e-2008 and the DS3 Crossback E-Tense.

The battery has a capacity of 50 kWh and can cope with 100kW quick chargers. The WLTP range of the Mokka-e is 322 km. Whether it's a wall box, quick charger or domestic socket, the Mokka-e's battery can be charged in a variety of ways, from a 1-phase connection to an 11 kW 3-phase connection. For extra peace of mind, Opel offers an eight-year manufacturer's warranty on the battery.

Sales will start towards the end of the summer, while the first units will arrive at the dealers in early 2021. The Opel Mokka is also available with petrol and diesel engines, which indeed will be carried over from the Peugeot 2008.

Photo credit: Opel, 2020