Happy memories, I used to ask my journalist friends what was the worst new car they had ever driven. The Opel Mokka of the first generation clearly led. When I then asked a similar question to well-known Americans, the answer was the sister Chevrolet Trax. Actually, I wasn't surprised at all. Although I don't hide my rationally inexplicable affection for the General Motors concern, I know very well that they were the best at producing more than one horrible piece of crap, or squandering a clear chance for success . Fortunately, the German Opel has always been far enough away from American arrogance that many overseas problems did not affect it.
At one time, the big car company was, at least as far back as I can remember, always a bit of a sideshow. Of the German "Holy Trinity", they were perhaps always the last, behind Ford and Volkswagen. At the same time, the recipe was no different – high-quality, durable, practical and a little boring German cars, which they still produce today . But everything changed with the transition under the wings of the PSA concern.
THE FIRST BEAUTIFUL OPEL OF THE NEW ERA
Cars with a lightning bolt in their emblem have never been downright ugly, but I think that the word "forgettable" describes them decently, with some exceptions. The last Opel that we sat on the back of was the Lotus Carlton – and it was certainly not its beauty. Then, when the successor to the Mokka model was introduced in 2020, I stared at it like it was scalded. It was something incredible, such a "thick" Opel has not been here for a long time. I really liked him a lot, so I was justifiably excited that his test came out on me.
"The brutal attack of dynamic lines could also be reflected in the name. For example, Coca-IN would be an absolute bomb…"
Since it is not the only representative of the PSA concern on the European market, the designers could finally relax a little. They created a modern, futuristic design, which, however, does not lose the German spirit. Hnedd is clear to everyone that it is an Opel. There is not even a line on the coffee crossover that would betray its French origin. This was the first Opel that left me with such a strong feeling that I even looked at the price lists… I understand the lineage, but the brutal invasion of dynamic lines could also be reflected in the name. For example, Coca-IN would be an absolute bomb, while phonetically it would sound almost the same, or a milder Cocoa. Even cocoa is less boring and beige than coffee with milk . Well, or Mecca?
Just enjoy the design in the photos. In 2070, it will be a sought-after veteran that will not be expensive. Although the best of the colors is the bright green Matcha metallic, the tested white Jade with a black roof and a sporty red stripe of the GS Line version would be second in my selection.
ORIGINAL INTERIOR
I'm just as excited about the interior as I am about the body design. The new design language is really sharp and futuristic inside as well. The dashboard surrounds the driver, as in a racing car, and there is also a decor made of fake carbon, which significantly enhances this feeling. Another big WOW. Honestly, in such a cheap car, I wouldn't expect such a cool design at all, even in an Opel? It's amazing that you don't have to pay millions for such modernity. The combination of red decor, carbon, black ceiling and sharp lines creates a real sci-fi feeling of driving a spaceship in me as the driver, while the steering wheel remains round. What would he look like with a " stick " like Tesla's new one?
In the future, it is good to have many screens, here two large displays are shining at me. In front of the driver is a digital instrument panel with -how else but modern- graphics, seconded by the larger infotainment screen known from other PSA cars. It is not as smart as it sounds, nor is it particularly clear, it does its job of mirroring a mobile device, but the connectivity is also at an excellent level. I would highlight the quality of the audio, which is neither over-bassed nor otherwise out of tune, and it is an experience to listen to Johan Sebastian, Verdi, or Mozart on it. But also Three Sisters.
"I've always said that Fiat should sell Alfa Romeo to the Chinese, we'd finally see real Alfas"
It sits surprisingly low for a "high crossover", and tuning to a sporty note is noticeable here. Sitting more on long legs and short arms, it's much more comfortable than the bus-like feel of the similarly sized Crossland . The seats have pronounced lateral guidance and are quite hard, like in a true Germanic car. The quality of the material is at a decent level, although the piano decor does wear off immediately, but there is no reason to keep touching it. So I see the biggest problem in the interior space. Of course, I understand that the Mokka is mainly a stylish car, but this does not change the fact that the low position in front of the massive dashboard creates a somewhat cramped feeling, so to speak, like in a tank. At least it gives a sense of security, but the view is not optimal, and what is more, it is slanted backwards. The great thing is that in any position you can see the entire hood in front of you, which is not common nowadays. There is not much headroom on the back seats, and the trunk is rather small. Risk is profit, I would bet that it will pay off for Opel. Anyone who wants more space for similar money will buy a Crossland , large families or people who are not cool will not mind the Mokka. The main focus here is on the effect – and it is perfect.
THE FAIRY TALE OF THE TURNING THREE ROLLER WITH THE VELVET COFFEE MACHINE
Those of you who follow events in the automotive industry at least have an idea of what engine will be under the hood. Only PureTech three-cylinder turbo engines (Yes and one HDi) are installed in the new Mokka. I had the most powerful gasoline one at my disposal. From a volume of just 1.2 liters, we extract a full 130 horses (96 kW) and 230 Nm. The peak performance is around 6,000 rpm, while the torque is already there at idle, from 1750 rpm. It seems to me that lately I keep writing the same characteristics of engines. It's simply that the three-cylinder "turbos" are very similar. The power gradation is fairly linear, the turbo has no hole, so the ride is smooth and fluid. I would venture to say that these days, all of them, be it three-cylinder turbos, are very adequate power units for ordinary drivers. However, in a used car, I would avoid such an engine.
Tuning the engine and especially matching it with the AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH HYDRODYNAMIC CONVERTER, which has 8 steps, is the complete opposite of a dynamic sporty appearance. Velvety is the word we're looking for. The change of gears takes place without your presence, the torque just needs to lightly tickle the gas pedal to move at normal speeds. Well, if you step on it, the hell will not shake in the foundations, but with a light crossover, 130 horsepower waves decently.
I'm a little sad that the engine doesn't have a more pronounced power peak, it just pulls, it moves you noticeably, but nothing exciting happens until the limiter. I don't think it would be any different with a manual transmission either, on the contrary, it would be more annoying to drive with it. I can only recommend the machine for an additional fee of 40,000. You can drive fast, but it will be a bit emotionless. However, the drivetrain is mainly set up for quieter driving. In addition, if you keep calm, it will repay you with a decent consumption of around 7L/100lm in the city and a liter more at highway speeds. Sports mode on the roads will bring you closer to ten liters, but you don't need to do that. I drove the normal one.
CHASSIS GERMAN
In the end, a rather incongruous combination of a sporty appearance, with a powerful but quieter drive unit came together. The last piece of the puzzle is the driving characteristics. I've read Opel Mokka tests before, even for this particular piece. Everyone agreed that the chassis was too hard, the French went too far. That was also the case for the first few tens of kilometers. However, when I went outside the city to the districts, it was really too much. The car bounced like a nervous boy before a first date. Complete horror, even my friend's racing Puma didn't dampen bumps this badly. It soon became clear why: The tire pressure was 3.5 bar! So I applied the correct pressure according to the manual and lo and behold, the lamb was born.
The chassis softened noticeably, in fact the board hardness disappeared from it, it became more pliable, without fundamentally suffering directional stability or significantly leaning into corners. So the negative disappeared, the positive remained. Thanks to the steering with a short gear ratio, it willingly throws itself into corners, the chassis filters bumps with grace and the whole thing is very pleasant – thanks to the safe driving characteristics, you can drive relatively fast, but you won't want to do that too much. I don't want to blaspheme, but the comfort reminds me of a BMW. It is pleasantly comfortable, but not at all baggy. For some, it may be a disappointment that a city SUV for half a million is not a circuit tool, but who doesn't mind seeing a psychiatrist.
MODERN COCA-IN FOR ALL COOLERS
I hate to repeat myself, but I don't like SUVs or crossovers. They are useless and do everything worse than a regular hatchback. But every other test of such a car shows me that shape or ground clearance, like religion or race, do not mean anything bad in the end. Yes, for similar money you can have a new Astra (which I hope to drive soon), but that is for someone completely different. For old timers, for boring people. You are modern, fresh, and no matter how old you are, you want to stand out, you don't want to go with the crowd (and buying an old American for that is overkill).
I have always said that Fiat should sell Alfa Romeo to the Chinese, we would finally see real Alfas. Something similar has now happened with Opel. They were always passable cars, but they desperately lacked style. PSA has now fixed it, so we can look forward to more great pieces.
The new Mokka was successful. Although it doesn't fundamentally excel in anything, it doesn't fundamentally fail in anything either. But you will buy it mainly because it charms you with its design, just like me.
Basic price: 499,990 NOK (1.2 TURBO 74kW/100k Edition 6q manual)
Base price of the tested version: 599,900 (1.2 TURBO 96W/130k EAT8 GS Line)
Price for the tested configuration with extras: 608,900 (1.2 TURBO 96kW/130k EAT8 GS Line)
Photo: Author
