The new Opel Mokka was launched this week with a mission to revitalise the compact SUV market in South Africa. Though the new German engineered automobile is not a 4wd, it is just as steady with bulk in the right places. As a compact luxury SUV the Opel Mokka competes for sales and popular admiration in the popular and growing SUV B and C market segments. This is a vehicle built on simple though effectively imaginative principles.  With the Mokka, Opel brings German engineering, state-of-the-art technology and safety features usually associated with larger and more expensive SUVs into a market space dominated by emerging products.

This means they are offering potential car buyers a chance to have perks and luxuries of bigger more expensive cars in a more affordable, slightly smaller though just as brawny SUV.

It’s a logical formula that should work, though the jury is out. Though, while we await the response of the market, we can consider the makings of the Mokka. Though, it may be useful to note that the South African launch comes on the back of the Mokka receiving unprecedented positive reception internationally. In 2014, orders in Europe surpassed the 240 000 units mark with ease.

The car boasts four-models in its range with a choice of two trim levels and a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. All of them are front wheel drive.

All four derivatives come with the car maker’s proven 1.4-litre turbocharged ECOTEC petrol engine. The engine produces 103 kW between 4 900 and 6 000 rpm and a usable 200 Nm of torque between 1850 and 4 900 rpm.

If your curiosity is whetted and your wallet is willing, note that the Mokka will be available at all GM dealers from the end of March. The prices ranges as follows: R288 500 for the  Mokka Enjoy 1.4T manual – R 298 500 for the Mokka Enjoy 1.4T  automatic, R325 500 for the Mokka Cosmo 1.4T manual, and R335 500 for the range-topping Mokka 1.4 T Cosmo automatic.

The Opel Mokka is the third of the ‘new Germans’ from Opel to be launched in South Africa in just three months. These are a new generation of cars from the German car makers built with an ambition to democratise automobile luxury technology and life-saving safety features by making them accessible to consumers at reasonable prices.

These are car engineering ideas that when put together with the Mokka’s compact proportions and spacious interior is likely to make it an all-round vehicle suited for an array of lifestyle applications, well that’s excluding the rough rugged real off-road challenges. Tough everyone from soccer moms, hip urban campers and the like will find it a satisfying drive.

 

Percy Mabunda

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