X Marks the Spot

Opel’s facelifted Mokka, now formally known as the Mokka X, has arrived just in time for the new year. According to Opel, the Mokka is especially loved by members of the fairer sex, as it fulfills the modern woman’s needs for a safe and practical, easily manoeuvrable vehicle that is easy on the eyes, and solidly built. However, the new Mokka X is looking more androgynous and less cutesy, which should broaden its appeal to the male market. Just for the record, the ‘X’ nomenclature will be used on all of Opel’s upcoming crossover vehicles.

What’s new?
Most of the changes are on the outside. Dare I say I am seeing a lot of Audi in the new headlamp shape and in the sexy alloy wheels of the more expensive Cosmo-models? Well played, Opel. The Mokka looks more grown-up and sophisticated, and is sure to be taken more seriously.

On the inside, the trim has been refreshed too. The Enjoy-model gets Milano Jet Black upholstery, and the Cosmo receives black leather by the name of Jasmin Jet Black. The relatively ergonomic dashboard design of the Astra is carried over in the Mokka X. GM’s winning Android/Apple CarPlay-enabled R4.0 IntelliLink system (with 7-inch screen) is optional on the Enjoy-variants (R 6 700), while Cosmo-buyers can tick the box that adds Satnav (Navi900) to the IntelliLink package (R 10 700 inclusive of both), accompanied by a larger, 8-inch screen. A sunroof (R 6 500) can be specified as well.

On the outside, things are looking good for the new Mokka X.Those streamlined new headlamp clusters combine daytime running lamps (standard on both the entry level Enjoy and high-end Cosmo-variants) and LED technology with a R 25 000 option for the Sight and Light package, available only on Cosmo-models. The latter is pricey, but if you’re night-blind like me and normal halogens just don’t cut it, it’s a worthy expense, as R25 000 hardly covers a day in ICU. Speaking of the emergency ward, safety features in the Mokka X include ABS, ESP, Hill Start Assist, 6 airbags, and a pedal release system.

Driving the new Mokka X

First up, we had a chance to sample the Enjoy 1.4T Auto (R 328 400), shod with low-profile 19-inch alloys. Our first section of the launch route led to the top of treacherously narrow, but picturesque Bain’s Kloof Pass. The Mokka X held its ground as if it were an Opel Corsa - I was surprised at how such a high vehicle could feel so solid in the corners. The 6-speed automatic transmission is sufficiently smooth, but on a challenging road such as this particular pass, some flappy paddles on the steering wheel would have put you in complete control (the Manual Shift Mode function on top of the gear-knob isn’t user-friendly at all). The slick low-profile tyres look gorgeous, but increase road noise and make the ride little hard, especially if the road surface is poor. Another little irritation is the level of skill required to connect your phone cable to the USB port. On the upside, the steering on the Mokka X is superb for an SUV, yet again enhancing the German-ness of the car. The Mokka X’s supremely comfortable and supportive seats and commanding driving position are also worth writing home about.

A lot for a little less

After a vehicle change, we hopped into the Cosmo 1.4T Manual - the most logical buy of the lot. The manual gearbox is a pleasure to stir about, and gives you the ability to harness all 103 kW and 200 Nm from the eager little 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. Furthermore, it doesn’t have those hard-riding low profile tyres, but more practical R17 Alloys. Opel could have chosen a slightly more fetching design, though - the R17’s have the look and colour of steel wheels. I can wholeheartedly recommend the IntelliLink infotainment system (R 6700) - very handy if you have Google Maps on your phone, as it will be displayed on-screen, while your text messages can be read to you.
Weary to spend another cent? Then the Enjoy 1.4T Manual will still have Bluetooth with a radio/CD front-loader and AUX/USB ports as standard.

As for space, the Mokka X is a big car in quite a petite package - the Mokka X measures only 4.28 metres from bumper to bumper, yet you’d never say so if you were seated in the back. Another plus is the size of the boot - it isn’t huge, but compared to rivals such as the Nissan Juke, it has very useable proportions, and the spare wheel is full-sized.

Everyday comfort

Opel is happy to endow its cars with a generous dollop of standard features. All the Mokkas have daytime running lamps, electronic climate control, cruise control (with speed limiter) heated & foldable side mirrors, fog lamps, a leather-covered steering wheel, and automatic headlamp control. Cosmos have Active High Beam assist, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, park assist with rearview camera, and the above mentioned IntelliLink system (without optional Satnav). Go to www.opel.co.za for the complete list.

Do we love it enough to recommend it to people?

Personally, I love it more than its competitors. The Nissan Juke’s boot is too small, and it’s looking a little dated. The Qashqai is too generic, the Kia Soul is not outdoorsy enough, but the Mokka X is just lekker - it looks good, its size is right, build quality is tight, and if the least expensive one offers the best value, what’s not to like?

Pricing

Mokka X 1.4T Enjoy 6MT	- R 317 500
Mokka X 1.4 Enjoy 6AT	- R328 400
Mokka X 1.4 Cosmo 6MT	- R357 400
Mokka X 1.4T Cosmo 6AT	- R368 100

Every Mokka X has a 5-year / 120 000 km warranty with roadside assistance, a 5-year / unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty, and a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.