Is the Opel Mokka good for families? Here’s our verdict.

By Farzana Chaumoo

The Opel Mokka X is a good looking, safe and spacious crossover that is great for family weekend adventures. Let's take a closer look at what it offers for a family.

 

Crossovers and compact SUV’s have become tremendously popular as family cars. Many automakers are trying to cash in from this segment, and while some have previously failed, many are getting it right. It’s been noted that for these vehicles to be family friendly they need to comfortable, spacious yet compact, and easy to drive.

Shoppers have a choice between four models in the Mokka X range. All models are powered by the same proven 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged ECOTEC petrol engine.

While many buyers also want a vehicle that looks like an off-roader, the majority of South Africans generally don’t go off-roading. The Duster And you can’t do things with your Mokka that you would with, say a Range Rover, however, it will manage just fine on non-asphalt surfaces.

 

Comfort and Space

Keeping in mind the Mokka X is a crossover, it has compact exterior dimensions. It measures at 1.6 metres tall, 1.8 metres wide, just slightly less than 4.3 metres long and has an acceptable kerb weight of 1,429kg.

The Mokka has a high ride height on a deluxe seat that offers full back support and extendable thigh support.

In the boot, you’re not going to be blown away with the 365 litres of space, however, it does expand to 1,372 litres when the seats are folded. Rear seats are easy to fold over and capable of a 60/40 split. That’s on par with the Ford EcoSport but smaller than the 377 litres you’re getting in the Renault Captur (click to find out how the Captur fares out as a family vehicle). Loading in and out the Mokka X boot is also made simple by the wide and low opening.

Even though the Mokka X is based on a platform shared with the Corsa hatchback, you can expect to find more interior space than many supermini-based crossovers. It’s almost comparable to the likes of a Qashqai and can seat five adults while the Mokka X offers better overall passenger space than Nissan’s Juke. Headroom is sufficient while legroom may be a little tighter for taller passengers.

 

Towing

The Opel Mokka X has a maximum braked trailer towing capacity of 1,200kg.

 

Safety

Your kids and passengers will be safe as the Opel Mokka X has received a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating for its crash tests in 2012. Inside the cabin, 6 airbags can be found which include curtain airbags to protect rear passengers. There’s also ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and the higher specced model includes traction and stability control. No need to fear rolling away as the Mokka X is also equipped with Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

 

Verdict

The Mokka X provides a comfortable ride and strong fuel economy which makes it acceptable to cruise in. It’s also a good looking vehicle, however, its handling is lacklustre and its performance is mediocre. The Mokka X can do everything its rivals can, just that the rivals provide a tad bit more entertainment for its occupants.

 

Key Specs:

Price: From R360,980

Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged ECOTEC petrol

Transmission: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic

Power: 103 kW between 4,900 and 6,000 rpm

Torque: 200 Nm between 1 850 and 4 900 rpm

Acceleration (0-100km/h): 9.8 seconds

Emissions: 139-160 g/km (model and transmission dependent)

Fuel Economy: 5.9L – 6.5L/100kms (model and transmission dependent)