A Whole Lotta Mokka (X)

Ever dreamed about owning a sexy, compact German crossover like the Audi Q3 (from R 466 000), but your budget stretches just north of 300K? What would be almost as good, at a more affordable R317 500? Opel’s new Mokka X.

How much of an improvement is the Mokka X over the Mokka?

Styling wise, there’s a big improvement. The old Mokka was an acquired taste perhaps, despite bringing some new customers to the brand. The Mokka X is now quite the little head-turner. With the same German lines as the Q3, it’s in a different league as its competitors, such as the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. Brilliant cars in their own right, but the new Mokka has that “X-factor” - pun intended!

How is the interior?

The most significant part of the recent facelift is without a doubt the stylish cabin, which is almost identical to the Opel Astra. The only thing I didn’t love is the shiny, plastic trim on the dashboard - it would have looked better (and reflected less), had it been matte. Our Enjoy-variant had an optional IntelliLink infotainment system fitted, and it was super easy to pair the phone via Bluetooth, and to use in general. The above mentioned IntelliLink system must be one of the most user-friendly systems available, and features screen integration (and voice activation) for your smartphone. What a pleasure, and worth every cent of the R 6 700 you’ll be paying for it.

How good is it to drive?

The entry-level Mokka X 1.4T Enjoy was quite happy to be driven on every imaginable road surface. The outdoorsy 215/60/R17 tyres were perfectly suited to the corrugated dirt roads we ventured onto. That said, the Mokka X handled the higher bumps en route to school with a little less finesse. You’d think those bumps are there to punish parents for bringing the kids too late, and the Mokka X’s disdain was clear. The more expensive Cosmo-variants have lower profile rubber, which makes the ride feel a pinch too hard.

We also made a few airport runs across some mountain passes. The combination of smooth tar on Sir Lowry’s Pass and the Mokka X’s suspension, proved to be just right. The Mokka X acted like a regular show-off, hugging the curves of the road and cornering much like its stablemate, the award-winning Opel Corsa (despite having a ground clearance of 131 mm). The six-speed manual gearbox is exceptional - and the perfect partner to the punchy 1.4-litre turbocharged engine (I drove the automatic models on the local launch, but the manual won my heart). And in a compact little Mokka, 103kW and 200 Nm of torque go a long way, without sabotaging you at the filling station later - You’ll easily get 700 - 750 kays out of the 52-litre tank.  

Is it as safe as the Audi Q3?

The kids will be as safe in the Mokka X as they will be in the Audi Q3 - both cars have a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating - there are 6 airbags in total, including curtain airbags that protect rear occupants. Over and above ABS with EBD, the Enjoy-variant offers traction and stability control too.

But is there enough space?

Plenty of usable space, especially on the back seat, and a decently sized boot of 365 (to 785) litres. I would have preferred some more large bottle holders though.

Will I suggest the Mokka X to my friends?

Just this morning I suggested this very model to a friend who is looking to downsize from her large and thirsty Toyota Prado. She says she wants to save fuel, but still needs to have some power, as well as good connectivity. Oh, and she’s not one for sitting down low in a sedan. The Mokka X is a perfect match, then (have a look at the Mokka X under cars for sale if you think it’s a match for you too).

Another bonus…

...is Opel’s warranty of 5 years / 120 000 km and their service plan of 5 years / 90 000 km.

Facts & Figures

Name	: Opel Mokka X 1.4T Enjoy
Engine	: 1.4-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder
Transmission	: 6-speed manual
Power	: 103 kW
Torque	: 200 Nm
0 - 100 km	: 9.8 seconds
Top Speed	: 195 km/h
Ground clearance	: 131 mm
Luggage volume	: 365 to 785 litres