MOTORING NEWS - Opel have dived into the baby SUV market with the Mokka - the manufacturer's first sub-compact SUV worldwide.
Thanks to its actual size, it still remains easy to thread in and out of traffic and manoeuvre in confined space.
SUVs actually present a safety challenge as a result of their coveted high driving position, which also results in a higher centre of gravity.
Given that the Mokka is a front-wheel drive only vehicle, it is accepted that the original off-road purpose is substantially reduced and the vehicle is primarily a fashion statement.
So Opel have gone a long way to ensure that the Mokka is a safe family vehicle that can also be easily operated by a novice driver.
Opel Safetec is a fully-comprehensive safety system that integrates and synchronises all aspects of active and passive safety. Every Opel vehicle starts from a rigid safety frame, to which energy-absorbent bumper systems with crash boxes front and rear, progressively deformable structures and high-tensile steel side protection bars are added.
The design and structure of these elements mean that the new Opel Mokka meets pedestrian safety standards. Credential-wise, the new Opel Mokka carries a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating. Vital to safety are ABS with EBD and BAS. All-round disc brakes are fitted as standard, along with a tyre pressure monitor.
All versions of the new Opel Mokka are also equipped with latest-generation ESPPlus. With the system over-steer or under-steer is corrected with efficiency and sensitivity so that ESPPlus is almost undetectable.
Passive safety systems include seat belt reminders at front and rear, dual pre-tensioned seat belts at front, as well as side and curtain airbags (six in total).
In addition, a Pedal Release System protects against lower-leg and foot injuries in major impacts. ISOFIX child seat anchors are also fitted, while there are also an anti-theft alarm and immobiliser and remote central locking.
A rear-view camera is available on Cosmo models, linked to front and rear parking sensors. A round view shows dynamic parking assistance lines on the infotainment screen, indicating the vehicle's trajectory according to steering input.
But if the driver errs, Opel technology means that in low-speed impacts, deformation damage is minimised to reduce repair costs. The bumpers are self-repairing after impacts of under 4km/h.
The cruise control and speed limiter, while comfortable on longer journeys or around town, play a safety role as well. Easily overridden by fully-depressing the accelerator pedal, the speed limiter, which is available from speeds above 25km/h, is ideal for avoiding costly speeding fines.
The Ecoflex Drive Assist indicates optimal gear shift points for the driver and also which systems within the vehicle are using the most energy in conjunction with a fuel economy meter. Linked to an economy index with a 50km history graph and the start/stop system fitted to manual models, Mokka ensures the driver is informed on how fuel can be saved. Hill Start Assist (HSA) is fitted as standard.
The Opel Mokka is available as a four-model range with a choice of two trim levels and a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Opel's 1,4-litre turbocharged Ecotec petrol engine produces 103kW and 200Nm and does duty in all four derivatives.
It seems happiest with the manual box, especially on the open road.
Opel designers have given Mokka a proud, strong and aggressive stance as this has a big influence in the buying decision in this segment. Mokka has been designed to extend the attraction to buyers who feel a monocab or normal hatchback is too bland for them, Opel said.
INTERIOR
Inside black trim materials with chrome detailing add a classic accent. The design is understated and modern, with a swept-around 'wing' style dashboard. This maximises the feeling of space and is visually appealing.
Instruments and screens are clear, well-proportioned and placed and also easy to read.
With a 60/40 ratio on flip-and-fold rear seats that can be fully folded, the loading space is flat available. It can swallow up to 1 371-litres of cargo, with a total length of 1 449mm and up to 898mm of height.
Even with the seats in their usual configuration, a generous 356-litres of boot space is available. A 16" spare wheel lies below the cargo floor.
Available as an option on Enjoy models and standard on Cosmo, Opel's IntelliLink infotainment system takes pride of place. The system is linked to a 6-speaker system with radio/CD/MP3/USB/aux/Bluetooth audio. Mokka is fully compatible with the latest Apple iOS-based and Android Smartphones. The system is fronted by a 7" button-operated colour interface where phone, audio, gallery, settings and apps pages are easily accessed and navigated.
Bluetooth and USB audio streaming also includes music management and identification technology. Voice control for certain functions enhances safety as well.
IntelliLink revolves around apps, which can be downloaded to the Smartphone. Included as standard is Stitcher - a global podcast radio app that allows for access to over 10 000 on-demand podcasts and live radio shows around the world.
NIGHT DRIVING
High Beam Assist (HBA) for halogen headlights provides improved forward lighting at night by automated high beam control through a light detection sensor mounted on the rear-view mirror. This camera detects vehicle-specific light and ambient light from oncoming and leading traffic.
Depending on the light level the system automatically switches between high and low beam, switching to low beam until the preceding or approaching vehicle is out of view. This system makes driving safer by allowing the driver to focus more on driving.
Standard equipment includes: start/stop technology and the Ecoflex Drive Assist system (manual only), front and rear fog lights, tyre pressure monitoring, daytime running lights, cruise control with speed limiter, speed-sensitive power steering, a multi-function steering wheel, six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, Aux and USB input, electronic climate control, trip computer, solar-absorbing windscreen, colour-coded door handles, electric and heated side mirrors, power windows all round, a folding key, 17" alloy wheels with a full-size steel spare and black cloth upholstery. IntelliLink is the only available option.
The Cosmo model adds rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights with Active High Beam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, electric folding mirrors, a sunglasses holder, IntelliLink, the reversing camera, heated front seats, interior ambient lighting, rear privacy glass, 18" alloys, JASMIN leather upholstery, a heated, leather-bound steering wheel, ergonomic front seats and a 230V power socket as standard.
The all-new Opel Mokka derivatives are backed by Opel's comprehensive five year or 120 000km warranty and come with a five year or 90 000km service plan linked to service intervals of 15 000km.
Available at GM dealers from the end of March, pricing will start at 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.
Inside, the design is understated and modern, with a swept-around 'wing' style dashboard.
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