Opel Mokka hybrid is quiet and frugal

The Opel Mokka is a small crossover SUV produced by the German carmaker since 2012. It competes in the second biggest segment in the Irish market, so has stiff opposition. I last drove one back in 2021 when the second-generation Mokka marked the switch to the PSA platform following the French group's acquisition of the Opel and Vauxhall brands in 2017.

The car has flair and presence with a sporty edge and is beautifully proportioned with a wide stance. Big black wheel arches suggest that you can take the car off-road and certainly add to the car’s SUV look - but it’s not 4WD. The black-painted ‘floating’ roof design flows in a single clean line to frame the side windows. My review car was in Voltaic Blue metallic paint but my choice would be Jade White with red and black accents which to me give the car real road presence and make it a head-turner.

Buyers have a choice from an array of custom options to personalise their car including wheel, roof and bonnet options. Wheel options are 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch bi-colour alloys which were on my car.

Although this is quite a high car, my 6'2" passenger still found it quite difficult to get in and out due to the low door opening. However, the cabin is welcoming with a harmonious interplay of proportions, light, space and technology. The front is spacious and the low dash certainly aids visibility. 

My GS version had lovely leather effect trim with white stitching, nice grey material on the top of the dash and on the doors. I really liked how the sculpted seats hold you in nice and snug so you travel in great comfort, especially for long journeys. The driver’s seat has six-way adjustments and three heating levels. The steering wheel can also be heated on wintry mornings.

A 7-inch navigation with full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard in Mokka. The touchscreen is clear and simple to use and is angled towards the driver, which I always appreciate. There’s an option of a larger Multimedia Navi Pro with 10-inch display.

The 7-inch driver information cluster shows speed and how much you have travelled in zero emissions as well as a fuel consumption figure. Both screens have dark backgrounds and colourful graphics. Real buttons still control important functions such as aircon and radio volume, so you can easily adjust them on the move. There are two USB C-type ports and you can also charge your phone with the integrated wireless charger. The flat-bottomed 3-spoke steering wheel has regenerative paddles and feels very comfy to hold.

Storage areas include a decent glovebox, a small but deep area below the front armrest which can slide back and forth, and good front door bins.

The rear knee-room could be a bit tight for large adults if a person of around the same size is seated in front. There are two more USB-C ports here, pockets on the backs of the front seats, smaller door bins and a not-too-high transmission tunnel.

Luggage space ranges from 350-1105 litres, about par for the segment. The adjustable boot floor had a handy reversible fitted mat with carpet on one side and rubber on the other. There's a skinny spare.

Features include rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist, Lane Keep Assist (which was so gentle I didn’t bother turning it off), and Adaptive Cruise Control. There are blind spot monitors on the side mirrors and the mirrors are also electrically adjustable and heated.

LED Matrix lights provide very good visibility at night, and a panoramic camera gives you a 180-degree rear view which is particularly useful when reversing into traffic as you see vehicles coming from the sides.

Power-trains are a 100hp 1.2 petrol with 6-speed manual, a 130hp petrol automatic, and a 136hp 1.2 mild hybrid matched to a 6-speed automatic which powered my review car. Regenerated energy in the battery boosts acceleration and helps to keep down emissions in urban driving. Opel claims a 20% improvement over the petrol-only model is possible. I found the steering quite light but soon got used to it. The car proved very quiet on the road.

Mokka was Opel’s second biggest seller here in 2024 behind the ever-popular Corsa.

PRICES: from €30,322 (electric Battery EV and is inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT relief) to €37,995 for the MHEV 1.2 136ps petrol hybrid. Road tax €190-€210.

Your local Opel dealer is Rochford Motors in Ballyhaunis. See their advertisement below.