With Opel moving under the PSA roof three
years ago, the Mokka X is the next model in the company’s lineup to get a major
overhaul, which will represent a significant departure over its predecessor’s
GM underpinnings. Making its spy photo debut in prototype form as it was
testing on the roads of Sweden, the new generation subcompact crossover will
reportedly be based on the PSA EMP1 platform, shared between the Corsa F,
second-gen Peugeot 208 and DS3 Crossback.
The latter offers a more premium
alternative to the high-riding subcompact segment, targeting vehicles such as
the Audi Q2, and is offered with petrol, diesel and electric power. Its Opel
and Vauxhall brethren have already been confirmed with a fully electrified powertrain
lineup, as well as a battery-electric option, all of which are due this year.
The DS3 Crossback E-Tense has a 136 PS and 260 Nm of torque electric motor and a 50 kWh
lithium-ion battery that supports fast charging. It can travel for more than
300 km on a single charge and does the 0-100 km/h in 8.7
seconds. There’s no way of knowing yet whether the zero-emission Mokka will
adopt this powertrain.
Even with the heavy camo on, the new Mokka
looks nothing like its predecessor. Major upgrades have been performed all
around, with the front and rear ends appearing to have been inspired by the
latest Corsa. Under the PSA guidance, Opel’s designers have given it a roofline
that’s more arched behind the B pillars and a bulky tailgate. Plastic cladding
can be seen on the lower parts of the body.
Expect big improvements inside as well,
with new dashboard panel, flat-bottom steering wheel, infotainment system and
probably an optional digital instrument cluster being part of the offering.
We’ve also heard that for the new generation, Opel might drop the ‘X’ from the
name, simply calling it the Mokka.
