The all-new Opel / Vauxhall Mokka
subcompact crossover is finally here and it debuts in all-electric Mokka-e
guise. It’s the first-ever model from the Opel and Vauxhall brands to debut
with fully-electric propulsion. The second-generation Mokka also debuts Opel
and Vauxhall’s new progressive brand face in the form of the Vizor front fascia
that will be adopted by all future models; additionally, the crossover becomes
the brand’s first model to feature the next-generation Pure Panel fully digital
cockpit.
Interestingly and not that common in
today’s automotive world, the 2021 Mokka is 125 mm shorter than its
predecessor, measuring 4,150 mm bumper to bumper. Despite that, the
wheelbase is 2 mm longer, which means rear passengers should have at least
as much room as in the first-generation Mokka. At 350 liters, the
loading space loses only 6 liters compared to the outgoing model,
despite the significant loss in vehicle length. The altered dimensions result
in sportier proportions for the new Mokka, thanks also to the much shorter
overhangs and wide stance (it’s 10 mm wider).
Inside, the Pure Panel digital dash
integrating two widescreen displays is the main highlight. The one in front of
the driver is up to 12 inches in size, while the one in the center, tilted
towards the driver, measures up to 10 inches; however, to allow the driver to
focus on the road, designers kept control buttons for essential functions. This
makes the system intuitive to use, “avoiding hazardous exploration into
sub-menus,” as Opel puts it. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as
does the OpelConnect service which enables live navigation. Wireless charging
for compatible smartphones is available.
The new Opel / Vauxhall Mokka is based on
a new version of PSA’s CMP (Common Modular Platform). The lightweight and
efficient modular system contributes to a weight saving of up to 120 kg over the previous generation. The body stiffness also stands to gain, with
the Mokka-e electric variant offering up to 30 percent more torsional
stiffness. The weight loss and increased rigidity make the Mokka more fuel
efficient as well as more responsive, agile and fun to drive.
As with the latest Corsa, the new platform
also allows the 2021 Mokka to offer a purely battery-electric drive as well as
internal combustion engines. The crossover will debut in all-electric Mokka-e
guise, combining an electric motor rated at 100 kW (136 PS) and 260 Nm of torque with a 50 kWh battery for a WLTP-rated driving range of
up to 322 km in Normal mode. Using the Eco mode, the range can be
even higher, while the Sport mode favors performance over efficiency.
Speaking of performance, the Mokka-e is
limited at 150 km/h to preserve the energy stored in the battery. The
electric crossover supports 100 kW DC fast-charging, which allows to charge 80
percent of the battery in 30 minutes. All charging options are available, from
wall box, high-speed charging or cable solution for the household socket.
When it comes to technology, the 2021
Mokka marks a significant departure from its predecessor, offering advanced
features such as ACC (Advanced Cruise Control) with stop and go function,
Active Lane Positioning system, adaptive IntelliLux LED matrix headlights,
180-degree panorama rear-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and more. The
new Mokka will also offer diesel and petrol engines later on but when it goes
on sale in late summer 2020, it will available exclusively as a fully-electric
model. Deliveries of the Mokka-e will begin in early 2021.