Model gets X treatment in crossover crusade
Acouple of weeks ago we reported that Opel is expanding its crossover models. This means more models carrying the X designation at the end. Eventually Opel will probably have more X models than BMW.
Kicking things off is the model that sounds like it should be on the menu at your local barista bar, the Mokka, which is now the Mokka X. It arrives with more obvious pseudo SUV styling at a time when Opel is on a roll with new models.
RENEWED FOCUS
“Opel is on its way to achieving its vision of becoming the second largest passenger car brand in Europe by 2022,” says Ian Nicholls, president and MD of General Motors sub-Saharan Africa. “Part of this success is a renewed focus on bringing competitive new products to market. The Mokka X is the 13th new or refreshed Opel to be launched in SA since 2012.”
A key highlight and most obvious change is the move to new headlight clusters that combine daytime running lamps and LED technology.
The mechanicals remain unchanged along with the fourmodel line-up of Enjoy and Cosmo trim choices in either manual or automatic. Powering all four derivatives is Opel’s 1.4l four-cylinder turbocharged Ecotec petrol engine, which produces 103kW between 4,900 and 6,000r/min and 200Nm between 1,850 and 4,900r/min.
The 0-100km/h time is reached in a claimed 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 196km/h for the six-speed manual models. For the two models equipped with the sixspeed automatic transmission, the 0-100km/h sprint is achieved in 10.7 seconds and their top speed is 191km/h.
Average fuel economy claims range from 5.9l/100km the Enjoy manual to 6.5l/100km on the Cosmo auto with CO emissions figures varying between 139g/km and 160g/km.
The interior has been revised including new colour scheme options. Also the dashboard architecture from the new Astra has been integrated, for a more modern look and feel, along with improved ergonomics.
The Cosmo now has a highend infotainment system with R4.0 IntelliLink and a driver display — this connectivity package is compatible with a range of media platforms via a USB input and is offered as an option on the Enjoy. Optional on the Cosmo is Navi 900 IntelliLink, which includes a full colour display.
In addition to the optional Navi 900 IntelliLink system, Cosmo owners can upgrade to a premium LED lighting package which adds rear LED clusters and auto-levelling headlights with full Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) technology and integrated cornering lights for maximum safety.
“As predicted when we launched Mokka just over 18 months ago, it has grown into a worthy contender in a segment which is experiencing exponential growth all over the world,” says Dominic Rimmer, GM for product planning at GMSA.
FASHIONABLE
“In SA it has attracted a new kind of buyer to the brand: those who seek a fashionable subcompact SUV which is exciting to drive. With the recent changes which have seen it transform into the Mokka X, there are even more reasons for smart young families to come to Opel. We remain bullish about the Opel brand generally and the product offensive: between 2016 and 2020 the brand will introduce nearly 30 new models worldwide.”
30 The number of new models Opel plans to introduce worldwide between the beginning of 2016 and 2020