A constant top ten seller in Britain, the Mokka, which has posted strong sales since its local launch two years ago, adopts a more aggressive frontal appearance consisting of a new bumper and grille, angular looking lights with daytime running LED's, and squared off foglight clusters. Changes at the rear are less substantial and mainly includes new LED lights and a revised bumper.
Available as an option, the Mokka can also be had with Opel's Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFD) LED system, that adapts to the prevailing driving conditions by automatically adjusting the headlight patterns to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Similar to the Matrix IntelliLux LED lights that debuted on the new Astra, the Mokka X's AFD also swivels when going around a corner to avoid potential dangers.
Inside, the much lamented button festooned dash and outdated infotainment display makes way for a cleaner more minimalist finish, with pride of place going to a seven-inch Intellilink R4.0 touchscreen system, or, in the case of higher spec model, an eight-inch Navi 900 setup incorporating satellite navigation and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspots.
As well as being both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, the latter also offers maps of 30 European countries that can be viewed in either two or 3D. The system also features the latest version of parent company General Motors' OnStar service assistant, which now automatically deploys the airbags in the event of an accident.
Model-wise, the Mokka X will be offered in a choice of four trims levels; Active, Design Nav, Elite and Elite Nav, with motivation coming from two petrol and one single turbodiesel engine.
Starting off, the base normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol makes 85 kW and 155 N.m of torque, while the familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged EcoFLEX from the outgoing Mokka again churns out 103 kW and 200 N.m of torque. A five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive is standard fare on the 1.6, while the 1.4 adds a extra ratio and the option of an automatic gearbox, as well as all-wheel drive.
Completing the petrol line-up, the new direct injection 1.4-litre turbo produces 112 kW and 240 N.m of torque, with all-wheel drive and the aforementioned six-speed auto being the only drivetrain option.
Unlikely for South Africa given our diesel quality, diesel power comes from Opel's so-called "whisper" 1.6-litre CDTi, which produces 81 kW and 300 N.m of torque, and 100 kW and 320 N.m respectively. A six-speed manual is standard on both model with a six-speed auto and all-wheel drive available on the latter.
Although South African spec remains unknown, expect the Mokka X to continue with the former 1.4-mill in front wheel drive only with the manual or auto box. Local pricing will likely command a premium over that of the UK which starts at £17 590 (R334 341).
IMAGE sourced from netcarshow.com
