World Premiere Opel Mokka SUV: Compact in Size, Big in Attitude
03/06/2012
Opel
Opel presents its Mokka sub-compact SUV for the first time at its world premiere at the 82. International Geneva Motor Show on March 6, 2012. With the new dynamic sub compact Mokka sports utility vehicle, Opel is the first German manufacturer to launch a contender in the growing sub-compact SUV segment, entirely in line with this year's show motto "Driving into the Future".
Despite its 4.28 meter measurement, the Mokka generously accommodates five people in a commanding position. It also delivers on Opel's promise to combine attractive design with innovative technologies and upmarket functionalities, making them accessible to a wider segment of customers.
"The Opel Mokka takes its strengths from traditional, larger SUVs and fits them into a modern compact format," says Opel CEO Karl-Friedrich Stracke. "The Mokka extends Opel's vehicle line and continues the momentum we've built up over the last few years with our strong product offensive. It also energizes the new SUV B-segment that is predicted to grow considerably over the next years."
Dynamic driving experience and lifestyle
The Opel Mokka blends functionality and a comfortable, high seating position with a flavor of adventure. The driving dynamics of the Mokka have been tailored to the needs of urban life with all the advantages of off-road capability. This is why apart from front-wheel drive (FWD), the Mokka can be fitted with an all-wheel drive (AWD) technology for better traction and handling. The AWD technology is efficient, clever and affordable as it allows the Mokka to switch from a robust urban SUV to a competent off-roader.
In high grip driving conditions such as asphalted roads, the Mokka is in the FWD mode with all the torque on the front wheels. This helps to ensure good fuel economy. However, in order to enhance the ride experience and handling, torque is seamlessly shifted from the front to the rear axle depending on traction or driving situations On very slippery roads, the torque distribution between front and rear is up to 50-50. Overall, the driver benefits from a system that adapts automatically to the prevalent road conditions. The entire AWD system only weighs 65 kilograms so that fuel economy remains efficient.
Wide Choice of Powertrains
Power is provided by three efficient engines. All manual transmissions are equipped with the fuel saving Opel Start/Stop system. The gasoline offer comprises an 85 kW/115 hp, 1.6 liter naturally-aspirated engine as well as a 103 kW/140 hp 1.4 l Turbo with 200 Nm of torque. On the diesel side, there is a 93 kw/130 hp 1.7 CDTI turbo diesel with 300 Nm of torque that offers high fuel economy and low emissions. The 1.7 CDTI is available either with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The 1.4 Turbo will initially be available with the same manual transmission but later on also with an automatic transmission.
Unparalleled Opel technologies now in SUV-B segment
The Mokka introduces new state-of-the-art technologies to the SUV B-segment, such as a string of Driver Assistance Systems based on the Opel Eye front camera system, as well as a rear view camera. It gives the driver access to several functions including Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and the second generation of Traffic Sign Recognition system (TSR II) which now recognizes even more EU and non-EU traffic signs including rectangular signs and dynamic LED displays.
Parking is made easier with further optional kit that includes a rear view camera and park assist sensors for the front and rear. No other member of the SUV-B segment can boast this array. Furthermore, the Opel Mokka carries ergonomic seating that has been certified by AGR - the German healthy back expert organization "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V". The four-way adjustable driver seat is the first time AGR has approved seats in the SUV-B segment with its seal. The newly designed ergonomic seats had to meet a list of ten criteria including four-way lordosis support and that the seatback contours had to adapt exactly to the natural curvature of the spine. The rear bench in the Mokka can be split in a ratio of 60/40, providing a flat floor.
Additionally, the loading capacity of the Mokka can be complimented with the new generation rear bicycle carrier Flex-Fix - which perfectly supports an active lifestyle. Opel is the only manufacturer to offer such a system. The user-friendly carrier is fully integrated in the rear, functions like a drawer and can accommodate up to three bicycles at a time. The integrated, user-friendly system allows easy access to the tailgate even with the bicycles on the carrier.
With all these features, the Mokka has been designed for people with active and refined lifestyles. This is also reflected in its name which is inspired by the small, round coffee beans of the prestigious Coffea Arabica variety. Mocha-based coffee beverages are sophisticated and cultivated, rich in character and full of energy. Just like them, the Opel Mokka is compact whilst big in attitude.
Bold SUV design combined with refined functionality
With the Mokka, Opel's design philosophy of blending "sculptural artistry with German precision" finds a new expression in the sub-compact SUV segment. The Opel Mokka displays a bold attitude with sculpted and elegant traits while retaining a sporty edge with muscular and athletic body lines. The pronounced front grille, the protective cladding around the bumpers and wheel arches are energized by Opel's typical "blade" on the bodyside that sweeps upwards to the rear. The Mokka's sporty character is also re-enforced by its higher ground clearance which also makes it suitable for gravel roads, as well as its 1540 mm wide tracks. Its looks are further enhanced by 18" alloy wheels which are standard in the Enjoy and Cosmo trim levels. In this size, the wheels make strong statement and underscore the Mokka's bold and robust appearance. No other manufacturer in the SUV-B segment offers the 18" as standard. 19" wheels will be added to the list of possible options later on.
In the interior, the new Mokka clearly reflect Opel's design philosophy "sculptural artistry meets German precision" as well. The sculptural character is captured through the signature wing-shaped instrument panel and the artfully sculpted surfaces in the doors.
Typical Opel values such as versatility and user-friendly functionality are also visible: from the dual glove box configuration of the instrument panel, the closed storage in the tunnel console to the deep lower pockets in both the front and rear doors. With up to 1,372 liter of loading space and up to 19 storage locations, the functional needs of families have been clearly accounted for.
More exclusive safety and comfort technologies
Standard features that enhance driving comfort and safety across all Mokka versions include the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Traction Control (TC) as well as the Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems - which improve driving comfort and safety in uphill or downhill terrain.
The Traction Control function is essentially an electronic limited slip differential which improves handling, especially in tight corners, when the vehicle needs to maintain grip.
The HSA function boosts driving comfort by helping the driver when the vehicle needs to take off on a hill. The HSA stops the vehicle from rolling backwards even after the service brake has been released. The HDC appliance is very useful in the reverse scenario when the vehicle is descending down a steep hill. The driver can determine and limit the speed at which the vehicle is supposed to descend. The automated speed control means that the driver does not need to apply the brakes.
Rich and refined, the Opel Mokka makes start-of-the-art upmarket technologies available to the SUV B-segment. The Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) which increases driving safety is based on the 3rd generation Bi-Xenon lighting system. The main functions of AFL+ are country light, motorway light, town light, pedestrian light, adverse weather light, increased high beam, static bending light, dynamic bending light, daytime running light with LED and High Beam Assist. The latter adjusts the high beams automatically so that following or oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Generous standard kit and upmarket trim levels
Apart from the basic "Essentia" trim level, customers can choose from the upmarket "Enjoy" which includes a long list of premium features as standard, for example 18" alloy wheels, manual air conditioning and Radio CD with Bluetooth connectivity as standard. The more sophisticated "Cosmo" trim package contains even more premium items as standard such as the park assist at the front and the rear, as well as dual zone air conditioning and combined leather and fabric seat trim. Features like chrome door handles in combination with several chrome inserts plus wheels with a darker finish add a further touch of luxury to the vehicle.
The Opel Mokka will be available at Opel dealerships end of 2012.