Opel Mokka X | Video Review | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 28 March, 2017

Huge improvements to the interior make the Opel Mokka X one of the most comfortable and connected SUVs around

Overview

Overview

Around since 2012, the original Opel Mokka managed to make quite a name for itself in this fiercely cut-throat segment. It's recently been given a slightly new look and an X after its name - which all Opel crossovers will now bear.

The biggest improvements to this model have been inside the cabin, with a much-needed tidying up of the centre console and better integration of the infotainment system.

The chunky, bulky looks and high ground clearance give it a serious road presence and make it look and feel significantly bigger than compact SUV rivals. It is a practical, well-built car with a good level of standard equipment and safety kit.

Interior Gallery

It still passes all the practicality tests its predecessor did. There is a generous boot of 360 litres, decent head and leg room all round, and a typical backseat for a compact crossover that’s more suited to three children rather than three adults.

In the front of the cabin, there’s about 80% less buttons than there was, which can only be a good thing (we didn't know what half of them did anyway),  and that great intellilink system is now in a much better line of sight. The system itself is much easier to use to with faster, better smartphone integration and a more user-friendly touchscreen experience.

The materials used are of decent quality and even the little things like the cupholders and doorbins have been adjusted and offset into more convenient spaces, making for a better day to day driving experience.

Trim levels are impressive with features including air-con, cruise control and Bluetooth as standard across the range. There’s a mid-spec SC trim that will add the touchscreen display, parking sensors and Opel's impressive OnStar assistance service. Topping the range is the Elite which will get all of that plus SatNav, full leather, larger wheels and back-friendly sports seats.

It also carries over the Mokka’s five star NCAP safety rating.

After introducing this impressive 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine last year, the Mokka range is now extended further to include a new generation 1.4-litre Turbo (152PS) petrol unit which first appeared in the Astra.

For those after a bit of offroad capability, the 1.6l CDTi all wheel drive model will return about 60 miles to the gallon (4.7l/100km) and has an annual motor tax bill of €270. The entry level 1.6l petrol is still available and all engines have been designed to reduce noise and vibration for a smooth and relaxing drive.

And that is exactly what you get with the Mokka - its great driving position and supportive seating make it one of the more comfortable motorway cruisers on the market.

Opel reliability has been known to be a bit of a mixed bag, although the Mokka X seems to have escaped any of those niggly software issues that have plagued its siblings. And it's still a German badge so residual values should be reasonably good.

The last Mokka was good if not without a few minor issues – those have been ironed out now and the result is now one of the best all-rounders in the segment.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives