New Models
New Models

Full range of 2021 Opel and Vauxhall Mokka twins revealed overseas

New compact SUV switches to PSA Group platform and powertrains as the German and British divisions hit full stride under French ownership


Opel and Vauxhall have revealed their petrol and diesel powered variants of the Mokka SUV range, filling out the range alongside the Mokka-e electric version.

Following in the footsteps of the Corsa hatch, the design of internal combustion and electric versions has been kept the same. A design initiative also seen of the related Peugeot 208 hatch and 2008 SUV.

The newest release also adds a slightly sportier GS trim for Opel versions or SRi variant for the Vauxhall range.

Under the bonnet, a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engines provides motivation in two states of tune, either 74kW and 205Nm or 96kw and 230Nm.

The low-output engine pairs with a six-speed manual, while high-output models come with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Acceleration for the base engine is indicated at “around eleven seconds” from 0-100km/h, while the 96kW trims that to 9.2 seconds for the manual.

Fuel consumption, based on the NEDC cycle rather than the less-forgiving new WLTP test cycle is 4.6L/100km for the 74kW engine or 4.5 (manual) and 4.8L/100km (auto) for the 96kW version.

A 1.5-litre diesel with 81kW and 250Nm, matched to a six-speed manual reports 3.8L/100km consumption, with acceleration given only as “lively”.

The electric Mokka-e provides 100kW and 260Nm outputs with up to 322 kilometres of range from a 50kWh battery.

While the first-generation Mokka also sold as the Buick Encore, General Motors’ sale of the Euro brands to Peugeot-Citroen’s parent company, Groupe PSA, as seen the Encore split to its own stand-alone model.

The Encore’s styling keeps some similarities to the Mokka, but uses a GM platform and engines.

Opel’s Mokka, meanwhile, rides on a version of the PSA Common Modular Platform, or CMP architecture, which also underpins the second-generation Peugeot 208 and 2008, Opel Corsa, and new Citroen C4, with the flexibility to house electric and internal combustion engines.

The new CMP structure means the Mokka is 125mm shorter than the model it replaces, at 4150mm overall, but rides atop a wheelbase almost the same as before – now 2557mm, up 2mm.

At the rear the Mokke prodes a generous 350L of cargo space, while overall vehicle weight for petrol and diesel engine drops by a reported 120kg. Official kerb weight isn't supplied, but based on the previous model’s stats, that hints at a lithe figure of around 1173kg.

Unlike the previous Mokka X, the new platform doesn’t support all-wheel drive, so the new Mokka sticks to front-wheel drive only.

Externally the Mokka picks up Opel and Vauxhall's Vizor brand face, with a wide upper-infill panel in gloss black situated where a grille would traditionally sit.

The new GS and SRi trims come with red highlights for the alloy wheels and a redline trim that traces the upper window line from the base of the A-pillar, along the roof, and down to the base of the C-pillar.

Both marques feature a black roof, but Vauxhall keeps a body-coloured bonnet, while Opel runs the two-tone treatment further with a black bonnet. Darkened external badging, red interior trims and Alcantara seats also feature for the GS and SRi twins.

On the inside the Opel-Vauxhall brand identity is reinforced with a Pure Panel instrument cluster, featuring a side-by-side 12-inch digital instrument and 7.0-inch or 10-inch infotainment displays with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Small carry-over design elements survive from the GM era, with familiar five-way steering-wheel button modules and rocker switches for audio and cruise controls.

On the centre stack, chrome-ringed volume and climate controls also hark back to Mokka's past, avoiding the screen-only inputs favoured by Peugeot and Citroen.

Eagle-eyed spotters may also note the exterior images show Vauxhall's newest logo while the steering wheel sticks to the past design. Click any of the images for a full gallery of additional images to see more.

Technology inclusions see the latest version of Opel’s IntelliLux LED matrix headlights join features like AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, with stop and go functionality for the automatic, active lane positioning, auto park assist, and 180-degree reverse camera.

For now Peugeot and Citroen’s Australian distributor as said the Opel and Vauxhall brands, along with Citroen’s luxury division, DS Automobiles, aren’t likely to see a local return any time soon.

To the end of July, Peugeot and Citroen sold 1245 and 108 vehicles respectively, meaning Mokka’s segment competitors, Mazda CX-3 (7501 sales) and Hyundai Venue (1959 sales) have done better from a single model line each than PSA’s all-model count in Australia.

If the package and performance appeal to you though, Peugeot does have the closely related 2008 (pictured below) set for a local launch later in 2020.

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Kez Casey

Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.

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