An elderly gentleman asked me, “I am ready to buy my last, and a compact SUV – which brands or cars should be on my short list?” I suggested Suzuki, Toyota and Nissan. But then, at the time, I had not had the opportunity to drive the new Mokka, and it sure needs to be on that list! I’ll be 110% content with owning and driving one, for the rest of my days – it is a stunning well-sorted vehicle!

Exterior

Available in two derivatives: the Elegance and GS Line. I drove the latter. The exterior design is utterly modern, dynamic and emotional. The sharp edges do not overwhelm the senses and that bonnet design, even from inside the car synchronises perfectly with the headlight cluster and grille rendering a broad, confident and masculine design – I absolutely love it!

That rear end is infinitely attractive and powerful with everything in between presenting a cohesive and balanced design. And sitting on 17″ rubber – well, it certainly adds ground clearance and sportiness. The finish and fit on this car presents artisan-like quality.

Interior

It is dark and sober and incorporates two large screens, but and I enjoyed Opel’s description of the latter: “It presents great emphasis on digital detox”. Agreed – there is no information overload or distracting displays – just easy access and management of the info that you need at a particular moment.

I got into the driver’s seat – took a deep breath – put my hands on the steering – paused my thoughts and I just knew that this car will deliver what it promises. This, even before I started the engine. And it did!

The Mokka GS Line boasts with forward collision warning, automatic emergency breaking and pedestrian detection among other technologies inclusive of adaptive cruise control.

Driving performance

The Mokka is kitted with a 1.2-litre Turbo engine delivering 96kW which is directed to the front wheels via a superb 8-speed automatic gearbox. The latter is geared towards low internal friction which responses well with turbo technology.

Now 96kW may not sound like a lot but, it is the technology that comes with it, that makes for a perfectly balanced, responsive drive.

The suspension is quite firm but surprisingly absorbing and this makes for a confident driving experience even one leans on the accelerator just a tad. Fuel consumption on my drive indexed at 6.6litre/100km. Opel suggests 6.1 for the combined cycle but I am sure that once you’ve added some kilometers, a figure of between 5 and 6litre/100km, will be possible.

Conclusion

What makes this car a joy to drive though is the cohesiveness between the various technologies – its power response and the emotional connection it generates with the driver and passengers. Go drive it!

Photos: QuickPic

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