Opel Mokka X - redhead is not always evil
Recent years have been a real flood of SUVs and crossovers in the automotive market. The prevailing opinion that these types of cars are safer and more comfortable means that every brand has at least one competitor in this league. The same goes for Opel, which introduced the first Mokka in 2012. In autumn it was replaced by a new variety with the symbol X.
Mokka X is a representative of the growing B segment of urban crossovers. Because of its compact dimensions, it easily fits into crowded cities. However, increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive means that driving on paved roads is no longer an owner's dream. Of course, you can’t call the Mokka X an SUV, but it can handle a forest road, gravel, mud or snow without any problems. We will especially feel this in winter, when the roads are often covered with slush or the surface has simply not been seen by a snowplow for a long time.
"Old" genes
General Motors engineers in the design of the Mokka X clearly based on its predecessor. The car is still quite round, but the numerous sharp details make it look much better. Compared to its predecessor, the X model features redesigned bumpers, a more distinctive grille and LED headlights, giving the Mokka X an interesting flair. Of course, the unusual color also works in favor of the test specimen. The brand describes it as "metallic amber orange". In practice it is more of an orange-reddish-mustard shade. It must be admitted that in such an edition it is difficult not to notice the Mokka X in the city stream, although if it were in gray and mouse colors, hardly anyone would notice it.
ENGINE
Under the hood of the tested “red” Mokka X was a 1.6 CDTi diesel, which can also be found in other Opel cars, such as the Insignia or Astra. 136 horsepower may not roll asphalt under the wheels every time you turn on a traffic light, but still surprisingly dynamic. The maximum torque of 320 Nm is available from 2000 rpm. Mokka X accelerates to 100 km / h in 10,3 seconds, and the speedometer needle stops at around 188 km / h.
In practice, we can say that while the Mokka X does not have excess power, it accelerates very smoothly. Even at higher speeds, a low gear is enough to make the red-haired Opel accelerate rapidly, joyfully shifting into gear. When driving around the city, it is difficult to meet so often in the case of diesel units the so-called "Turbo lag".
Despite the satisfactory dynamics, the car does not differ in high fuel consumption. In the city, fuel consumption is about 6-6,5 liters, and the catalog data promises 5 liters, so the result can be considered close. Sending Mokka X on a long journey, the on-board computer will show a flow rate of 5,5-5,8 l / 100 km. The fuel tank capacity is 52 liters, so we can go very far on one gas station.
Thanks to all-wheel drive, when we say far, we mean really far! Of course, no one in their right mind will take the Mokka X to swampy crossings, and with Patrols and other Pajeros, it will be waist-deep in mud. However, it handles mud or deep snow very well.
"Show Opel what's inside"
Perhaps the life motto of Opel engineers is “small is beautiful”. Where does this assumption come from? If you have poor eyesight, it is best not to approach the center console without a magnifying glass. There are a lot of buttons, to put it mildly, and their small size does not make it easy to find the necessary functions. The fact is that the system is quite intuitive, but pressing tiny buttons while driving is not the easiest task in the world.
While the inflated body won't be to everyone's taste, all you have to do is sit inside to appreciate the Mokka X's small filigree shapes. There's surprisingly plenty of room above passengers' heads. On the second row of seats, too, no one should complain about the lack of space. Even if we put three adults next to each other.
While the predecessor Mokka X didn't seem sophisticated, the current generation is breaking away completely from that image. Especially in the case of the Elite version of the hardware, which we had the pleasure of testing. The interior was done very well. From the doorway we are greeted by very comfortable armchairs with soft leather upholstery. In addition, to ensure the most comfortable travel, they can be adjusted in literally all possible planes, including raising and lengthening the part of the seat under the knees. It will definitely be appreciated by tall people. Leather trim also got door panels and a fragment of the dashboard. Elegance is added by brushed metal inserts that run through the entire interior of the car: from the clock frame, through the door handles to the inserts on the dashboard. Thanks to them, the interior, despite the fact that it is very dark (we can also find tinted windows at the back), does not seem gloomy.
Opel Mokka X boasts a significant amount of storage compartments. We find one large pocket each in the driver and passenger doors and additional smaller compartments under the handles (for example, for coins). There is also a central storage compartment between the seatbacks and another one next to the cup holders as standard. In front of the gear lever you will find a place for keys or a phone, and in it (more precisely above it) a socket, a USB input and a 12V socket. However, in order to target the appropriate plug with the cable, you have to be very flexible. Without bending into the "Chinese eight", we are more likely not to notice them, and getting a USB cable "in the dark" is almost a miracle.
Speaking of storage compartments, it is impossible not to mention the trunk. This one could be a bit bigger, especially if we are planning a family trip. The minimum boot volume is 356 liters. With the rear seatbacks folded down, the space increases to 1372 liters, which makes it possible to transport even bulky items.
Opel Onstar
Opel Mokka X in the Elite version is equipped with an 8-inch display with navigation and the ability to display the smartphone screen. In addition, there is an OnStar system through which we can contact a kind of “customer service center”. The lady "on the other side" can not only give us an address to navigate, but also find the nearest restaurant or bring the cinema's repertoire closer for the evening.
Who to go, back ... bike
Mokka X is a car for active people. Anyone who does not leave city highways more than twice a year - at Christmas to relatives and on vacation - is unlikely to need a raised body and all-wheel drive. However, if Mokka X becomes a member of an active family, she should do a pretty good job in this role.
For example, you had a spontaneous idea to go on a bike weekend in Bieszczady or Mazury with your family. And the difficulties begin ... Because the trunk needs to be found / bought / installed, and the trunk is also roof rails (which you lent to your brother-in-law half a year ago). Or maybe a trunk holder? And so on and so forth… Sometimes we come up with an interesting idea, but when “complications” are turned on, spontaneity quickly evaporates, and the idea goes to the bottom of the proverbial box.
Well, Mokka X is ready to realize such plans. Would you like to take a bike? Here you are! You take a bike! All thanks to the “box” that extends from the rear bumper. This is nothing more than a factory made bike holder (three pieces can be carried with the optional adapter). However, there is a small problem. When it comes to the design of this hanger, origami is a breeze... The strange combination of plastic and metal handles can be intimidating at first. However, it is enough to make friends with the instruction manual in order to install the bikes in the right place after some time.
What one word can describe the Opel Mokka X? Friendly. As strange as it may sound, this is a car that is extremely friendly to drivers and passengers. It has a very spacious interior, the appearance of a 1.6 century crossover and an economical engine. And at the same time prone to weekend trips, making life easier for us with a built-in bike rack and all-wheel drive. The price of the tested Opel Mokka X with the 136 CDTi engine with 4 horsepower, six-speed manual gearbox, 4x101 drive and in the Elite version is 950 1.5 zlotys. Whatever you say, the amount is not small. However, we will buy the basic version (115 Ecotec, 72 hp, Essentia version) for 450 zł.
