Holden SUV to take on Opel clone

Opel says Mokka is introducing new technologies for B-segment SUVs.

The Koreans have taken the lead, the Japanese have returned, and the One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newbies sure to be a hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its chief executive that made the biggest impact when America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

General Motors compares its Opel Mokka SUV to the Buick Encore Holden version. Encore debuted yesterday at GM's booth at the Detroit auto show, while Opel made a less dramatic statement in a press release.

Both cars share the same Corsa/Barina platform and engines. However, in Australia, the Opel Mokka will become a stable model alongside the Astra as Opel strengthens its local marketing program.

Opel is launching the mid-size Insignia sedan and station wagon, the Corsa subcompact car and the Astra from July this year. The Mokka will join the lineup in early 2013, probably around the same time Holden Encore makes its showroom debut.

Opel claims to be the first German manufacturer to launch a competitor in the growing subcompact SUV segment. It says that, despite its length of 4.28 m, the SUV can accommodate five adults "in command position."

The Mokka will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Engines will be from the Corsa and Astra, including a naturally aspirated 85kW 1.6-litre petrol engine; 103 kW/200 Nm 1.4-liter turbo-petrol engine; and a 93-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 300 kW / 1.7 Nm.

They all come with a six-speed manual transmission with start-stop technology, while the 1.4 and 1.7 models can be fitted with a six-speed automatic.

Opel says Mokka is introducing new technologies for B-segment SUVs. These include driver assistance technologies such as the "Opel Eye" front camera system and rear view camera.

Mokka is equipped with ergonomic seats certified by AGR, Aktion Gesunder Rucken, a German expert organization for a healthy back.

Like other Opel station wagons, the Mokka can be equipped with the latest generation of fully integrated Flex-Fix bike carriers. The three-bike carrier is a box that slides out flush under the rear bumper when not in use.

Opel Australia says the Mokka will be available at international Opel dealerships from late 2012, with details and confirmation of an Australian release to be confirmed at a later date.