2015 Opel Mokka Crossover Review

High-riding Opel Mokka is a good family alternative.

The small crossover marketplace has boomed over the past few years and Opel’s Mokka exemplifies why. A high driving position, good suspension for poor roads and near supermini levels of running costs make them a desirable all-round buy. The Mokka wasn’t the first to come along, but it’s a good, if expensive to buy, choice.

Review

What is it?
Opel calls the Mokka a compact SUV. We’re not so sure about that definition, as only a handful of Mokkas will be bought with four-wheel drive, but the stance is off-road, even if the ability perhaps isn’t. Small, but tall, like its Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur contemporaries, the Mokka’s all about rugged looks and the promise of practicality, in a supermini-sized parking place. Four trims and three engines choices start from €21,000, with the lowest emitting 1.6 CDTi EcoFlex having a 109g/km CO2 figure.    

What is it like?
The Mokka’s a good car, hampered slightly by its positioning. Opel prices it a bit higher than its rivals, being more Skoda Yeti in its cost than Nissan Juke. It’s nicely built though, almost living up to Opel’s ‘premium’ billing. To drive it’s fairly ordinary, but then that’s true of the competition as well. The diesel is much improved with greater refinement and it’s the economy champ, but if you can afford a slight hit on tax the 1.4T petrol’s a good bet, too.   

Carzone verdict: 3.5/5
The Mokka’s a good contender in the crossover marketplace, which would be better still if it were priced a little bit lower. Solid build, sharp styling and a decent level of standard equipment from the entry-level S model up, though the SC adds alloy wheels and USB/iPod/Bluetooth connection to the mix. SE does feature satnav and leather, but the SC is the best all-round proposition, ideally with the 1.6-litre turbodiesel for maximum economy and minimum emissions.