BY Declan Glynn
The new Opel Mokka-e is one of the newest entrants into the electric crossover/compact SUV market, and it brings with it stylish looks, a comfortable drive and low running costs.
This is the second-generation Opel Mokka, but it shares little more than its name with its predecessor. Following on from the Corsa supermini and Vivaro van, the Mokka is the third model in the Opel line-up to be offered with a fully-electric powertrain, while being credited with being the first Opel to use the striking ‘Vizor’ front design.
As with the Corsa, the Mokka compact SUV aims to give buyers as much choice as possible, because the Mokka-e is sold alongside petrol and diesel variants.
Having recently driven and reviewed the new Mokka SRI in 1.2-litre petrol guise, I was impressed by how grown-up and versatile the new Mokka is. The motor, battery pack and platform in the Mokka-e are all familiar, as these components are found under the Corsa, as well as the Peugeot e-208/e-2008, the new Citroën e-C4 and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. As with these models, there is a 134bhp electric motor driving the front wheels, and a 50kWh battery is located under the floor between the front and rear axles.
The new Mokka possesses a flair and presence that immediately mark it out as being extraordinary and unlike anything else on the road, while a selection of visually distinctive alloy wheel options and a range of striking colours provide multiple customisation options – including a dynamic selection of colour options for the roof and bonnet. From the ‘Opel Vizor’ at the front, to the ‘floating roof’ architecture that flows in a single clean gesture to frame the side windows, the exterior design of the new Mokka is purposeful, distinctive and perfectly proportioned, while carefully-positioned ‘e’ badging sets the Mokka-e apart from its conventionally-powered siblings.
The new Opel Mokka is 129mm shorter than its predecessor, but its wheels have been pushed right out to the corners, so the gap between them is a few millimetres longer than before, which translates into greater interior space and occupant comfort.
It is also wider and lower for a more ground-hugging appearance, without sacrificing its SUV credentials. Opel has brought the new Mokka into the digital age with two large, high-resolution displays that are housed within a wide, sweeping dash panel. The large expanse of piano-black plastic trim provides the Mokka with an upmarket look, while overall cabin build quality is excellent.
Available in SRI and Elite trim levels, the new Opel Mokka-e comes generously equipped no matter which trim is chosen. Common features include a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, a full complement of LED front and rear lights, DAB radio, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Opel Connect, 17” alloy wheels, high beam assist, electric mirrors, panoramic rear view camera, rear parking sensors, electronic climate control and a host of advanced safety systems.
Upgrading to Elite trim adds jet-black leather upholstery, driver’s seat massage function, grey roof headliner, 17” bi-colour alloy wheels, solar absorbing windows, and side window mouldings with a bright chrome roof line and black belt line finisher.
My Mokka-e Elite review car looked very stylish in its Matcha Green metallic paintwork with a contrasting black roof, mirror covers, and wheel-arch and body moldings. Producing 134bhp and 260Nm of instant torque, the Mokka-e can complete a 0-100km/h sprint in just 8.7-seconds. To achieve that figure, the car must be in ‘Sport’ mode, as it is only in this setting where the driver is able to access the electric motor’s full power output. Sport mode also makes the throttle more responsive, but it does come at the expense of predicted battery range. Eco mode performs the opposite function by softening acceleration and reducing power to boost range.
However, in everyday driving, Normal mode will be the preferred choice for many drivers. Brake regeneration is operated by way of a button located beside the automatic gear control lever, and it is a very effective way to reduce speed and increase battery range at the same time.
With a range of up to 324km’s from a full battery, the Mokka-e is an easy car to live with on a daily basis, with a 30-minute charge time achievable (15% to 80%) at a public rapid charger.
A standard domestic wall box charger can charge the battery from 0%-100% in just over seven and a half hours, so charging the car overnight will be the preferred choice for most owners.
Pricing for the Opel Mokka-e starts at just €33,038 (SRI), with the range-topping Elite model priced at €34,444 (inclusive of a VRT rebate and SEAI grant for private buyers – t’s & c’s apply). Opel’s comprehensive 3-year warranty and 8-year roadside assistance package comes as standard.
Citroën reinvent the Hatchback – C4 & ë-C4
Citroën Ireland have announced details of their all new C4 and Ë-C4. The C4 sits in the C-Hatchback segment but offers much more than the traditional hatchback thanks to best-in-class height, ground clearance, seat height position and interior legroom versus competitors.
With similar dimensions to some B-SUV competitors, this C4 reinvents the hatchback segment and acquires true crossover claim. Available in petrol, diesel and all electric; the New C4 has arrived in Ireland and is now on sale from €24,740. The Ë-C4 is the first fully electric passenger car available from Citroën in Ireland and offers a 350km WLTP range while customers can also avail of a free home charge point when they switch to Energia thanks to a new initiative launched by the French brand.
In terms of specification, there are four grades available; Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack. In addition to Progressive Hydraulic Cushions and Advanced Comfort Seats, the entry level Feel grade comes with an impressive level of specification as standard including 18” Alloys, Automatic LED Headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Rear parking sensors and camera, Lane keep assist and Automatic air conditioning.
The Feel Pack adds Citroën Connect Nav, Citroën ConnectedCam, Citroën Smart Pad support and Head up display. Flair gains Diamond cut alloys, Speed sign recognition, Blind spot detection, Front parking sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless entry & start while the range topping Flair Pack adds the EAT8 gearbox as standard, Citroën HiFi System, Leather interior, Heated seats and Highway driver assist. Unique to the Ë–C4, standard equipment includes a mode 3 charging cable for on street charging while the My Citroën app allows for pre-condition of cabin temperature and remote charging options.
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