Opel Mokka-e Electric 50 kWh (A) Review

Opel has been putting in quite some effort to expand its range of electric vehicles offered here. Since we last tested the Vivaro-e large van last year, the firm has also introduced the Combo-e compact van, as well as the recently tested Zafira-e Life MPV.

But this Mokka-e could be the most important of them all yet. Thanks to its compact crossover body, it should, in theory, offer not only greater mass market appeal than its stablemates, but will also need to be a very convincing proportion in order to carve out market share in a competitive segment. Is this the electric Opel to get?

Zippy drive

A comparison between the specification sheets of the petrol-powered Mokka and the Mokka-e does not do the latter much favour.

To start, the Mokka-e is asking for a significant $23,000 premium. Then, there's also the fact that despite having nearly identical power outputs, the Mokka-e takes 0.9 seconds longer to complete the century sprint, thanks to its 303kg weight penalty.

Thankfully, you don't really notice the performance gap behind the wheel. A total of 260Nm of instantaneous torque means the Mokka-e still always feels eager to move off, all the way to the highway speed limit. What you do notice however, is a compromised ride quality. The car delivers a fidgety ride, readily admitting all sorts of road imperfections into the cabin. Thankfully, pliancy over bumps is still commendable.

And, cabin insulation from wind and road noise is still high, pairing nicely with a light steering to make the Opel Mokka-e effortless to weave through traffic. You certainly won't rue the fact that Adaptive Cruise Control is absent on this Mokka-e, despite being standard in the Mokka.

Compact body

And if it is a relaxed drive you're after, the cabin of the Opel Mokka-e will also happily oblige.

The seats here are mighty comfortable to sit on, and position you at a commanding perch from which you get to look out onto the rest of traffic. You also get physical buttons for all your major air-conditioning controls, which is a boon when that predominantly black-coloured interior has spent too much time under the sun.

Opel's all digital Pure Panel, which comprises a 10.0-inch infotainment system and a 12.0-inch instrument cluster, also works a treat.

Navigating the former is easy thanks to the aid of physical menu buttons, and information from the latter is presented in a clear and uncluttered manner, although you will have to dig fairly deep into the infotainment system to customise it.

Space for four in the Opel Mokka-e is also decent, but you'll want to warn passengers about the low roofline as they make their way into the second row, and to also watch out for the tall door sills as they are stepping out.

Irresistible appeal

With a tested energy consumption rate of 6.0km/kWh and a 50kWh battery, you should be able to clock close to 300km between charges in this Opel Mokka-e.

An asking price of $174,500 meanwhile, places the Mokka-e quite comfortably against its all-electric rivals including the MG ZS, which comes with a 44.5kWh battery and a $79,888 asking price before COE.

Alternatively, there's also the Hyundai Kona, which can be yours from $174,888, although at this price you'll have to make do with a 39.2kWh battery (all prices as of 14 September 2022).

But with its responsive drive and impressive cabin, this Mokka-e shouldn't have any issues drawing more into the Opel brand.

Shopping for an electric crossover? There's also these alternatives to consider:

The Kia Niro electric is practical, comfortable and easy to use

The Volvo XC40 Recharge electric meanwhile, packs plenty of power into a nondescript exterior

The Mercedes-Benz EQA delivers high on badge appeal and exciting design

There's also the Lexus UX300e, which is easy to drive and mighty comfortable

Catch more of this zippy little crossover in our video review as well!