Local distributor for Opel, Auto Germany, has been keeping busy this year. First, it launched the award-winning Astra five-door hatchback back in June. The alluring Adam urban-chic city car followed two months later.
Now, it has brought Opel's smallest Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), the Mokka X, to our shores to compete in one of Singapore's most hotly contested car segments.
A successor to the first generation Mokka, which was one of Opel's best-selling models overseas, the 'X' marks a new departure for the automaker.
In the future, the 'X' badge will be carried on all SUV and crossover models in the family.
With Singapore's love for compact and stylish SUVs showing no signs of slowing down, it only makes sense that Auto Germany cashes in on the craze by throwing the new Mokka X into the SUV mix.
It will go against cars like the popular Honda HR-V and the Nissan Qashqai 1.2, which continue to dominate a segment where drivers are driven towards style and design.
What is the Mokka X?
The Mokka X is being marketed as a compact SUV that combines stylish looks and a lively performance. It also fills the missing link in Opel's range of models available here. In terms of looks and appeal, the new Mokka X fits the part of the fun city compact SUV.
Priced at $122,888 (as of 22nd December 2016), it is slightly more expensive than both its aforementioned Japanese counterparts.
Now, it has brought Opel's smallest Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), the Mokka X, to our shores to compete in one of Singapore's most hotly contested car segments.
A successor to the first generation Mokka, which was one of Opel's best-selling models overseas, the 'X' marks a new departure for the automaker.
In the future, the 'X' badge will be carried on all SUV and crossover models in the family.
With Singapore's love for compact and stylish SUVs showing no signs of slowing down, it only makes sense that Auto Germany cashes in on the craze by throwing the new Mokka X into the SUV mix.
It will go against cars like the popular Honda HR-V and the Nissan Qashqai 1.2, which continue to dominate a segment where drivers are driven towards style and design.
What is the Mokka X?
The Mokka X is being marketed as a compact SUV that combines stylish looks and a lively performance. It also fills the missing link in Opel's range of models available here. In terms of looks and appeal, the new Mokka X fits the part of the fun city compact SUV.
Priced at $122,888 (as of 22nd December 2016), it is slightly more expensive than both its aforementioned Japanese counterparts.
The Mokka X features Opel's distinctive new wing-shaped horizontal front grille and double wing signature LED daytime running lights, as well as its much-lauded 136bhp and 320Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre 'Whisper Diesel' engine.
This also happens to be the only engine variant available here.
How does it fit our local motoring landscape?
Singaporeans haven't quite warmed up to diesel engines despite the fact that they deliver more torque compared to their petrol counterparts. We reckon that's the first hurdle the Mokka X has to get over.
The second is that because of its power output of 136bhp, the Mokka X will be slapped with a Category B Certificate of Entitlement premium. Its peers such as the Honda HR-V, the Nissan Qashqai 1.2 and the Suzuki Vitara, on the other hand, remain to be Category A segment cars.
However, if you can get over the local stigma attached to diesel engines, and pry yourself away from Singapore's herd mentality, you'll be buying a car that has more peak torque than its petrol-powered competitors.
This also happens to be the only engine variant available here.
How does it fit our local motoring landscape?
Singaporeans haven't quite warmed up to diesel engines despite the fact that they deliver more torque compared to their petrol counterparts. We reckon that's the first hurdle the Mokka X has to get over.
The second is that because of its power output of 136bhp, the Mokka X will be slapped with a Category B Certificate of Entitlement premium. Its peers such as the Honda HR-V, the Nissan Qashqai 1.2 and the Suzuki Vitara, on the other hand, remain to be Category A segment cars.
However, if you can get over the local stigma attached to diesel engines, and pry yourself away from Singapore's herd mentality, you'll be buying a car that has more peak torque than its petrol-powered competitors.
On the inside, the Mokka X is just as up-to-date as its rivals. Equipped with modern-day accoutrements like a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB connection with iPod control and dual-zone electronic climate control, everyone in the family can travel in comfort.
How does the Mokka X size up to its competitors?
In terms of practicality, the Mokka X doesn't have as big a boot compared to its peers. With the rear seats up, its 356-litre luggage space is 114 litres less than the HR-V, 74 litres less than the Qashqai, and 19 litres less than the Vitara.
If it's any consolation, the 60:40 split rear seats offer 1,372 litres of storage when folded down, but this would mean you will only be able to sit yourself and one other passenger.
Compared to the understated and well-made cabin of its aforementioned peers, the Mokka X has a bit more hard plastic on its dashboard.
How does the Mokka X size up to its competitors?
In terms of practicality, the Mokka X doesn't have as big a boot compared to its peers. With the rear seats up, its 356-litre luggage space is 114 litres less than the HR-V, 74 litres less than the Qashqai, and 19 litres less than the Vitara.
If it's any consolation, the 60:40 split rear seats offer 1,372 litres of storage when folded down, but this would mean you will only be able to sit yourself and one other passenger.
Compared to the understated and well-made cabin of its aforementioned peers, the Mokka X has a bit more hard plastic on its dashboard.
There are some soft touch finishes here and there, but it all feels a bit hotchpotch, with lots of different materials chucked together.Spot the X
Negotiate your way around town traffic in the Mokka X, and the car rides and handles like a conventional hatchback. Its power-assisted steering however is light, which may leave some car buyers guessing what the front wheels are doing.
Around bends, the car's suspension keeps body control in check, but it doesn't ride well over bumps. That said, the Mokka X is at least easy to drive and operate.
We suspect there won't be many on the roads, so you're likely to stand out if you decide to own one. We say this because the Mokka X's price tag can easily fetch you household SUV staples like the HR-V, the Qashqai or the Vitara.
If anything, Opel's latest SUV offering is a blend well worth sampling.
Negotiate your way around town traffic in the Mokka X, and the car rides and handles like a conventional hatchback. Its power-assisted steering however is light, which may leave some car buyers guessing what the front wheels are doing.
Around bends, the car's suspension keeps body control in check, but it doesn't ride well over bumps. That said, the Mokka X is at least easy to drive and operate.
We suspect there won't be many on the roads, so you're likely to stand out if you decide to own one. We say this because the Mokka X's price tag can easily fetch you household SUV staples like the HR-V, the Qashqai or the Vitara.
If anything, Opel's latest SUV offering is a blend well worth sampling.
