2021 Opel Mokka Revealed As EV With Sharp Looks, Massive Changes

4 years, 5 months ago - 1 July 2020, motor1

It's considerably shorter and lighter than its predecessor.

Forget what you know about the old Mokka X because this is a totally different crossover. Aside from dropping the “X” from its name, the new generation has also lost a whopping 120 kilograms (265 pounds). The impressive diet was accomplished by switching to PSA Group’s Common Modular Platform (CMP) used already on a variety of models, including the Peugeot 2008.

The drastic changes continue as the new generation is 12.5 centimeters (4.9 inches) shorter than the model it replaces, and yet the wheelbase has been stretched by 2 mm (0.08 inches). This was possible by reducing the size of the front and rear overhangs, while the width has increased by 10 mm (0.4 inches) to enable a roomier cabin. At just 4.15 meters (163.3 inches) long, the Mokka is now easier to live with in a crowded city with narrow streets, especially when trying to park, thanks to its friendlier footprint.

Despite shrinking, it offers just about the same cargo capacity as the old Mokka X, with Opel saying it can swallow up to 350 liters (12.3 cubic feet). In the case of the electric variant, torsional stiffness has increased by 30 percent thanks to the low-mounted battery pack. Speaking of which, the zero-emissions model uses an electric motor with 136 horsepower (100 kilowatts) and 260 Newton-meters (192 pound-feet) of torque, enough for an electronically capped top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).

The 50-kWh battery pack inherited from the Peugeot e-2008 has enough juice for a WLTP-rated range of 200 miles (322 kilometers) when the Mokka is driven in Normal model. Turn on Eco and you should be able to cover greater distances between two charges. Once you’re out of energy, an 80-percent charge can be done in just 30 minutes by using a 100-kW DC fast-charging system.

Aside from getting underpinnings of French origins, the 2021 Opel Mokka also adopts a totally new look inside and out. Sitting on 18-inch alloy wheels, the B-segment crossover is much sharper on the outside and high-tech on the inside. It embraces the company’s Vizor design language and comes with LED headlights and taillights as standard equipment. At an additional cost, the stylish crossover can be had with matrix LED headlights never seen before in this segment.

Since we’re talking tech, Opel will sell the Mokka with goodies including a 180-degree panoramic rearview camera and advanced cruise control with stop & go functionality. Fancier versions have a 12-inch digital instrument cluster accompanied by a 10-inch touchscreen sitting side by side in a layout adapted from premium models.

Opel will have the transformed Mokka on sale in Europe from late summer and dealers will be getting their hands on the crossover from early 2021. The Rüsselsheim-based marque is prioritizing the EV version, but gasoline and diesel engines will also be offered.