The Opel Mokka will join the growing number of pint-sized SUVs to be sold in Australia.
General Motors’ German brand has finally confirmed the Mokka will join its local line-up, which currently comprises the Corsa city car, Astra small car and Insignia mid-sizer.
The Opel Mokka is available in multiple variants in Europe but from launch will be limited to just a front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models when it reaches Australia in the third quarter – both powered by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine seen in the locally made Holden Cruze.
The four-cylinder produces 103kW and 200Nm and puts its power to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.
In manual guise, the Opel Mokka 1.4 turbo AWD accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds and uses 6.4 litres per 100km according to the European fuel cycle. All manual versions come with engine stop-start.
Opel Australia says it is also interested in offering a diesel alternative. A 1.7-litre turbo diesel is available in Europe that has 96kW and 300Nm, and uses as little as 4.5 litres per 100km in front-drive, manual gearbox form, though the local operation has suggested another diesel option is on the cards.
Other petrol engines aren’t ruled out, either, for a later point for the German-built SUV. Europe currently also offers the Mokka with a 85kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder.
The company isn’t revealing pricing at this stage, but the baby SUV is likely to start somewhere above $25,000 and below $30,000.
At 4.3 metres long, the Opel Mokka about the same size as the Mitsubishi ASX as well as a raft of new upcoming rivals that include the Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, and its twin the Holden Trax.
Comfort and safety technologies will include a reverse-view camera as standard on all models, while the Opel Eye front camera with forward collision alert and lane departure warning systems will also be available.
Opel Australia is understandably keen to get the Mokka into the local market considering the popularity of SUVs, and the fact its sales numbers remain relatively humble for now since its return to the Australian market as an official brand – rather than rebadged Holdens – in August 2012.
The brand has sold 463 vehicles to March 2012, though still has a fairly limited dealer network as it strives to establish itself locally.
Opel Australia continues to study a business case for the German brand’s new Cascada convertible.
