Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/556862
42 maltatoday, Sunday, 16 auguSt 2015 Motoring Chris Mangion In a quickly expanding compact crossover vehicle segment, it is style, space and extras that tip the balance between the main rivals. Enter the Opel Mokka. Behaving more like an espresso than a mocha, the Opel Mokka delivers a hefty punch at its rivals. Targeting contenders like the Nis- san Juke, Peugeot 2008 and the Citroen Cactus, Mokka's daring lines make the car look chunkier than it really is, while offering a spacious interior, large boot space and comfortable headroom. But the difference does not stop there – the Mokka is also available with four-wheel drive. Using the same platform as the Opel Corsa hatchback, the Mok- ka's size can be compared to the just 50mm longer Nissan Qashqai and the 100mm longer Peugeot 3008, yet its design lines make it look much smaller. This illusion is evident when you consider that this vehicle sits taller than both the other cars. Mokka's design is com- plimented with a chrome front grille, large, swept-back headlamps and beefy wheel arches. One of the things that set the Mokka above its rivals is the pleth- ora of equipment offered as stand- ard, even on the entry-level model. The basic Exclusiv trim comes equipped with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, electric folding mir- rors, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio, auto- matic headlights, parking sensors and wipers that adjust their speed depending on how heavily it's rain- ing. One step up, the Tech Line trim comes with satellite naviga- tion and Bluetooth connectivity, while the top of the line SE model boasts leather, electronically ad- justable heated front seats. Mokka's excellently finished cab- in is clad in soft-touch plastics with a brushed aluminium trim that ex- tends into the door cards, while the surrounds of the instrument panel have a chrome outline. The brown or blue interior trim adds a touch of modern class and creativity to this crossover vehicle. At first sight, the centre of the dashboard looks slightly cluttered and baffling as it houses all the knobs and switches for the climate control, navigation and infotain- ment system. However once used to the layout, adjustments are eas- ily made and the main controls can be accessed through the mul- tifunction steering wheel. A multi-adjustable and support- ed seating position combined with the decent headroom offer a con- fortable driving position, for both passengers and driver alike. The seating position also enhances all- round visibility through the large windows. Cabin storage comes in large door bins, many cubbyholes and two sizeable glove compartments built into the passenger side of the dashboard. Another step up over Mokka's competitors is the 360ltr boot, of- fering more luggage space than the 251ltr Nissan Juke and the 350ltr MINI Countryman. With all seats folded down, luggage space soars up to 1,372ltrs. The vehicle's raised stance pro- vides extra ground clearance, making the Opel Mokka equally at ease on the road and off it. Under body skidplates and tough plastics add to the car's protection and en- hances the off-roader image. The Opel Mokka's power comes from one of three engine configu- rations. A turbocharged 1.4 pet- rol, a natural aspirated 1.6 petrol and a 1.6 turbo diesel. All three are four-cylinder units generating between 113bhp and 138bhp, and all accelarating from 0-60mph in less than 12 seconds. The 1.6-litre diesel returns more than 65mpg with 114g/km CO2 emissions, while the petrol engines deliver around 42mpg. The engine can be married to either a six-speed manual or a six- speed automatic gearbox while the 1.4 petrol and turbo diesel models are also available with four-wheel drive. However 4WD is not avail- able on the 1.6-litre petrol and the fuel-saving stop-start is elimi- nated on all automatic transmis- sions. In the safety and security area, the Mokka received a five-star rating at the Euro NCAP crash- test, scoring 90% for protection of adult occupants and 96% for pro- tection of child passengers. This was achieved due to the car's ISO- FIX child-seat mounts, standard six-airbag system and intelligent braking technology. The Opel Mokka is available from Cars International in Qor- mi, with the top of the line, fully equipped SE model being offered at under €36,000. Fully charged and ready to go with the opel Mokka PHOTOGRAPHY BY Chris Mangion The Opel Mokka, available also in four-wheel drive