The Opel-people do not have it easy, but you could say they make the best of it. Somehow out of necessity a few cars have been created, not exaggeratedly different, but good and inexpensive and although we still don't really like the Grandland X technically, it wins many a test. All in all, the company is advertised as having made a profit in 2018, 2019 and even during the pandemic in 2020.

This is a different class, that of the small SUVs. You think, what could be special about it, since the platform is from PSA. But if you get involved, you will discover also new details. Of course, the Opel-people point out all possible sources, e.g. the green colour dominating the presentation refers to the Opel Laubforsch from 1924, which only existed in this colour.

When designers come into play, it tends to be flowery and/or alienating. One quotes the 1969 Opel CD concept (picture above), and later on the Manta A, on whose grille the conception of the new Vizor grilles (picture above), which can be either completely closed for Mokka or with slight openings, perhaps only hinted at. A differently designed grille with new Logo, this is to become the new brand face of Opel.

The need may have arisen because Opel, together with PSA, celebrates internal combustion and e-mobility on the same platform. Only one exception, otherwise without modification also the engine from 100 kW (136 PS) up to the commercial vehicle sector. See below in the picture how this is achieved with a battery of a rather medium capacity of 50 kWh.

At 4.15 m it has even become a good 12 cm shorter, with almost the same wheelbase. We cannot verify the alleged 120 kg saved at the moment. But if it's not suitable for city driving, what kind of car is it? It pinches a little at the back seats, even in the 350 litre luggage compartment, but it is also correspondingly shorter than a VW Golf.

The remaining buttons on the dashboard are striking, not too many, but user-friendly. Where else can you find this in a new car, an air conditioning system that can be operated in a completely conventional way? The two displays are digital, but strangely enough the middle one, facing the driver, is the smaller one in each variant. No, the interior is pleasing despite or because of similarities with the Corsa.

Let us quickly discuss the possible equipment with combustion engines: one 1.2L petrol engine with 74 kW (100 PS) and 96 kW (130 PS) and one 1.5L Diesel engine with 81 kW (110 PS) and 250 Nm. Six-speed manual transmission is standard. After all, the more powerful petrol engine is available with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Combustion engines (pictured below) cost from 19,990 euros including LED light, and the fully electric MoKKa from 32,990 euros minus manufacturer and state bonus. Delivery will start in 2021 at the earliest, and the brand ambassador is still Jürgen Klopp, a real stroke of luck. His 'K' is emblazoned on the camouflaged pre-production car as a matter of course and without any explanation.