Launched in 2012, the Opel Mokka->ke4203 has become one of the most popular mini SUVs->ke145 in Europe, selling more than 500,000 units as of 2016. Although the German crossover->ke288 can't be purchased in the U.S. with an Opel->ke65 badge, the Mokka is actually available on this side of the pond with a Buick->ke17 grille, a different name, and slightly different features. Around since January 2013, the Buick Encore->ke4147 is set to receive a facelift for the 2017 model year. But, while we have yet to see it in the metal, its European twin has already been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.->ke228

Unlike most facelifts, the Mokka's is rather significant, with the crossover having received a completely restyled front fascia, an updated interior, and a new engine. More importantly, the nameplate gained an X after Mokka and will be sold as the Opel Mokka X from now on.

According to Opel, the "X" emphasizes "a more adventurous and rugged personality" and will be "the segment identifier for future Opel SUV and crossover vehicles." In other words, expect all upcoming Opel haulers to sport an "X" badge, regardless of their names. While Opel's new naming strategy won't affect Buick products, I do expect the Encore->ke4147 to borrow many of the Mokka X's styling cues. Keep reading for more info on Opel's new compact->ke140 crossover.

Continue reading to learn more about the Opel Mokka X.

2016 Opel Mokka X

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Opel Mokka X
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 150
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

It may seem hard to believe coming from a vehicle designed by Opel, but the Mokka's facelift is actually worthy of being called a redesign. At least when it comes to the rear fascia, which has very little in common with the previous model outside of its compact proportions. There are brand-new headlamps that are narrower, look more aggressive, and feature a double wing LED signature at the top. The grille has also been redesigned. The chrome frame has sharper edges and, more importantly, it no longer sports the beak-like chrome element. Instead, there are thin, wing-shaped inserts on each side of the Opel badge. The wings seem to run into the headlamps' LED DRLs, which gives the crossover a sportier stance.

Opel also meddled with the bumper. Elegantly sculpted surfaces replaced the previous model's more spartan design, while the foglamps are no longer integrated into plastic inserts. The lower grille has three well defined horizontal bars with black inserts extending around the redesigned foglamps.

The side panels remained unchanged from the original Mokka (the facelift does include new wheel designs though), but the rear fascia gained new cluster patters for the taillights and thinner lights just above the bumper.

On top of the more athletic design, the Mokka X also comes with two new vibrant exterior colors dubbed Amber Orange (pictured above) and Absolute Red.

Interior

Much like the front fascia, the interior also received a significant makeover. There's a completely new dashboard inspired by the new Astra hatchback, revised A/C vents, and more importantly, a new center stack. The infotainment screen, which is larger than the previous unit, no longer sits atop the dashboard. Instead, it is now integrated between the center-mounted A/C vents, giving the dash a more cohesive appearance.

The repositioned screen pushed the center stack, which is significantly cleaner button-wise, closer to the gear shifter. The steering wheel appears to be identical to the previous one, but the instrument cluster behind it was updated. The layout is similar to the pre-facelift Mokka, but the information section in the middle is now larger and more legible. The door panels and the seats have also been upgraded, but they're still closely related to their predecessors.

On the tech side, updates include IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and OnStar services tailored for the European market. The crossover also gained standard Keyless Open and Start. which enables the driver to unlock and start the car with the push of a button.

Drivetrain

The new Mokka X will be launched with two engines in Europe. The lineup will include a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, diesel available in two flavors, an entry-level version rated at 110 PS (108 horsepower) and a more powerful variant with 136 PS (134 horsepower) on tap. The oil burner is part of Opel's "whisper diesel" range and was first introduced on the Mokka in late 2014, when it replaced the 1.7-liter CDTI with 130 PS (128 horses).

On the gasoline front, the crossover will get the new 1.4-liter four-pot that debuted in the Astra. The four-banger cranks out 152 PS (150 horsepower) and mates to a brand-new, six-speed automatic transmission and an adaptive all-wheel drive system.

The latter works in conjunction with an electro-magnetic multi-plate clutch and deactivates on dry road conditions, leaving only the front wheels to drive the vehicle forward. This enhances fuel consumption, which, according to Opel, should be only 6.6 liters per 100 km with the Start/Stop function activated.

Safety

The Mokka X comes with new safety features. First up is Opel's new Adaptive Forward Lighting LED headlamps. The technology adapts the lighting patterns automatically to the driving situation, providing the best possible light performance without glaring oncoming drivers. It has nine different functions, including town light, country light, tourist mode, and a curve and cornering function.

The Opel Eye front camera has also been updated with a higher resolution and increased image processing power. Due to the improved camera and the optional navigation support, the enhanced Traffic Sign Assistant of the Mokka X has an increased detection rate. The Following Distance Indication (FDI) uses the front camera to detect moving vehicles, while the Forward Collision Alert is now enhanced with a reflective LED Alert Display. When the distance between the car and the vehicle ahead diminishes quickly, red LEDs reflect in the windscreen and an audible warning alerts the driver that braking is necessary. The Lane Departure Warning is activated automatically at speeds over 60 km/h.

Other active and passive safety features include front and side airbags, belt pretensioners, a seat belt reminder, ESC, and Speed Assistance.

Prices

Pricing for the Mokka X has yet to be revealed, but given that the current model is priced from €18,990 (about $21,300) in Germany, the facelifted crossover should be priced around €20,000 (about $22,450) before options.

Competition

Nissan Juke

About the same size as the Mokka, the Juke is a more exotic proposition due to its not so conventional design. Based on the Nissan B platform that underpins a wide array of Nissans and Renaults, including the Clio, the Juke can be had with various four-cylinder engines. The base 1.6-liter cranks out 94 PS, but the Japanese also offer a 117 PS version. Then there's the 1.6 DIG-T with 190 PS and the Nismo-badged model with 200 PS. Finally, the diesel variant using the ubiquitous 1.5-liter turbodiesel comes with 110 PS on tap. Unlike the Mokka, the Juke is available in the U.S., where it retails from $20,250. In Germany, pricing starts from €15,550.

Find out more about the Nissan Juke here.

Renault Captur

Developed on the same Nissan B platform, the Renault Captur is newer to the mini SUV market, having been launched in 2013. Sporting a design that's more similar to the Mokka, it shares the same diesel with the Juke, but feature two different gasoline units. The base model uses a 0.9-liter, three-cylinder rated at 90 PS and a 1.2-liter four-banger with 116 PS. The 1.5 dCI oil burner cranks out 90 PS. Even though it's less powerful than the Mokka and the Juke, the Captur is arguably the most fuel efficient. Consumption is estimated to be as low as five liters per 100 km for gasoline models and as low as 3.7 liters per 100 km for diesel variants. Pricing for the Captur starts from €15,490 (about $17,380).

Read more about the Renault Captur here.

Conclusion

As far as styling goes, there is a lot to like about the new Mokka X. The crossover's proportions were improved dramatically thanks to the new front fascia, and the Astra-inspired interior feels modern and more upscale, while the new color options finally allow customers to order a flashier exterior. Sure, Opel could've done something about that uninspiring rear section, but the overall result is definitely appealing and brings more than you can expect from an Opel facelift. There's good news in the engine department as well. Now that the Germans have finally ditched the slow and inefficient 1.6-liter gasoline powerplant, the Mokka might actually stand a chance against competition from the Juke and Captur. Hopefully, the Buick Encore will get similar updates here in the U.S.