Pierre Fava test drives the 2015 Opel Mokka and finds out why it has managed to capture the hearts and attention of so many drivers.

It’s been something like three years since Opel first launched the Mokka and since then, the car has reached sales levels of over 275,000 cars annually.

I have always liked the Mokka. It is a compact SUV with outside dimensions that lead to easy driving and manoeuvrability. It also has generous interior space and dynamics, so much so that it will easily take five adults on-board with enough room for weekend luggage for all.

But what stands out the most about the latest version of the Mokka is its new 1.6 diesel engine. This is a gem of an engine and it’s no wonder that its engineers have nicknamed it the ‘whisper diesel’. It is very hard to notice that you are actually driving a diesel.

The version that was chosen for my test drive was a 1.6 CDTI Diesel FWD with 136bhp in Cosmo Spec. The car was very well equipped and had several other features over and above the standard Cosmo trim, all of which served very well to showcase what can be fitted into such a modern SUV. What really stands out and is so useful is the car’s rear view camera which comes in handy when reversing into tight parking spots.

For those with a restricted budget, the Mokka’s starting price is below €20,000 but for those with deeper pockets, there’s an endless list of spec levels and various options to choose from. One may also opt for a two-tone leather clad interior... really trendy and ultra original!

Speaking about options and specs, there is a long list of petrol and diesel engines to choose from, with two- or four-wheel drive and all of which are Euro 6 compliant. A popular option is the automatic transmission which also has a manual alternative that comes in handy when pulling a trailer or a boat.

This is a gem of an engine and it’s no wonder that its engineers have nicknamed it the ‘whisper diesel’

But how did the Mokka actually perform on our congested roads? Although having large 18” wheels, the car absorbed road bumps very easily. Both driver and passenger were not thrown around on their seats as often happens with many cars. Although the ride is high and firm, the suspension coped very well. The 215 section tyres provided excellent grip. The car is equipped with driving aids such as Hill Start Assist and Hill Decent Control which come in very handy when driving up our hilly roads. Emissions start at a very decent 114g/km which puts the Mokka in a very strong position when compared to the competition.

Opel has also managed to give a new meaning to the term SUV (Safer Utility Vehicle). Apart from having a five star Euro NCAP rating, the car also boasts of some very modern technology including a Lane Departure Warning System and a Forward Collision Alert. All of these features have been added to the car’s line-up and will also continue to be added in future vehicles as the model continues to be upgraded with the latest safety technology that is available to modern day motoring.

The Mokka’s interior is adorned by a very modern and compact dashboard that has all the necessary equipment and functionality to give the driver all the information that is required while on the road. The car tested was also equipped with a Sat Nav system that worked very well and was easy to use.

So why have so many people opted for an Opel Mokka over these past three years? Well, put simply, the car’s sheer driving pleasure and functionality, new technology and quiet engines sum it all up. This is a gem of car that is ideal for our roads. Thumbs up!