Opel Astra OPC and Opel Mokka, presentation and road test in Nigrán

Last week we were invited by Opel Spain to a very interesting event near Vigo, where we were offered the chance to try the new Opel Astra range and the compact SUV Mokka. The time available to test the cars meant choosing among all the Astras on display, and of course, given the novelty, we went for the Opel Astra OPC and the Opel Mokka.

As well as our first impressions of these two models, we were also told about the update the Astra range has received, with new features such as the Astra Sedán (which looks like a scaled-down Insignia). If you want to know more about the two models we tried or about the revamped Astra range, keep reading….

Opel Astra range: restyling and new 2.0 CDTI Bi Turbo 195 CV engine

Every Astra has received a subtle exterior restyle that now adds new chrome trim and a slightly redesigned, more contemporary front end. The same applies to the side profile, with chrome trim along the doors, and to the lower part of the rear.

However, one of the most important novelties is the addition of the 195 CV twin-turbo diesel engine to the Opel Astra range. This engine stands out for its power delivery, its performance and its fairly economical consumption.

The Astra Biturbo models have their own distinctive styling, with a more aggressive front end and, in the case of the Astra GTC, its design borrows elements from the OPC for a very sporty result, although with a diesel under the bonnet (these are the red models illustrated in this paragraph).

Behind the wheel of the Opel Astra OPC with 280 CV

The OPC range is a guarantee of sportiness and driving enjoyment, whether it’s the Corsa carrying the badge or the powerful Insignia OPC; with all of them, enjoyment is assured (see our Opel Corsa OPC test).

This time, however, we had the chance to try a powerful, new Opel Astra OPC, curiously in white rather than the typical OPC blue. Before we tell you how the most powerful Astra behaves, we need to go over its carefully crafted exterior styling.

“Opel Performance Center” (OPC) means not only sportiness and powerful engines, but also a distinctive styling. An aggressive front end with a differentiated grille, larger-proportioned bumper and triangular air intakes in the fog light recesses are the most characteristic elements when you see the Astra OPC head-on. From the side, it stands out for its 20-inch alloy wheels (a considerable size) which add a very attractive, sporty touch.

At the rear there is a larger spoiler than on the GTC, and twin rectangular exhaust outlets on either side, with a diffuser in the middle that completes the sporty character of this compact with nearly 300 CV.

Moving inside, the changes are minor compared with a conventional Astra. Sports seats are present, which hold the body very well, although access to the rear seats is somewhat more difficult. Other OPC details include the sporty steering wheel, the OPC logo on the gear lever and the “Sport” and “OPC” buttons on the centre console.

Now that we know it in terms of design, let’s talk about how it behaves on the road, and for that we had a good winding road full of bends to test it. The two-litre turbo engine with 280 CV stands out for its power delivery, pulling strongly right up to almost 7,000 rpm, with a sporty sound that never becomes overwhelming or excessive.

Through the corners it keeps its easy, straightforward driving character, highlighting its composure and agility, making driving a complete pleasure and holding its line through every bend. Thanks also to a firm suspension system, which is not very forgiving on poorly surfaced roads or potholes. Throttle response becomes sportier as soon as we press Sport or OPC mode (firmer steering and suspension, more sensitive throttle), accelerating more quickly and responding more sharply to our inputs.

In this first contact we liked the acceleration and how well it handles winding sections; we will try to carry out a full test to tell you more about the impressions of this sporty compact, which has left us with a good taste in our mouths. Its price? €31,318.

Opel Mokka, an SUV with good finish

The other model we tested that day was the Opel Mokka, the German manufacturer’s compact SUV. The segment is very crowded with rivals and models, but the Mokka arrives with an interesting design and high interior quality (in many cases superior to other rivals).

The engine range consists of two petrol engines and one diesel. The petrol options are the naturally aspirated 1.6i with 115 CV and the 1.4 Turbo with 140 CV, while the more sensible option is the 1.7 CDTI diesel with 130 CV. We tested this diesel variant, which is more than enough to move the Mokka with ease.

Behind the wheel of the Mokka we noticed suspension that tries to be firm, but at the same time on certain bends you can tell you are driving an SUV. One area that could be improved is the steering feel (rather artificial and not very communicative).

There are 4×2 and 4×4 versions available in diesel (115 CV petrol only in 4×2 and 140 CV petrol only in 4×4), although after our first contact we found that a 4×2 is more than sufficient for tracks and unpaved areas. If we decide to add all-wheel drive, ground clearance is not very generous and the car’s approach and departure angles do not allow driving over very demanding terrain. Therefore, front-wheel drive is more than enough.

One aspect we liked about the Opel Mokka is the interior finish, with quality materials and enough space for four adults to travel quite comfortably; however, in the back, in terms of width, three passengers will be a bit cramped.

As for design and finish, it won us over, although to judge its dynamic performance we would need an ordinary road test, though we have already seen that its off-road capabilities are typical of a crossover. The model in the photos (with the two-tone interior) is the Excelle, the top trim, and it looks more like an Insignia finish than that of a compact SUV. The final price of the diesel with this trim is €23,845 (diesel, 4×2 and Excelle trim).

The petrol range is available from €18,105 for the 115 CV engine, and the turbo starts at €23,125 (with all-wheel drive); finally, the diesel is available from €21,900 (4×2, Selective trim).

Photos | Diego G. Moreira