Opel Mokka X and Opel Zafira, presentation and road test in Madrid

Opel is gearing up for a frenetic 2017 with the presentation of three new models in their respective variants, but in the meantime its range keeps being renewed, and this year it was the turn of the Opel Mokka X, which improves on the previous generation with very well-judged styling changes, and the Opel Zafira, which is updated with design changes and equipment improvements. We were able to try the new Opel Mokka X, the Opel Zafira and even some other model from the German brand at a presentation on the border between Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid.

Opel will launch the new Crossland X, the Insignia (also in its estate variant) and an SUV above the Mokka X that the company has named GrandLand X next year. Meanwhile, for 2018 the most notable novelty is expected to be the new Opel Ampera E. Besides these launches, General Motors has this year presented the new Opel Mokka X, an update that includes a name change for its only SUV on the market, together with the facelift of the Opel Zafira.

Opel Mokka X: Well-judged redesign and a complete engine range

The Opel Mokka was launched four years ago and, as is normal in the motor industry, it needed a refresh to keep competing in the tough SUV segment. The first thing that catches the eye on the new Mokka X is the headlights, which are wider and have twin LED daytime running lights that give it personality. The grille has also been redesigned and the styling has become more aggressive and sporty. At the rear there are new LED-technology lights and the tailgate is now smoother in design.

Inside, the design has been simplified, taking the master lines of the design of the new generation Opel Astra, with correct materials and, above all, no longer featuring the huge button panel that used to dominate the centre console. Now a touchscreen is the star, and from it you can control all the car’s connectivity functions, as well as project your smartphone’s screen onto the multimedia system display (Intellilink). The instrumentation is also new, but what hasn’t changed is the interior space, more than enough for four adults, with a slightly raised and comfortable driving position, as befits a good SUV. The only drawback is that the multimedia screen is not very well protected from direct sunlight, and when this happens its visibility is greatly reduced.

The engine range has also been updated, with the new 1.6 CDTI diesel engine (of in-house manufacture) as a novelty, with outputs of 110 CV and 136 CV, plus the addition of the 1.4 Turbo petrol engine producing 150 CV, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. The diesel engine is only available with front-wheel drive, but it can be had with either a manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Behind the wheel of the Opel Mokka X 1.6 CDTI 136 CV

For a little under 100 km we tried the Mokka X with the 136 CV 1.6 CDTI powerplant, an engine created by General Motors itself (Detroit Diesel) that replaces the previous 1.7 CDTI of Isuzu origin. Behind the wheel, the first thing we noticed is the smoothness of the new engine, with fewer vibrations and less noise, and fairly brisk responses, so we don’t miss extra horsepower. The Mokka X is a comfortable car for travelling, with a suspension that focuses more on comfort than on dynamic behaviour, but that responds correctly on the road.

Behind the wheel we were able to try a novelty that Opel has introduced in its range: seats with wide adjustment ranges and AGR certification, meaning we can find the perfect setting for each type of driver. They feel strange at first (especially when looking for the driving position), but become comfortable after a short time on the road. As for consumption, we have very good figures for the 1.6 CDTI engine (homologated at 4.3 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle), but in our test the consumption figures are not indicative, since the units had barely been driven and we did not cover 100 km. Even so, consumption hovered around 6 litres according to the on-board computer (again, this figure is not indicative).

Mokka X equipment and prices

The Mokka X is available with the new AFL LED headlights, which keep the beam on the line of the bend by taking the steering inputs into account. Another novelty is the Opel Eye, a forward-facing safety camera that includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition. In the event of a possible frontal collision, several red LED lights are also projected onto the windscreen to alert the driver. The Opel Mokka X is available from 16,900 euros, in the case of the Opel MOKKA X Selective 1.4 Turbo 140 CV. The diesel range starts at 21,303 euros with the 136 CV engine.

New Opel Zafira 2017

The MPV segment has become a refuge for true survivors, since the trend towards crossovers has led many people to switch from an MPV to an SUV. Some models resist disappearing, and Opel still puts strong emphasis on this niche, as can be seen in the refreshed Opel Zafira. Outside, the front headlights have been changed, incorporating twin LED daytime running lights, as well as the new grille, while inside the quality has improved and it now features the touchscreen that controls the entire multimedia system.

What hasn’t changed is the enormous interior space or how versatile it can be, with room for seven occupants and various storage compartments and solutions throughout the cabin for leaving our belongings or stowing any object. One area where the Opel Zafira has always stood out is its driving, being an MPV equipped with adaptive chassis (it even had an OPC version), and this is noticeable on the road, as it feels more like a saloon than an MPV or SUV, being agile, especially with the 170 CV 2.0 CDTI diesel engine we tried.

In terms of equipment, the standouts include the AFLPlus LED intelligent adaptive headlights, with nine different modes to adapt to the road and other vehicles while always offering the best possible illumination, and the Opel Eye, which brings together all the safety functions we have already described. The Zafira also offers blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control and a parking assistant. It also comes with the Intellilink R4 multimedia system as standard. The Opel Zafira starts at 18,300 euros with the 120 CV petrol engine.

Both models include the Opel OnStar as standard, free for one year, which includes: in-car wifi for 7 devices, satellite location and alerts to emergency services in case of an accident, sending of routes to the navigation system (if fitted) via OnStar, an OnStar advisor available 24 hours a day for any incident, vehicle diagnostics, theft assistance, among other features.

Opel Adam S: 150 CV of pure fun

The presentation of the new Opel Mokka X and Zafira was also an opportunity to get behind the wheel of other models from the brand that carry sportiness in their DNA, such as the Opel Adam S, which we tried over a short route, though a very enjoyable one. The Adam is a true misunderstood car: it has a very distinctive exterior design, and inside it is one of the city cars with the best finish, even better than the Corsa, with more soft-touch plastics and very correct fit and finish.

We were able to get a brief first impression of the Adam S, that is, the sporty version of the Adam that hides under its bonnet a 1.4 Turbo engine capable of delivering 150 CV. Although that may sound modest, given its small size and weight, the Adam S with its 150 CV is worthy of wearing the OPC badge, because it moves with great ease and sportiness. The surprise was even bigger when, on a stretch of bends, we put the chassis of the German youngster to the test and it responded without hesitation, glued to the asphalt at all times and with outstanding stability, responding to steering inputs as if it were a go-kart.

Personally I think it is a good example of sportiness in the Opel range, to the point that it has better cornering and more stable behaviour than the Opel Corsa OPC itself; even its acceleration is more forceful, pushing hard as the rev counter climbs and always in a progressive manner.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

Passenger VanOpel Zafira4 versions · from 45,690 €