“Don't show off, listen to your favorite song“ Valenki ”” - this is how the radio responded in a Soviet joke to a listener's request to broadcast Boney M or Beethoven. Recently, our fellow citizens have again begun to get used to life on the principle of "take what they give." Since 2014, the range of cars in Russia has almost halved: if two years ago, buyers could choose from about 500 models, then since then 200 cars have left the market. These figures are given by the head of the Russian Association of Auto Dealers (ROAD) Vladimir Mozhenkov.
Should the crossover be all-wheel drive? Who said that? Are you sure? Is it really necessary in the city, the main habitat of such cars, four-wheel drive? Sales data, especially in the compact segment, suggest the opposite: about 70-80% of small SUVs sold in Russia are front-wheel drive! That is why we decided to bring together in this test "dwarfs" acting in the crossover genre, which have modifications only with a drive to the front axle. We have selected the most powerful petrol versions and try to make the perfect crossover for the city out of them. So our company got a 200-strong Nissan juke Nismo ...
Opel Mokka is far from a novelty on the Russian market: the model has been presented in Russia since the end of 2012 .. It would seem that it makes sense only because of new configuration to return to this, not the most popular with us, crossover model? But let's not jump to conclusions ...
I guess I loved Hieronymus Bosch excessively as a child. How else to explain the addiction to aesthetically confrontational, ambivalent subjects? Such, for example, as a photo shoot of the newest Opel Mokka in the surroundings of ZiL, which is in the penultimate stage of dilapidation and is rapidly turning not into the promised garden city, but into a huge technocratic trash heap.
In March 2012, Opel presented a compact B-class crossover, called the Mokka, at the Geneva Motor Show. The boom of crossovers, which is observed all over the world, brought to the company's treasury more than 600 thousand orders for a compact and attractive car with a "coffee" name. Interestingly, what attracted many new customers to the brand. This year came to Geneva substantially updated Opel Mokka X. From now on everything all-wheel drive models Opel will carry the "X" symbol on the back.
So what has changed in the model besides the name? To begin with, the car has received a modified appearance of the front and rear of the body. Changes include a new grille, adaptive headlights with LED DRLs, taillights, and bumpers to improve its geometric flotation. Due to the new bumpers, the length has decreased by 3 mm, the other dimensions of the car have not changed.
The new Opel Mokka X and its predecessor without the “X” index.
The interior design has been completely transformed. This applies to both the general interior design and its individual elements. In particular, the car received a new instrument cluster and center console from the sister model Astra.
The dashboard has migrated to the Mokka X from the sister model Astra.
This unification assumes that all the options that Astra has are available for the Mokka X, including the OnStar communication system, satellite navigation and a multimedia system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto applications.
The large screen of the multimedia complex provides the driver and his companions with all the necessary information, including access to the Internet.
Your back will not hurt!
The comfort that the Mokka X provides for all occupants deserves special mention. In particular, leather and "soft" plastic are used for interior decoration, pleasant both to the touch and visually. We should also mention the ergonomic seats, approved by the independent association AGR, which brings together a number of leading German organizations specializing in the treatment and prevention of back diseases. The front seats, both the driver and the passenger, are equipped with numerous adjustments, including a retractable cushion section and support in the lumbar region.
The magnificent seats have been tested by the German AGR. The driver's and front passenger seats have multiple adjustments, including a retractable cushion.
Looking ahead, we can say that in terms of acoustic comfort, the Opel Mokka X can outperform many cars of a higher class. Noise and sound insulation certainly deserves the mark "excellent", and this despite the fact that under the hood of the test car was located a 136-horsepower turbodiesel. Special thanks should be paid to the creators of the audio system, who were able to turn the salon of the novelty into a concert hall.
The volume of the trunk of the novelty has not changed - as before, it varies from 356 to 1372 liters, depending on the position of the rear row backrest.
The luggage compartment has retained all its advantages. As before, depending on the position of the backrest of the rear sofa, which folds in a 40/60 ratio, the boot volume varies from 356 to 1372 liters. But, if the predecessor had two glove boxes on dashboard, then the current one has only one, and even that one is not very functional due to a very modest volume.
The new Mokka X has only one left glove box, and its size is frankly small.
But the lack of a spare wheel played a cruel joke with us. In the morning, the right front wheel was found to be on the rim. Having poured into it all the contents of the sealant bottle to no avail, we had no choice but to go in search of a "spare tire".
The test cars came from Germany, so instead of a spare wheel, there is only a tire repair kit. But we were promised that in Ukraine there will be at least a "dokatka".
Forward to Lake Balaton!
Now let's move on to the practical exercises. So, the first section of the route included a march to the famous Lake Balaton along the excellent high-speed autobahns. Naturally, we wanted to try out the diesel engine in all its glory and high torque.
The famous Lake Balaton is spread out on the bottom left.
This 1.6-liter engine replaced the previous 1.7-liter. Despite the reduction in displacement, its power increased from 130 to 136 "horses", and the torque increased to 320 Nm (+20 Nm). Besides, new motor became environmentally cleaner and complies with Euro 6 (instead of Euro 5). The combined fuel consumption declared by the manufacturer - 4.5-4.7 liters, we did not manage to achieve, but given the aggressive driving style, the indicator of 6.4 l / 100 km can be considered good.
The real fuel consumption that we got after all the tests of the Mokka X is only 6.4 l / 100 km.
The speed characteristics of the novelty did not disappoint. The car confidently accelerates to maximum speed (187 km / h), while remaining fully controllable and adequate in its behavior. After 150 km / h, the effect of "windage" is observed, which is quite natural for a crossover with a fairly high center of gravity. For drivers with little experience, a prompt system is provided desired gear, information about which is displayed on the instrument scale.
Flexible motor together with efficient 6-speed mechanical box gears worked very well. The control of the "mechanics" caused nothing but pleasant sensations thanks to the well-chosen gear ratios KP.
Visibility on the mirrors is quite sufficient, and when driving in reverse a rear-view camera with color dynamic markings and parking sensors comes into play.
When reversing, a rear-view camera with color dynamic markings and parking sensors comes into play.
Now for the suspension and steering. Like the previous generation Mokka, "X" demonstrated excellent suspension performance, which effectively fulfills bumps and holes. This is despite the fact that the test car was shod with 215/55 R18 tires. In addition, the new product is distinguished by other power steering settings. Last time we complained about the "empty" and uninformative steering wheel. It is worth noting that our comments did not go unnoticed. In the Opel Mokka X, there were no complaints about the steering. Moreover, the changes led to a decrease in the turning diameter from 11.5 to 10.9 meters.
Clay, puddles, track ...
The second day was almost entirely devoted to the off-road capabilities of the Mokka X. In normal road conditions, torque is only supplied to the front wheels to improve efficiency. If necessary, the electronics can redistribute up to 50 percent of the torque to rear wheels for maximum grip and stability on the road. How well the electronically controlled clutch does it, we tested it on a slippery clay road, soggy after a recent rain. And in fairness it should be noted that despite all our attempts to "land" the car in a rolling track, they were not crowned with success.
These photos show that the front right wheel differs in the disc pattern. These are the consequences of the lack of a native "spare wheel".
The tires quickly became clogged with clay, but that did not stop the Mokka X from successfully handling off-road conditions.
The next tough test for all-wheel drive was going up a steep hill. The complexity of the task was increased by completely clogged tire lamellas and slippery turf that covered the vineyard hill. But Opel Mokka X coped with this task successfully, albeit not immediately.
After all this abuse of the crossover, it was decided to test the rigidity of the body. Having hung out the right rear wheel, we in turn opened all the doors, including the luggage compartment. Surprisingly, unlike some competitors, even a class higher, Mokka X turned out to be “ a tough nut to crack"- all doors closed without effort, and there were no distortions.
On the suspended wheel, all the doors closed without effort, and there were no distortions.
Summing up, we can say that new opel The Mokka X not only retained the virtues of its predecessor, but became better in every way.
P. S. In Germany, the cost of the basic version of the Opel Mokka X with a 1.6-liter petrol engine with 115 hp, "mechanics" and front-wheel drive starts at 18,990 euros. In Ukraine, the novelty is expected very soon. Prices and configurations will be announced closer to the start of sales.
| general information | |
| Body type | station wagon |
| Doors / Seats | 5/5 |
| Dimensions, L / W / H, mm | 4275/2038/1658 |
| Base, mm | 2555 |
| Front / rear track, mm | 1541/1540 |
| Clearance, mm | 190 |
| Equipment weight / full, kg | 1504/1938 |
| Trunk volume, l | 356-1372 |
| Tank volume, l | 52 |
| Engine | |
| A type | Diesel, turbo |
| Rasp. and number of cyl./cl. on cyl. | R4 / 4 |
| Volume, cc | 1598 |
| Power, kW (hp) / rpm | 100 (136)/3500-4000 |
| Max. cr. mom., Nm / rpm | 320/2000-2250 |
| Transmission | |
| type of drive | full |
| Checkpoint | 6-st. fur. |
| Chassis | |
| Front / rear brakes | disk. vent. / disk. vent. |
| Suspension front / rear | independent / independent |
| Power steering | electro |
| Tires | 215/55 R18 |
| Performance indicators | |
| Maximum speed, km / h | 187 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h, s | 10,5 |
| Ex. highway-city, l / 100 km | 4,4-5,2 |
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
But what else bothers you? Oh, are you worried that the trunk will be small for travel? Let's see together! Yes, its volume is not a record one. But it cannot be called small either. Moreover, the shape of the compartment is correct, with smooth walls. If necessary, the rear sofa can also be folded - completely or in parts. In addition, there is another nice addition here. See the handle on the escutcheon rear bumper? Let's pull on it, and - oops! - here's the standard bike rack! Well, have you already changed your mind about the Mokka's cargo capabilities?
Don't go, "Mokki", to walk outside the city
Honestly, you can talk about Mokka equipment for a very long time - I don't want to bore you. Let's talk better about how he drives. The company's marketers made a smart decision: they made the main bet on a car with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, four-wheel drive and 6-band "automatic". Want other options? But there are practically none. More precisely, they are inferior: you can choose a car with a 1.4-liter petrol turbo engine or even a 1.7-liter diesel engine. But - only with a mechanical box. Docking these units with "automatic machines" will begin not earlier than in a year. This is such a clever marketing policy!
So which do you choose? Of course, a car with an “automatic”! But I must honestly warn you - in this case, you will have to forget about driving fast... Even the passport 11 s to “hundreds” say little. In fact, the reserve of traction is quite enough for the city, but completely insufficient for the highway. That is, you can go on a journey, but you will be doomed to get into unpleasant situations from time to time. For example, when overtaking: you roll out into the oncoming lane, press on the "gas" and ... "hang" in space! It takes a few seconds for the box to simply react to the driver's actions, then it jumps a step or two down, the revs soar to the red zone, the cabin is filled with the roar of a disturbed engine, but ... energetic acceleration never starts! You can, of course, try manual shift mode to prepare for the maneuver in advance.
But I would not recommend doing this. First, the "+" and "-" buttons are located in an unusual and inconvenient way, on the top of the joystick. And secondly, even this method does not help much. So it's better to put up with it and drive calmly and slowly. Then you can fully appreciate the advantages of the machine. For example, noise isolation - if you keep the engine speed within reasonable limits, a cozy silence will reign in the cabin. By the way, pay attention to the work of the suspension: it simply smoothes out small irregularities perfectly, in addition, its energy intensity is enough to overcome solid bumps. Are you wondering how the Mokka will behave off-road? Mercy, naive question! This car is for city use only.
Yes, it has a multi-plate clutch that can transfer up to half the torque to the rear wheels. But this is only useful for driving into a snow-covered parking lot or keeping the car under control in a slippery corner. In more difficult conditions it can easily overheat. However, it is not the drive features that will stop you. The main problem is a small clearance - yes, it can be seen even with the naked eye, see for yourself! And the front bumper with a low "skirt" and completely discourages the desire to move off the asphalt. After all, this very "skirt" is not like on the village bumps, during the assault high curbs not to lose for long near the home. So I will emphasize again: this car is exclusively urban.
Well, I told you about the main features of this car. Honestly, I really like it myself. It may be slow, but beautiful, richly equipped, roomy inside and compact outside. In addition, on the move, it behaves in a metropolis very pleasantly and understandably - unless, of course, you press the “gas” to the floor. Earnestly? However, I forgot to mention one more of its important advantages: a car with such a motor and “automatic” has a rather modest price - from 900,000 to 970,000 rubles, depending on the configuration. Try to find such prices from competitors! That's the same, they are all noticeably more expensive. I see your eyes are already lit up! Take? Then let's go get the paperwork done!
Specifications Opel Mokka
Dimensions, mm
Wheelbase, mm
Front / rear track, mm
Nowadays, not to have a whole heap of crossovers of various calibers in your model range is unacceptable for any mass automaker. Even companies that have made supercars all their lives are targeting the segment of conquerors of curbs and flower beds. What can we say about more popular brands. That's Opel aims to close a gaping hole in its lineup with a new compact crossoverMokka.
Denis Smolyanov recently talked about Mokka's American brother called the Chevrolet Tracker. The same car with different nameplates? Yes and no, but rather no. They have a common platform and many units, but different bodies, interiors and suspension settings. Concern GM very competently caught the right balance and made two of one car.
The American looks, perhaps, more impressive, and Mokka, in contrast, is playful. And this was done on purpose, because in a dialogue with an Opel marketer, I learned that Mokka's main target is an absolutely wonderful Nissan Juke. And its target audience cannot be approached without an intricate appearance.
One of the strong advantages of the compact Mokka is its extensive list of standard and optional equipment. This is a proprietary adaptive AFL + headlight system with 11 lighting modes, cruise control, dual-zone climate, excellent orthopedic chairs, a multifunctional front camera, a rear view camera, a navigation and entertainment system on board, an optional rack for bicycles with the ability to carry up to three pieces, heated steering wheel and automatic system quick interior heating, rain sensor, tire pressure monitoring system and much more. And, of course, a lot of auxiliary electronics that insure the driver while driving and help him get under way on the rise and down the steep hills
The body of the Mokka crossover has nothing in common with the Tracker body parts, and only their silhouettes are similar. The front view of the Mokka looks energetic thanks to the "steep" hood, coarse mesh grille and massive plastic bumper covers. And the black pseudo-lattices under the headlights give originality and freshness to the look. The profile with the sill line ascending to the stern is also good, and visually facilitates its powerful stamping on back door, although the Tracker has a more interesting sidewall. But the backside turned out to be not so recognizable and memorable - it is rather a timid quotation of the appearance of Korsa. In general, the Mokka was made not as shocking as the Nissan Juke, but at the same time it looks fresher than the Skoda Yeti. Mitsubishi ASX or Suzuki SX4, which can also be attributed to the number of rivals of the novelty.
The controls and key blocks in the cabin are familiar from other Opel models, the materials are selected at a decent level (the silver lacquer finish on the front panel and doors is especially good), the front panel is trimmed with good plastic, albeit with not a very large "depth of softness". There is a lot of space above the head and there is a sense of spaciousness, as much as possible with this size. There are convenient pockets in the doors, and the upper additional glove compartment has a small, but never excess volume... And there are 19 niches and pockets in total! Of these, 13 in the front of the cabin and 6 in the back. There is also a socket in the back of the cabin where you can connect an electrical appliance with a regular "home" power plug.
The front dimensions do not feel very well - you have to choose the captain's landing, although the seat adjustment ranges allow you to sit low. However, the majority of owners of such cars still prefer the landing "I sit high - I look far away", so here everything is in order for Mokka. By the way, the chairs delight with the unobtrusive but tangible lateral support of the pillow, so that the body is comfortable both on the Autobahn and in the bends of rural paths. At the same time, the fabric seats seemed to me a little more comfortable and embossed than the leather ones. The excellent performance of the chairs is not surprising as they have been approved by the AGR (movement for back health) association. By the way, in the class of B-segment crossovers, no one else can boast of such approval. Another interesting option is the heated steering wheel, which customers will receive along with the heated seats.
At the European presentation, Opelevtsy rolled out two versions to be torn apart by journalists: an all-wheel drive with a turbocharged 140-horsepower 1.4-liter engine (it is also installed on the Astra) and a diesel with a 1.7-liter engine about 130 "horses", but with a front drive - a 4 × 4 transmission with such a motor has not yet been combined. Gearboxes on both versions are mechanical six-speed. In fact, we should be more interested in the modification, which was not brought to the international presentation - with the usual "aspirated" volume of 1.8 liters, which has established itself in the models of previous generations.
There was no such car just because the good old 1.8 was attached under the hood of the Mokka specifically for our country, and therefore it is only interesting to Russians. Surely such a modification will be chosen by buyers living far from large cities. After all, a Mokka with this motor is cheaper, its device is simpler, which means there will be fewer problems with maintenance. In addition, he is unlikely to get very bad from refueling 92 with gasoline, unlike the turbocharged counterpart, which is designed for a good 95. And the power is the same up to a horse - 140 forces. Although the old man has less torque - 178 N ∙ m against 200, and the fuel consumption is almost a liter higher.
So, in Russia we can choose from the following modifications: a turbo engine with all-wheel drive and 6-speed "mechanics", atmospheric engine front-wheel drive and 5-speed manual box and the same motor with all-wheel drive and 6-speed "automatic". Hence follows the main limitation: if you want "automatic" - you have to agree to all-wheel drive old engine... Although there is one more thing - in Russia traditionally (not for Opel, but rather for the market as a whole) a diesel version is not sold. But in vain!
Despite the fact that the main competitor of the novelty Opelevtsy call the Nissan Juke, which has as much as 190-horsepower engine, more powerful engines for Mokka are not going to offer yet. This is possible, unless the company decides to stick the coveted OPC nameplate to Mokke, as it once happened with the family Zafira
It was with her that I began my acquaintance with this car. The first sensation is very strange - when I try to move out of the parking lot, I go deaf once, twice, three times. I can't control the clutch pedal! At the same time, I am not at all the blonde from the jokes: every day I click "mechanics" own car and effortlessly handle the ceramic clutch of a racing car. But the "coupling" of the diesel Mokka did not obey me right away - it suffices sharply, but it is almost impossible to feel the key moment in the course of the pedal. As a result, when maneuvering in the city, it was necessary to set fire to the clutch with excess engine speed so as not to twitch and not freeze at the next traffic light.
But I think I said that the diesel Mokka is good. It really is. The engine pulls and spins perfectly, so it will not be a problem to quickly gallop off the traffic light. With the noise of the engine, everything is also quite acceptable, so when traveling on the highway, the car pleases not only with excellent traction (300 N ∙ m!) In the entire range of revolutions and speeds, but also with a good level of acoustic comfort. True, the diesel engine has a small feature: to get all its power, the gas pedal must be pushed deeper, since it is in the second half of its stroke that the entire power reserve of the engine is located. In addition to the clutch, only the gearbox is upsetting - the selection mechanism is less precise than that of the "six-speed" petrol version, and the efforts on it are higher.
From a diesel engine I change to "gasoline". The clutch pedal is the same "empty", but getting under way on the car is much easier. And the gearbox turned out to be clearer and more pleasant to use. The motor promises good traction, but in fact, alas, it demonstrates spinelessness. You can guess that this engine has a turbine only by the inscription on the tailgate. I couldn't even get off the autobahn with the pedal to the floor from an old Peugeot 206 CC convertible that was never a powerful car. To make sure the motor had a supercharger, I had to open the hood. There is a "snail", but is the impeller still in place? In general, the motor pulls, but without enthusiasm, and he obviously did not hear the word pickup.
Driving the car as a whole is pleasant, which is facilitated by a clear chassis and adequate effort on the steering wheel with electric power steering (by the way, on atmospheric versions, the power is hydraulic). It is especially pleasant to steer if the car is diesel. It has different settings for the suspension elements, due to which the car feels more assembled. My colleagues and I raced one after another on the Autobahn, and while driving a diesel Mokka I decided to try a kind of rearrangement. Fine! Driver feedback gasoline carwho repeated my maneuver was not so optimistic. And I understood it, changing cars - the gasoline crossover responds to sudden steering movements with delays in reaction, excessive roll and, as a result, the intervention of the stabilization system (but she knows her business) already at a speed of 70-80 km / h. Diesel did not allow himself this. About brakes, like everyone else modern machines, nothing to say - simply because they are doing their dusty job without question.
Mokka's all-wheel drive is implemented through a multi-disc electromagnetic clutch, which, at the command of the electronics, connects the rear wheels when the front wheels slip. In general, 4 × 4 transmissions can be roughly divided into those sharpened for cross-country ability, controllability and movement confidence. Mokka has four-wheel drive - just the latter type. With its help, it will not be possible to climb into the jungle or gracefully in rally revenge with the tail. And you don't need it. This is a simple and inexpensive unit that is designed to give confidence to the owner of a crossover on a country lane and slippery winter roads. Indeed, according to representatives of the Opel marketing service, Russia is one of the most promising and desired markets for this model.
It was not possible to estimate the passability of Mokka - the test took place in Germany, where it is more difficult to find a “dirty” place than to accelerate to a hundred in less than 10 seconds on Mokka (the fastest petrol turbocharged version does it in 9.9 seconds). Not only is there no off-road in this licked and well-groomed country as such, but also a congress in any field is a violation of the right of private property. But the German side has prepared for us a pleasant surprise: Near the town of Sankt Peter-Ording, where the test route from Hamburg lay, there is a stunning beach overlooking the harsh North Sea. This is the place where kitingists rest, and seagulls fly only sideways over the endless sandy space due to powerful winds.
It was there that we were allowed to frolic on new crossovers. Remembering the old days of Ken Block, I tried to perform something similar on the sand compacted by the tides. All the exercises only confirmed the thesis that the new crossover needs four-wheel drive mainly for confidence on slippery surfaces - Mokka does not know how to ride in drifts, since the clutch is turned on for longer than the driver would like, and quickly overheats, and the stabilization system is not completely deactivated. And this is good. With a loss of trajectory stability, the Mokka behaves safely and predictably, and even a beginner can easily cope with both skidding and drifting with the help of electronics. What you need for a family SUV.
The lane tracking system works in a funny way: if you decide to take a nap on the go, then only a delicate one-time squeak and a change in the color of the icon on the tidy from green to yellow will warn you about the change of course. Admittedly, there are not many chances to get excited by these events in the salon. But the Opel Eye camera, which monitors the lane, is not useless - it perfectly recognizes any road signs with speed limits and transmits information to the tidy. And if you missed a sign, you can always “rewind” the information read by the camera. Another function of the camera is to warn of a dangerous approach to the vehicle in front, but the force of its interference in what is happening is about the same as in the case of a lane change
In general, Mokka was a success, although it turned out to be ambiguous. She has a look that will appeal to the absolute majority, a comfortable and beautiful interior, energy-intensive suspension and excellent equipment... What more could a buyer want, especially in Russia! But the impression is spoiled a little by the wobbly chassis of the gasoline version, as well as by the fact that the Opelevites have not made friends diesel engine with an all-wheel drive transmission - that would be a great combination. In any case, for its minimum 717 thousand rubles, this crossover will find a lot of buyers - so far there have been only one or two competitors in this segment.
What is the price and competitors
The basic Mokka is offered today for 717 thousand rubles - this is a front-wheel drive aspirated on the "mechanics" in the Essentia configuration. Among his standard equipment can be found daytime running lights, electric mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, front electric windows and a radio with 6 speakers. The same car in the Enjoy version costs 785 thousand and has foglights on board, tinted rear windows (electric, by the way), more intricate interior trim, cast wheels and other equipment grouped into packages - both standard and optional. Finally, the top-end Cosmo performance costs 840 thousand. Advanced things like navigation and a rear view camera are grouped into a separate interesting Innovation package for 37,500 rubles.
If we talk about the cost of units, then the alignment is as follows. The petrol turbocharged version is available starting from the Enjoy version (from 880 thousand). But you will have to pay even more for the combination of an all-wheel drive with an “automatic”, even if you get an atmospheric engine - from 900,000 rubles. And in the upper version of the Cosmo, such a car will cost 955 thousand rubles. And even if you order the only available option for it - the Innovation package - you will still not be able to step over for a million. And what about the competitors?
Since the segment of compact crossovers has not yet been chosen by all manufacturers, Mokka now has few competitors. The main one is the Nissan Juke - a car with a 115-horsepower engine costs from 690 thousand rubles. The "automatic" (or rather, the variator) Juke for 750 thousand is more profitable than the two-pedal Mokka! But a full-fledged offer with all-wheel drive and a real “automatic” is already worth 975 thousand! True, in this case, the engine will already produce 190 hp.
Text: Dmitry Laskov
Photos: the author and Opel
Unfortunately, our campaign did not include Dzhuk or Kashkai, one of which was also planned to be tested. Representatives of Nissan dealerships as one insisted that in order to issue a car they need a request, time to approve the request, authorization, approval, confirmation of approval, a stamped resolution and fingerprints of all editorial staff. We're kidding, of course. That is OK. The talented members of the group, even with an incomplete lineup, were able to play a good game.
Many will immediately notice that the company is quite diverse. Cars differ in size, engines, transmissions, trim levels and prices. However, our task in this test is not to identify the winner and the loser. It is more interesting to see who each car is focused on and how much customer expectations will coincide with real opportunities... After all, whatever one may say, all three cars belong to the class of compact all-wheel drive crossovers. And by and large, small discrepancies in the characteristics are not as great as consumer qualities are similar.
At first glance, it might seem that Opel is one of the smallest crossovers. But this is not the case. Mokka, for example, is 2.3 cm higher than the Sportage, 5.5 cm longer than the Yeti, and Juka is much larger in all respects.
Let's start, of course, with a beginner. As it should be, Opel Mokka was born thanks to the efforts of two parents: Opel and the Korean division of Chevrolet DAT. In a happy family, triplets were born immediately (Mokka has two more twin brothers, Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax, and the latter will appear in Russia, albeit under the less ambiguous name Tracker).
But despite the joint German-Korean platform Gamma II, external data do not allow us to doubt that it is Opel in front of us, a very cute and pretty Opel. The absence of any brutality in the exterior design, the contours of the headlights summed up with "black ink" and various chrome and silver "ruffles" - overlays immediately determine the target audience - it is, without a doubt, female.
The opposite of the Opel Mokka is the Kia Sportage. The "Korean" literally exudes aggression with all his appearance, although he has no less chrome-plated decorations, but they are more for pathos. In many ways, it was the attention-grabbing style that was the key factor in popularizing crossover kia... The only pity is that test car turned out to be in an expressionless dark gray color, and not the corporate orange.
Skoda Yeti is a kind of unisex. Both a young girl and a middle-aged man will look equally harmonious in it. The main thing is, again, to choose the right color. And if at the beginning of his career the exterior of the "snow man" seemed a little frivolous for the thoroughly pragmatic Skoda brand, then after the release of more prominent competitors, the Yeti style became quite commonplace.
Interior. The most capacious of the three, of course, turned out to be the Kia Sportage - it is the largest in size. There is enough space for everyone, without exception, but it is especially comfortable for those who sit on a comfortable and wide sofa with the largest stock of legroom of the trinity.
Moreover, in crossover kia the most expensive in appearance and touch interior: high-quality finishing materials with inserts of black lacquered plastic, a spectacular instrument panel, touchscreen display of the multimedia system and (in our configuration) leather interior and panoramic sunroof... And the best part is that this wealth does not go against ergonomics - using almost all functions is intuitively simple.
The second in terms of volume is the Skoda Yeti. Main feature Czech crossover is the second row, three parts of which can be adjusted separately by changing the backrest tilt or moving the seats back and forth. It is on the chosen position of the rear seats that the space in the cabin or in the trunk depends.
The appearance of the Skoda's interior is the most unpretentious - even an advanced radio with a large touch screen does not help. It should be noted that unlike the two rivals, the Yeti got us in a modest configuration. However, the quality of the materials is not satisfactory, and the ergonomics are traditionally excellent.
Despite the fact that the Mokka is longer than the Yeti, the space in the Opel is slightly less. A man with a height of 180 cm sits behind himself almost end-to-end, and there is no question of being accommodated behind the three of them at all - in width german crossover of all direct and indirect competitors, only the Nissan Juke and Suzuki SX4 win.
The back row was also disappointing in terms of fit - the non-adjustable backrest is set too vertically, and the sofa cushion is too short - it will be convenient only for people with perfect posture. The tactile sensations from the interior leave a favorable impression, the design pleases the eye a little less than in Kia. The only thing you have to get used to is a scattering of buttons on the front panel, among which you can't immediately find the right one.
But the Opel Mokka has the most comfortable driving position. "Baranka" has the most optimal thickness and diameter, the chair hugs tightly with lateral support, but just as much as necessary. A lot of adjustments, including changing the length of the cushion, allow you to choose the position of the seat for any fit.
The Skoda's driver's seat is a little worse - it pleases with a verified profile and an equally dense filler, but in terms of the number of settings it loses to Opelev's. But the relief of the Kia seat is only visual - the Sportage has the widest and flattest seat with indistinct lateral support. But it is on such seats that people of dense build will be comfortable.
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The largest trunk is predictably in the Kia Sportage - 564 liters. He is the only one who has a full-size "spare wheel" in the underground. Cargo compartment Skoda Yeti with a volume of 405 liters is the most functional in terms of transformation - the rear seats can not only be moved or folded, but completely pulled out of the passenger compartment. The Opel Mokka has the most modest hold - 362 liters. Its capabilities are quite enough for urban needs.
Dynamic performance and handling.
In terms of speed parameters, the undisputed leader is Skoda Yeti. Its 1.8 turbocharged engine with 152 horsepower takes the crossover to 100 km / h in 9 seconds. But the best part is that decent protocol performance figures completely coincide with the sensations. The agility with which the Yeti reacts to pushing the accelerator encourages a hooligan manner of movement.
And the chassis of the Czech crossover is ready for provocations. Skoda perfectly keeps in turns, and, even more so, on a straight line. And the steering leaves no gap in unity with the machine. For active driving, the DSG preselective gearbox with the option of activating the sport mode is also well suited. She is afraid of only one thing - "ragged" driving, when the electronics are confused with the inclusion of a low or high gear.
It's even more fun to drive the Opel Mokka. Opel's suspension is tuned more sensitively, and the power steering is poured more heavily than the Skoda. Due to this, the accuracy increases both in the deflection of the steering wheel by the driver and in the reactions of the car itself.
Eh, if Opel had a more powerful motor, it would look great as a drivers car. However, Mokka cannot be called slow: the old naturally aspirated 1.8 engine is honestly lucky with its 140 forces, evenly accelerating and picking up in the upper zone of the tachometer. In addition, a smooth but agile six-speed "automatic" works in tandem with the motor.
The Kia Sportage is an outsider in speed disciplines. It is clear that he is 75-80 kg heavier than his rivals, but this is not the difference in weight that justifies such a sluggish dynamics. The reason is the thrust of the gasoline two-liter engine, evenly spread across the entire tachometer scale and six gears, without a pronounced pickup.
Twist the ringing 150-strong kia motor useless - acceleration cannot be achieved by this, which is especially sad when overtaking. In addition, the Kia Sportage has the most uninformative steering wheel - in the near-zero zone, it "dangles", and when turning it stumbles over an artificial "step" in force. However, the "Korean" keeps to the road regularly, not allowing any noticeable rolls or deviations from the trajectory.
Riding comfort.
But in this category, Kia Sportage performed better than its rivals. In the salon, the "Korean" pleases, first of all, the silence. The noise isolation of the crossover copes well with both the hum of the tires and the sound of the engine. True, here Kia had a head start in the form of friction winter tires, while Skoda and Opel moved on spikes. But the work of the Sportage suspension to level the domestic potholes does not need any head start. The crossover, without choking, swallows all the flaws in the road surface.
Slightly worse with realities russian roads copes with the Skoda Yeti. The suspension also does not notice small and medium potholes, but the passengers in the cabin shakes more than in Kia. It is better to try to go around large obstacles - it is not even an hour, as shock absorbers can close on rebound. Despite the presence of studded rubber, the "Bigfoot" did not bother with obsessive noise accompaniment.
Opel Mokka surprised - it was he who turned out to be the loudest, which is usually not typical for Opel. The howling of the wind, the hum of tires and the sound of the engine, especially at high revs - all this makes the sound of the radio tape recorder turn up and the passengers speak louder. It is pointless to expect soothing comfort from a tight and tuned for active ride - either one or the other. It does not allow breakdowns, but with the accuracy of a gramophone needle transfers the slightest irregularities of the road to the salon.
Off-road capabilities.
Such a check may seem pointless to many - the lion's share of compact crossovers is sold in Russia exclusively in a single-drive version. And even those who choose the 4x4 modification most often drive off the asphalt, perhaps on a primer. Car manufacturers also know this, so they don't bother much with the all-terrain capabilities of their models. But since the test Opel Mokka, Skoda Yeti and Kia Sportage row all four wheels, we could not find the limit of their capabilities outside the asphalt.
The declared ground clearance of the Kia Sportage is the smallest of all - 172 mm. Skoda Yeti and Opel Mokka have 180 mm each. All three cars are equipped with downhill assistants, Opel and Kia additionally have an uphill starting assist system. And only Sportage has electronic blocking couplings.
The surprise came from Sportage. It turned out that this glamorous "Korean" who looks great in the parking lot of a business center or a fitness club, sparkling with chrome, xenon and LEDs, crawls along the snow-covered hills better and easier than anyone else. First, only Kia has an electronic clutch lock. Secondly, it has the widest, albeit non-studded tires, which increased the contact patch on deep and loose snow. Thirdly, the "Korean" has the most loyal settings for electronic "collars" - the traction control system and ESP intervened very correctly, without particularly interfering with the movement by braking the wheels and dropping the speed.
Well, fourthly, on the off-road Kia Sportage was just helped by the "sleepy" settings of the engine and gearbox - precisely due to the fact that the "Korean" has absolutely flat traction without peak pickups, on unsteady virgin soil it is easy to move evenly on it without the risk of overgas and bury the car. But putting a heavier Kia on its belly is easiest - the Sportage has the smallest distance to the ground under the crankcase.
Judging by the name, one would assume that for the white Czech crossover, almost untouched snowy hills would be a native element. And, in general, the Yeti did not disappoint, overcoming all the obstacles to which we sent him.
But in order to flounder in the snow, on the Skoda you need to work a little more carefully with the gas pedal. In addition, it is desirable to also translate dSG box in manual mode, since too active playing with the accelerator again entangles the two clutches of the transmission. But Skoda has the most correct front bumper in shape, which without much fear allows Yeti to climb rather steep climbs.
But the Opel Mokka with the front bumper is in real trouble. By a third of the obstacles that Kia and Skoda overcame without problems, we were afraid to send Mokka precisely because of the possibility of damaging the front bumper or at least tearing off its "skirt". But Mokka definitely has potential.
Let it be the most difficult for Opel to climb on the virgin snow - often it is necessary to step back and punch the way for the second, third time: the car does not have enough traction at the bottom, and at the upper rev limit there is a risk of squeezing the damped gas pedal and burying itself. Mokka is also hindered by the overly fearful safety electronics that work ahead of time - they had to turn it off. But still Opel creeps on enough deep snow - both in a straight line and uphill! It only requires an experienced hand from the driver. So we will not dare to recommend moving off the asphalt on Mokka, but if necessary, the crossover will pass on easy off-road.
Mokka could not afford to drive in and out of this slide. What were the people at Opel thinking when doing all-wheel drive crossover with a "muzzle lying on the ground" with which Mokka clings to almost everything - it is absolutely incomprehensible. Even if the potential owner will never be out of the asphalt, in the city when parking the Opel in front will collect all the curbs.
