Opel joins small crossover segment with Mokka
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Opel/Vauxhall says it wants to become No. 1 in the increasingly popular small crossover segment with the Mokka, its first such model.
Four years ago, the segment accounted for just 150,000 sales, but following the success of the Nissan Juke and Skoda Yeti, demand may grow to 400,000 this year and 600,000 in 2015, Opel said.
Opel forecasts annual sales of 100,000 Mokkas.
The Mokka launches in Germany next month as part of the General Motors Co. unit's product expansion into new segments that also includes the Adam minicar and Casdcada mid-sized convertible, both of which are due to launch next year.
The Mokka uses some components from the Opel Astra compact and was developed by Opel engineers at the automaker's Ruesselsheim headquarters in Germany. It has a 2555mm (100.59-inche) wheelbase and comes with front-wheel drive, as well as all-wheel drive.
The Mokka is a sister model to the U.S. market Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax, which launches in Europe early next year.
Opel say the Mokka's sheet metal construction is different than its sister models. Only the front doors are carryover parts.
The Mokka is offered with a 140-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, a 115-hp, 1.6-liter normally aspirated gasoline engine and a 130-hp, 1.7-liter turbocharged diesel.
The 1.4-liter gasoline engine has the lowest CO2 emissions of the range at 150 grams per kilometer.
FAST FACTS
Why launched? In Europe, buyers of small minivans are increasingly switching to crossovers.
Target buyers: Buyers of all ages who have active lifestyles.
Launch date: October in Germany, followed by the rest of Europe by year's end.
Base price: 18,990 euros in Germany for 1.6 fwd version.
Where built: Korea
Annual sales forecast: 100,000
Main rivals: Nissan Juke, Skoda Yeti, Mitsubishi ASX, Chevrolet Trax
