Cute Mokka has tons of appeal

The Adam racked up 1,045 sales with Mokka just 11 units behind at 1,034. The Mokka is the most recent addition to Opel's local fleet and it is the brand's first entry into the Sub B and C segments of the market after a glowing onslaught in Europe where it notched up 240 000 sales in 2014.

South Africans have taken to this fairly newly developed cross-over/small SUV market in a big way with several other carmakers joining in the fray as the battle heats up for consumer wallets.

I recently spent a week in the company of the Mokka Enjoy automatic model, one of the four derivatives on offer locally and could find little fault with it - once I adapted to living with its extremely bright and glowing orange paintwork.

What I particularly liked was the nippy 1.4-litre, high-revving turbocharged ECOTEC engine which churns out 103kW and 200Nm. It adds a nice bit of pep to the Mokka's already fun character. With a smooth 6-speed auto transmission transferring power to the front wheels the Mokka is a pleasure to pilot in commuter traffic.

Visibility is good thanks to large windows and high-riding driving position and the seats (cloth in the Joy versions and leather in the Cosmo models) are ergonomically designed for comfort, even on longer journeys.

The Mokka's ride is a good, the steering is pleasantly light, roadholding is impressive and the cabin is spacious and well-furnished. Small families will like the large luggage space (with luggage cover), the split and foldable back seats.

Standard across the range are climate control, power windows, cruise control, speed limiter control, trip computer and electrically heated side windows which can also fold flat.

All models come with radio/CD player, Bluetooth/USB/MP3 and Aux input plus a 7" infotainment system, image player and Premium speakers.

The slightly smarter, more expensive Cosmo versions also have ambient interior lighting, rain sensor wipers, an auto dimming rear view mirror and reverse camera.

Safety kit across the entire range include electronic stability programme (ESP), several airbags (with de-activation for front passenger seat), ISOFIX child seat anchorange and seat belt warnings. ABS is also standard.

The Mokka offers an appealing option with its cute looks, cool styling, comfortable yet peppy ride, well-equipped cabin and good safety features.

The Opel badge adds to its appeal and is further sweetened by a five-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance scheme and a five-year/90 000km service plan, all included in the purchase price.

The prices and models are: