Opel Mokka heading down under

The locally-available Mokka will launch with a turbo-charged 1.4 engine paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission, and will be available with both front-wheel drive and Opel's adaptive all-wheel drive technology.

Opel says the compact SUV "has a very solid look and maintains a good muscular stance on the road." The exterior displays bold lines and chunky styling features, while retaining a sporty edge with well-defined lines.

The interior reflects Opel's "signature sculptural design DNA," which is evidenced through the wing-shaped instrument panel that wraps around the door inserts and surfaces. Although compact on the outside, Opel says the interior of the five-seater presents a high-quality feel and rich finish with plenty of room for its occupants.

Safety features on the five-star EuroNCAP vehicle include Opel's adaptive forward lighting system, AFL+, electronic stability program ESPPlus with Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, and a second-generation Opel Eye front camera with Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning functions. Australian-delivered Mokkas will also come with a reversing camera as standard.

Opel Australia's managing director, Bill Mott said the Mokka was a very welcome and highly anticipated model for the local line-up.

"We are very excited to bring the Mokka to Australia. This car has already had in excess of 100,000 orders in Europe since launch and with the Australian SUV segment growing 22 per cent in the last 12 months it is certainly a space we want to be playing in. Our Mokka not only allows us to join the segment, but compete in the market with a bold offering.

"We will have a number of Mokkas on the road from next month for local testing and we are set to see vehicles in dealer showrooms nationally in the third quarter of this year," Mr Mott said.

Full specification and pricing for the Mokka will be released closer to launch. For more information, visit www.opel-australia.com.au